Visa file / Skilled and work visas
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.
Closed to new applicants: Home Affairs states the visa is closed to new applicants but does not show the date on its page.
Published eligibility
- 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).
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Confirm you are in the legacy group
Only holders of the older regional visas can apply.
Where a registered migration agent can helpConfirms eligibility and any concession.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Evidence and lodgement
Residence and work evidence; include all family at lodgement.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares evidence; family cannot be added later.
- 05
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 06
Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans the next step.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$630 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$315 |
| Family member under 18 | A$160 |
| Second instalment | A$4,890 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Regional | 10 months | 17 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
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.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Evidence
Identity
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.