Subclass 887 · Permanent
Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) Australia
Permanent residency for eligible holders of the 489 and other older regional visas who have lived and worked in regional Australia. From AUD630.
About the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)
The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) is a permanent visa for people who hold, or have held, an eligible regional provisional visa, such as the subclass 489, and have lived and worked in a specified regional area.
With this visa you can
- Live, work and study anywhere in Australia, permanently
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
You must
- Hold an eligible visa, or have held one that expired outside Australia during the concession period
- Have lived for at least 2 years and worked full time for at least 1 year in a specified regional area, unless COVID-19 concessions apply
- Have complied with the conditions of your eligible visa
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
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Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Permanent residence after living and working in regional Australia.
- Live, work and study anywhere in Australia permanently
- Enrol in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
- Apply for citizenship when eligible
From AUD630 for the main applicant. Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
People who have lived and worked in regional Australia on an eligible provisional skilled visa, such as a former 489 visa.
Eligibility
What you need to meet.
You must be in Australia and hold an eligible visa when you apply, unless COVID-19 concessions apply.
You must have lived for at least 2 years in a specified regional area on one or more eligible visas, unless COVID-19 concessions apply.
You must have worked full-time for at least 12 months in a specified regional area on one or more eligible visas, unless COVID-19 concessions apply.
You and your family members must have complied with the conditions of your eligible visas.
You must have functional English, or have paid the second instalment of the visa charge for your previous visa.
You and family members must meet health and character requirements. Previous refusals or cancellations are considered. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Step by step
How to apply.
Check your residence and work
Confirm your 2 years of regional residence and 12 months of full-time regional work, and whether COVID-19 concessions apply.
Gather your documents
Prepare evidence of your address history, employment and English.
Apply online
Lodge in ImmiAccount while in Australia on your eligible visa.
After you apply
Respond to any requests and keep your details up to date. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
When you have this visa
You are a permanent resident.
Stay in Australia indefinitely, work and study anywhere, and enrol in Medicare.
Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from grant. After that you need a Resident Return visa (155 or 157) to return as a permanent resident.
Sponsor eligible relatives, and apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the requirements.
You and your family members must obey Australian laws. You are protected by Australian workplace laws.
Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
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Holders, or former holders, of eligible regional provisional visas such as the subclass 489, who have lived and worked in a specified regional area.
You must have lived for at least 2 years and worked full time for at least 1 year in a specified regional area, unless COVID-19 concessions apply.
From AUD630 for the main applicant, with concessions in limited circumstances.
Yes. It lets you live, work and study anywhere in Australia permanently and, if eligible, apply for citizenship.
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Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your visa.
