Australia Visa – Work – Skilled Regional Visa 887

1. What is the Skilled Regional Visa 887?

The Skilled Regional Visa 887 is an Australian visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live and work in regional areas of Australia. It is a permanent residence visa, which means that it allows the holder to stay in Australia indefinitely.

2. Who is eligible for the Skilled Regional Visa 887?
To be eligible for the Skilled Regional Visa 887, you must:
– have held an eligible skilled visa (Subclass 489, 495, 496, 475 or 487) or Bridging visa A or B for at least two years
– have lived in a designated area of regional Australia for at least two years
– have worked full time in a designated area of regional Australia for at least one year
– meet the minimum requirements for age, English language ability, and skills assessment as set by the Department of Home Affairs
– meet health and character requirements
– not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government

3. What are the benefits of the Skilled Regional Visa 887?
The Skilled Regional Visa 887 offers several benefits, including:
– permanent residency in Australia
– unlimited travel to and from Australia for five years
– access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
– ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
– eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting certain criteria

4. How long does it take to process the Skilled Regional Visa 887?
The processing time for a Skilled Regional Visa 887 varies depending on individual circumstances, such as whether all required documents have been submitted correctly and any potential delays caused by health or character assessments. As of May 2021, estimated processing times range from around seven months to over a year.

5. Can I include my family members in my application for the Skilled Regional Visa 887?
Yes, you can include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your application. They must meet certain requirements, such as health and character checks, as well as the relationship and dependency criteria. If your family members are not included in your initial application, they can still be added at a later stage by lodging a subsequent entry application.

6. Can I include my parents in my application for the Skilled Regional Visa 887?
No, you cannot include your parents in your application for the Skilled Regional Visa 887. However, if they meet certain requirements, they may be able to join you in Australia on another visa such as a Visitor visa or Parent visa.

7. Is there a points system for the Skilled Regional Visa 887?
No, the Skilled Regional Visa 887 does not have a points system like some other Australian visas. Instead, you must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the visa. These requirements include having lived and worked in a designated area of regional Australia for a period of time.

8. Can I apply for permanent residency directly through the Skilled Regional Visa 887 without having held a temporary regional visa previously?
No, you must meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above which includes having held an eligible skilled visa or Bridging visa A or B for at least two years before applying for the Skilled Regional Visa 8887.

9. What happens after I receive my Skilled Regional Visa 887?
Once you receive your Skilled Regional Visa 887, you will have permanent residency status in Australia. You will have to continue living and working in designated areas of regional Australia to maintain this status. After four years of holding this visa, you will also be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if you meet all other criteria.

10. Can I work anywhere in Australia on the Skilled Regional Visa 887?
Originally, holders of this visa were required to live and work only in designated areas of regional Australia. However, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and impacts on regional employment, the Australian government has temporarily removed this requirement until at least July 2022. This means that holders of the Skilled Regional Visa 887 are currently able to live and work anywhere in Australia without restriction.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the Skilled Regional Visa 887?


To be eligible for the Skilled Regional Visa 887, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1) Be under 50 years of age;
2) Hold an eligible visa (such as a Subclass 489, 495, 496 or 475 visa);
3) Must have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least two years;
4) Meet the minimum points requirement of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test;
5) Meet health and character requirements;
6) Have obtained an acceptable skills assessment for their nominated occupation; and
7) Meet English language proficiency requirements.

3. What is the Skilled Occupation List (SOL. and does it affect my application for this visa?

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a list of occupations that are considered in-demand in Australia. It is used for skilled visa programs like the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). If your occupation is on the SOL, it means that you may be eligible to apply for this visa.

Your application for the Skilled Independent visa will not be affected if your occupation is not on the SOL. However, having an occupation on the SOL can increase your chances of being invited to apply for the visa through SkillSelect.

It is important to note that there are other visas available under different categories and some may have different occupation requirements. You should always check the specific requirements for the visa you are interested in applying for.

4. Are there any age restrictions for the Skilled Regional Visa 887?


Yes, applicants must be under the age of 45 at the time of application for the Skilled Regional Visa 887. There are some exceptions for certain occupations or if you have a nomination from a state/territory government. You may also be exempt from the age requirement if you are applying as a dependent and your parent is the primary applicant.

5. Can I include my family members in my visa application?

This depends on the specific visa you are applying for and the country you are planning to visit. Some countries allow family members to be included in a visa application, while others require them to apply for separate visas. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are planning to visit for their specific requirements and procedures.

6. Will I be able to work in any region of Australia with this visa?


Yes, the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa allows you to work and live in any regional area of Australia for a period of 5 years. After this time, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. However, restrictions may apply if your employer is located in a designated area within a regional or low population growth metropolitan area. It is important to check the specific details with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.

7. Do I need to have a job offer in order to apply for this visa?


No, you do not need a job offer in order to apply for this visa. However, you may have a better chance of being approved if you can show that you have a job lined up or have skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia.

8. How long does it take to process a Skilled Regional Visa 887 application?

The standard processing time for a Skilled Regional Visa 887 application is currently around 18-24 months. However, processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and the number of applications received by the Department of Home Affairs. It is important to regularly check the current processing times on the Department’s website for the most up-to-date information.

9. Is there a points system for this visa and what are the minimum requirements?


No, there is no points system for this visa. The main eligibility requirements for the student visa are:
1. Admission to a recognized educational institution in Canada.
2. Financial proof to cover tuition fees, living expenses and return transportation.
3. Good health and character.
4. A valid passport or travel document.
5. Being able to convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your study program.
Specific requirements may vary depending on your country of citizenship and the Canadian school you plan to attend. It is always best to consult with the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country for more information on eligibility requirements.

10. Can I apply for permanent residency after holding the Skilled Regional Visa 887?

Yes, once you have held the Skilled Regional Visa 887 for at least two years and have complied with all the visa conditions, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the visa subclass 191 Skilled Regional Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional Residence) Visa. This visa allows you to continue living and working in regional Australia permanently.

11. Do I need to have proof of English language proficiency for this visa?


It depends on the specific visa you are applying for. If you are applying for a student or work visa, you may need to provide proof of English language proficiency, such as an IELTS or TOEFL score. However, if you are applying for a tourist visa, this is usually not required. It is best to check with the specific visa requirements for your situation.

12. Are there any health or character requirements that I must meet for this visa?

Yes, applicants must meet certain health and character requirements to be eligible for this visa. They may be required to undergo medical examinations and obtain police clearances from every country they have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years, if applicable. This is to ensure that the applicant does not have any communicable diseases or criminal convictions that could be a threat to public health and safety in Australia.

13. Can I apply for other visas while holding the Skilled Regional Visa 887?

Yes, you can apply for other visas while holding the Skilled Regional Visa 887. However, if you are seeking permanent residence through another visa, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements for that visa and your Skilled Regional Visa 887 may be cancelled if you are no longer eligible for it. It is important to consult with a migration agent or seek advice from the Department of Home Affairs before applying for any other visa.

14. Will my spouse be able to work in Australia with me on this visa?

It depends on the type of visa your spouse holds. If your spouse has a valid work visa, they may be able to work in Australia. However, if your spouse is accompanying you on a partner/spouse visa, they will need to obtain their own work visa before they can work in Australia.

15. Is sponsorship required from an employer or state/territory government for this visa?


No, sponsorship is not a requirement for the subclass 189 visa. This is a permanent skilled visa and can be applied for independently without the need for sponsorship from an employer or state/territory government. However, applicants must still meet the eligibility requirements of this visa, including having the required skills and qualifications in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.

16. Can I include dependent children in my application if they are over the age of 18?

It depends on the specific immigration program you are applying for. Some programs may allow for dependent children over the age of 18 to be included, while others may have age restrictions. It is best to check the eligibility requirements for your specific program or consult with an immigration lawyer for further guidance.

17. What happens if my circumstances change after receiving the Skilled Regional Visa 887?

If your circumstances change after receiving the Skilled Regional Visa 887, you must inform the Australian Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. This includes changes in your address, employment, marital status, and any criminal convictions.

The specific steps you need to take depend on the type of change that has occurred. You may need to update your details through your ImmiAccount or submit a Form 1022 – Notification of Changes in Circumstances.

It is important to keep the department updated on any changes to ensure that you comply with all visa conditions and maintain your eligibility for permanent residency. Failure to report changes may result in cancellation of your visa.

If you have any doubts or questions about how to report changes in your circumstances, it is best to seek advice from a registered migration agent or contact the Department of Home Affairs directly.

18. Is there a limit on the number of applications accepted each year for this visa?

No, there is no limit on the number of applications accepted each year for this visa. As long as an applicant meets the eligibility requirements and follows the application process correctly, their application will be considered. However, certain countries may have specific quotas or limitations on the number of visas issued for their citizens. It is important to check with the immigration authorities of the country you wish to apply for a visa to determine if there are any restrictions or limitations in place.

19. How long do I need to live and work in a regional area before applying for permanent residency through this visa?

The length of time required to live and work in a regional area before applying for permanent residency through this visa depends on which stream of the visa you apply under.

– The Extended Stay Pathway requires you to live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years before applying.
– The Employer-Sponsored Pathway requires you to have worked for your employer in a designated regional area for at least 3 years before applying.

However, if you are applying under the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you will need to live and work in a designated regional area for at least 5 years before being eligible to apply for permanent residency.

20. Can I extend my stay in Australia once my Skilled Regional Visa 887 expires?


Yes, you can extend your stay in Australia once your Skilled Regional Visa 887 expires. You may be able to apply for a new visa or visa extension to continue living and working in Australia. This may depend on the individual circumstances of your case and current Australian immigration policies. It is recommended to consult with a migration agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website for information on available visa options.