Skilled Regional (887 visa)

The Skilled Regional (887 visa) is a permanent residency visa for individuals who have lived and worked in specified regional areas of Australia on a designated temporary visa, such as the Skilled Regional (subclass 489) visa or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa. The 887 visa allows holders to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

Key Points:

1. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Skilled Regional (887 visa), applicants must have held an eligible temporary visa and complied with the conditions of that visa. They must have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for a specified period, usually two years, and worked full-time for at least one year in a designated regional area.
2. Regional Residence Requirement: Applicants must have lived in a specified regional area for the required period. These regional areas are typically designated by the Australian government and may include certain parts of states like New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.
3. Work Requirement: Applicants must have worked full-time for at least one year in a specified regional area. This work must have been in a skilled occupation and conducted while holding an eligible temporary visa.
4. Health and Character Requirements: Applicants and their family members must meet health and character requirements. They may need to undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
5. Application Process: To apply for the Skilled Regional (887 visa), applicants must submit an online application and provide supporting documents to demonstrate that they meet the eligibility criteria. They may also need to undergo an interview or provide additional information if requested.
6. Permanent Residency: Once granted, the Skilled Regional (887 visa) provides permanent residency status in Australia. Holders can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. They can also sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency and apply for Australian citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements.

As with any visa application, it's essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and provide accurate and complete information in your application. You may also consider seeking assistance from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to ensure a smooth application process.