Subclass 887 Skilled Regional visa
Holders of a 491 (or older 489) who have met the regional residence and income requirements.
The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) is an Australian skilled (points-tested) visa. This guide covers who the 887 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025–26 cost (≈ $560 (main applicant)) and processing time (≈ 9–14 months), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions — in plain English.
Who the 887 visa is for
Holders of a 491 (or older 489) who have met the regional residence and income requirements.
This is the permanent residence step that follows the regional provisional visa.
Subclass 887 eligibility criteria
- Held a qualifying regional provisional visa (491/489)
- Lived at least 3 years in a designated regional area
- Worked full-time for at least 2 years meeting the income threshold
- Met the conditions of your provisional visa
Subclass 887 cost & processing time (2025–26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) is ≈ $560 (main applicant), with an indicative processing time of ≈ 9–14 months. Figures are for 2025–26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore |
| Length of stay | Permanent |
| Work rights | Unlimited — full PR work rights |
| Study rights | Yes |
| Government charge | ≈ $560 (main applicant) |
| Processing time | ≈ 9–14 months |
| Pathway to PR | This is the permanent residence step that follows the regional provisional visa. |
Pathway & next steps
This is the permanent residence step that follows the regional provisional visa.
Many applicants also compare the 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa), the 189 (Skilled Independent visa), the 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 887 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 887 visa — frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 887 visa cost?
The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) base application charge is ≈ $560 (main applicant). Government charges are indicative for 2025–26 and usually change on 1 July — always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 887 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ≈ 9–14 months. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 887 visa lead to permanent residence?
This is the permanent residence step that follows the regional provisional visa.
Can I work on the subclass 887 visa?
Work rights on the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887): Unlimited — full PR work rights.
Who can apply for the 887 visa?
Holders of a 491 (or older 489) who have met the regional residence and income requirements.