Skilled Regional visa 887
Legacy permanent pathway, open only to holders of older regional provisional visas.
Closed to new applicants
Who it is for
Only people who hold, or held, one of the older regional provisional visas (489, 495, 496, 475 or 487). It is not a pathway for new migrants.
Main requirements
- Held an eligible visa for a total of 2 years.
- Lived at least 2 years in a specified regional or low population growth area.
- Worked full time for at least 12 months in that area.
- Complied with visa conditions; functional English or second instalment; health and character.
Where you apply from
In Australia, holding an eligible visa (a concession allows some offshore applicants).
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Confirm you are in the legacy group
Only holders of the older regional visas can apply.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent confirms eligibility and any concession. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Evidence and lodgement
Residence and work evidence; include all family at lodgement.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares evidence; family cannot be added later. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans the next step.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$630 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$315 |
| Family member under 18 | A$160 |
| Second instalment | A$4,890 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Skilled Regional | 50% in 10 months, 90% in 17 months |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Residence or work outside the required area.
- Less than 2 years on eligible visas.
- Condition breaches.
- Family members left out at lodgement.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Evidence
- Identity
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.