Subclass 887 visa: Skilled Regional

Streams

The 887 has no streams. Which regional areas count depends on how the eligible visa was granted (887 page):

State or territory nominated

People nominated by a state or territory government for their eligible visa must have lived and worked in a regional or low-population growth metropolitan area.

Family sponsored

People sponsored by a family member for their eligible visa must have lived and worked in a designated area of Australia.

887 visa requirements

Home Affairs lists these on the Eligibility tab of its 887 page:

• Eligible visa. All applicants must be in Australia and hold an eligible visa when they apply, unless COVID-19 concessions apply. Eligible visas are the subclass 489, 495, 496, 475 or 487, or a Bridging A or B visa after a valid application for a 489, 495 or 487.
• 2 years on an eligible visa. The main applicant must have held a 489, 495, 496, 475 or 487 for a total of 2 years, granted as the main applicant or as their partner.
• Residence. At least 2 years living in the specified regional area as the holder of one or more eligible visas, unless concessions apply.
• Work. At least 12 months of full-time work (35 hours a week, in any occupation, including combined part-time jobs) in the specified regional area, unless concessions apply.
• Visa conditions. The applicant and family members on an eligible visa must have complied with its conditions.
• English. At decision, functional English, or the second instalment already paid for the eligible visa, or paid when asked.
• Health. The applicant and family members applying must meet the health requirement. In most cases no new examination is needed.
• Character. The applicant and family members 16 and over, including those not coming to Australia, must meet the character requirement.
• Australian values. Applicants 18 and over sign the Australian Values Statement.
• Debts. Any debt to the Australian Government, including family members', paid back or under an arrangement.
• Immigration history. A past visa cancellation or refusal may affect eligibility.

COVID-19 concessions

During the concession period, Home Affairs offers shorter requirements:

• Applicants outside Australia can apply and be granted the visa outside Australia, with at least 9 months of full-time work and 18 months of residence in a specified regional area (or shorter periods set by the Minister).
• Applicants in Australia need at least 9 months of full-time work and 2 years of residence.

What the visa lets you do

According to Home Affairs' 887 page, the visa lets holders:

• stay in Australia permanently
• work and study anywhere in Australia
• attend free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program, if eligible
• enrol in Medicare
• sponsor relatives to come to Australia
• travel to and from Australia for 5 years from grant
• apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.

After 5 years, a Resident Return visa is needed to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. Newly arrived residents may need to wait for some government payments.

Family members and cost

Family members can be included if they hold an eligible visa. Every eligible family member must be included at lodgement; none can be added later. Family members who no longer fit the usual family unit definition can still be included if their eligible visa was granted as a member of the applicant's family unit.

Home Affairs' Visa Pricing table lists these charges for the 887:

Home Affairs asks for the second instalment only if it is going to grant the visa. From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.

Step by step

This follows the Step by step tab of Home Affairs' 887 page.

Before you apply

1. Check that all applicants have valid passports.
2. Gather proof of at least 2 years living and 12 months of full-time work (at least 35 hours a week) in the specified regional area, unless concessions apply.

Apply

1. Gather identity, relationship and functional English documents, documents showing visa conditions were met, and character documents, including an Australian police certificate for anyone who has spent 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since turning 16.
2. Apply online in ImmiAccount and pay the charge.

After you apply

1. Home Affairs may ask for more information.
2. Changes in circumstances must be reported.
3. Home Affairs tells the applicant its decision in writing.

Applying in or outside Australia

Home Affairs says all applicants must be in Australia and hold an eligible visa when the application is made, unless COVID-19 concessions apply. Under the concessions, eligible people can apply outside Australia during the concession period and be granted the visa there (887 page).

887 visa processing time

Home Affairs publishes current processing times in its visa processing times guide.

Compare: 887 and 191