Transition to Permanent Residency After Living and Working in Regional Australia
The Subclass 887 Skilled Regional visa is a permanent visa for people who have previously held an eligible provisional skilled visa and have lived and worked in a specified regional area of Australia. It is the final step in your regional migration pathway, allowing you to stay in Australia permanently and access all the benefits that come with permanent residency.
Overview
If you’ve been holding a regional provisional visa such as the Subclass 489, 495, 496, 475, or 487, and have fulfilled the living and work requirements in a regional area, the Subclass 887 visa lets you settle in Australia permanently.
What You Can Do with the 887 Visa
With this visa, you can:
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Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently
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Study in Australia
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Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
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Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
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Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from the date the visa is granted
Visa Cost
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From AUD 490.00
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Additional fees may apply for dependants or health assessments
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Subclass 887 visa, you must:
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Hold or have held an eligible visa, such as:
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Subclass 489, 495, 496, 475, or 487
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Bridging visa A or B (after applying for a subclass 887)
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Have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 2 years
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Have worked full-time (minimum 35 hours/week) in a regional area for at least 12 months
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Have complied with all conditions of your previous eligible visa
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Be in Australia when you apply for this visa and when a decision is made
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Meet health and character requirements
COVID-19 Concessions
If your visa expired during the COVID concession period and you were outside Australia at the time, you may still be eligible for the Subclass 887. Specific concessions may also apply to the work and residency requirements.
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Check Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the visa criteria, including regional living and working requirements. -
Gather Required Documents
Prepare evidence of residency, employment, English language proficiency, and previous visa compliance. -
Apply Online
Submit your application through ImmiAccount while you are in Australia. -
Await Processing
Immigration may request further information or documents during the assessment. -
Visa Decision
Once granted, you become a permanent resident of Australia.
After You Receive the Visa
With the Subclass 887 visa, you are granted permanent residency, giving you access to:
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Medicare – Australia’s public health system
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Social security benefits (after applicable waiting periods)
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Pathways to citizenship
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Full work and travel rights
You can also include family members in your application or sponsor them in the future.
How WIDEN Migration Experts Can Help You
At WIDEN, we provide dedicated support to help you move confidently from your provisional visa to permanent residency through the Subclass 887 pathway. Our services include:
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Eligibility Verification – We assess your visa history, employment records, and living arrangements to ensure you meet all requirements.
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Document Preparation – Our team guides you in preparing and compiling clear, compliant evidence of work and residency.
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COVID-19 Concession Guidance – If you were affected by the pandemic, we advise on your eligibility under the government’s concession policy.
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Application Lodgement – We handle your Subclass 887 application through ImmiAccount, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
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Ongoing Support – From bridging visa queries to post-grant benefits, we’re with you at every stage.
Whether you’re unsure about your eligibility or overwhelmed by documentation, WIDEN Migration Experts simplify the process—saving you time, stress, and the risk of refusal.
Ready to transition to permanent residency?
Contact WIDEN today and let us help you secure your future in Australia.