Australian Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) Guide 2026

What is the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)?

The Subclass 887 visa is a permanent residence pathway designed for people who have lived and worked in regional Australia on certain provisional visas. This visa represents the second stage of Australia's regional migration programme, allowing holders of specific regional visas to transition to permanent residency after meeting residence and employment requirements in designated regional areas.

The Subclass 887 visa provides full permanent resident status, including the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, access to Medicare, and eligibility to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence. After meeting residency requirements, visa holders can also apply for Australian citizenship.

Who is the Subclass 887 Visa For?

This visa is specifically designed for holders of certain provisional visas who have fulfilled their regional commitments. Eligible applicants must currently hold, or have previously held, one of the following visas:

• Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 489)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)
• Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme visa (Subclass 187) - transitional stream only

The visa pathway recognises individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to regional Australia through extended residence and employment, supporting the government's objective of encouraging skilled migration to areas outside major metropolitan centres.

Key Requirements

Residence Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate they have lived in a designated regional area for at least two years while holding an eligible provisional visa. Regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast. The residence requirement is calculated from the date the provisional visa was granted.

Employment Requirements

You must have worked full-time (at least 35 hours per week) for at least one year in a designated regional area whilst holding your eligible provisional visa. Part-time employment may be acceptable if it totals the equivalent hours, and multiple part-time positions can be combined to meet the requirement.

Health and Character Requirements

All applicants and included family members must meet health and character standards. This includes health examinations and police clearances from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Other Requirements

Applicants must hold adequate health insurance if not covered by Medicare, demonstrate genuine commitment to living and working in regional Australia, and ensure all family members included in the application meet the necessary requirements.

To determine your eligibility and explore alternative pathways, consider using the Visafold pathway checker for comprehensive guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Typical Documentation

Identity and Personal Documents

• Current passport and previous passports
• Birth certificate
• Change of name documents (if applicable)
• Marriage or relationship certificates
• Divorce or separation documents (if relevant)

Visa and Immigration History

• Current provisional visa grant notice
• Previous visa grant letters
• Evidence of continuous residence in regional areas
• Travel records and movement certificates

Employment Evidence

• Employment contracts and letters from employers
• Payslips covering the required employment period
• Tax returns and payment summaries
• Superannuation statements
• Australian Business Number (ABN) registration (if self-employed)

Health and Character Documents

• Health examination results
• Police clearances from Australia and overseas countries
• Military service records (if applicable)

Additional Supporting Documents

• Evidence of regional area residence (lease agreements, utility bills, council rates)
• Bank statements demonstrating ongoing residence
• Educational qualifications (certified copies)
• Professional memberships or licences

Processing Times

Visa processing times vary significantly and depend on multiple factors including application completeness, document quality, health and character clearances, and current departmental workload. The Department of Home Affairs regularly updates processing time estimates, which can range from several months to over a year.

Factors that may affect processing include incomplete applications, requests for additional information, complex cases requiring further assessment, and external agency checks. To minimise delays, ensure all required documents are provided at the time of application and respond promptly to any departmental requests.

For current processing time estimates, always check the Department of Home Affairs website, as these figures are updated regularly and can vary based on your circumstances.

Staying Organised Throughout the Process

Application Management

Maintaining organised records is crucial for a successful application. Create a comprehensive checklist of all required documents and track your progress systematically. Track your application on Visafold to maintain visibility of your submission status and receive updates on any developments.

Document Organisation

Scan and store all documents digitally with clear file names and dates. Maintain both digital and physical copies in organised folders. Create a timeline documenting your residence and employment history in regional areas, as this information is frequently referenced throughout the assessment process.

Professional Assistance

Consider engaging a registered migration agent for complex cases or if you're unsure about requirements. Professional assistance can help navigate complicated circumstances and ensure your application meets all departmental standards.

The Subclass 887 visa represents an important milestone in your Australian migration journey, providing permanent residence after demonstrating commitment to regional communities. Careful preparation and organisation significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

---

*Information only, not migration advice. Visafold is an independent information and organisation platform and is not affiliated with the Australian Department of Home