A legacy PR pathway for subclass 489 and other pre-2019 regional visa holders. Note: subclass 491 and 494 holders apply for PR through the subclass 191 visa, not the 887.
The Subclass 887 Visa provides permanent residency for holders of eligible temporary regional visas who have lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia. This is the final step for migrants who entered Australia on the subclass 489 (Skilled Regional Provisional) visa and other legacy regional visas.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 887 Visa
✅ Permanent residency status in Australia
✅ Live and work anywhere in Australia (no regional restrictions)
✅ Full access to Medicare and social benefits
✅ Sponsor eligible family members
✅ Pathway to Australian citizenship
Eligibility Requirements
1. Hold an Eligible Provisional Visa
✔ Must currently hold one of:
· Subclass 489 (Skilled Regional Provisional), or
·
· Subclass 475/487 (Legacy Regional Visas)
2. Meet Residence Requirements
✔ Must have lived in a designated regional area for at least 2 years
✔ Must have worked full-time (minimum 35 hrs/week) in regional Australia for at least 1 year
3. Comply with Visa Conditions
✔ Must not have breached conditions of previous visa
✔ Must meet health and character requirements
4. No Minimum Income Threshold
✔ Unlike the 191 visa, there is no minimum income requirement
How the Subclass 887 Visa Process Works
1. Complete Residence & Work Requirements
o 2 years regional living
o 1 year full-time work
2. Gather Supporting Documents
o Proof of residence (leases, utility bills)
o Employment evidence (payslips, tax returns)
3. Lodge Visa Application
o Apply online via ImmiAccount
4. Visa Grant
o Processing times vary – check the Home Affairs processing time guide
Why Choose the Subclass 887 Visa?
🔹 Simpler requirements than other PR pathways
🔹 No points test or skills reassessment
🔹 No employer sponsorship needed
🔹 Family can be included in application
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Eligibility Verification – Confirm you meet all requirements
✅ Document Preparation – Residence and employment evidence
✅ Application Lodgement – Avoid common refusal reasons
✅ Post-Visa Support – Citizenship pathway guidance
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Official Resources: Home Affairs –
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the subclass 887 visa?
The subclass 887 Skilled Regional visa is a permanent visa for people who have lived and worked in specified areas of regional Australia while holding a previous eligible visa. It is the permanent residence step for legacy regional visa holders, including people who held a subclass 489, 475 or 487 visa.
Should I apply for the 887 or the 191?
It depends on which provisional visa you hold. Holders of the subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional and subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visas apply for permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa, not the 887. The subclass 887 remains the pathway for holders of the earlier regional visas, such as the subclass 489.
How much does the subclass 887 visa cost?
The Department of Home Affairs publishes the subclass 887 visa application charge as from AUD630.00, with concessions applying in limited circumstances. From 1 July 2026 a lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Charges for family members included in the application, health examinations and police certificates are additional. The Department’s Visa Pricing Estimator gives a figure for your own situation.
What can I do once I hold a subclass 887 visa?
The subclass 887 is a permanent visa. The Department states that with this visa you can stay in Australia permanently, work and study anywhere in Australia, and sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence. Access to Medicare and, in time, eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship also follow from permanent residence status, subject to the separate citizenship requirements.
What evidence do I need for the residence and work requirements?
You need to show that you lived in a specified regional area and worked there while holding your eligible visa, for the qualifying periods set out in the visa criteria. Useful evidence includes leases and utility accounts at regional addresses, employment contracts, payslips, ATO income statements and employer letters that confirm the location and hours of your work.
Related Immigrad pages
- Subclass 191 visa
- Permanent residence pathways
- Employer sponsored visas
- Speak to a registered migration agent
This page provides general information only, current as at 16 September 2026, and is not personal migration advice. Fees and requirements published by the Department of Home Affairs change. Complex circumstances should be discussed with a registered migration agent. Immigrad, MARN 1805710.