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Closed to new applications — see current regional PR pathways below
Skilled Regional Residence
Visa (Subclass 887)
The Skilled Regional Residence Visa (Subclass 887) was a permanent residency visa for eligible holders of certain regional visas who lived and worked in regional Australia. While this visa category is now closed to new applications, many applicants continue to seek information about its requirements, benefits, and regional permanent residency pathways.
Our Australian registered migration agents assist clients in understanding former regional visa pathways and identifying current alternatives such as Subclass 191, Subclass 491, and other skilled migration options.
Prefer to talk first? +61 414 996 546·info@realmigration.com.au
SkillSelect
Points Test
Subclass 887
PR Pathway
Skilled Regional Residence Visa
(Subclass 887) Overview
The Subclass 887 visa was designed to provide permanent residency to eligible holders of certain regional visas who had lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia.
Successful applicants were granted permanent residency and gained the ability to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Although Subclass 887 is no longer available for new applicants, understanding its requirements remains relevant for many migration cases and historical visa pathways.
Former benefits included:
- - Permanent residency
- - Work rights across Australia
- - Study rights
- - Medicare access
- - Family inclusion opportunities
- - Australian citizenship pathway
- - Freedom to relocate within Australia
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Former Eligibility Requirements for Visa 887
Applicants generally needed:
- - An eligible regional visa
- - Residence in designated regional Australia
- - Specified work history requirements
- - Compliance with visa conditions
- - Health and character clearance
- - Supporting evidence of regional residence and employment
Understanding Legacy Pathways
Subclass 887 remains a common search topic for former regional visa holders and applicants researching historical Australian PR pathways.
Current Regional PR Options
Eligible applicants should explore active pathways such as Subclass 191 and Subclass 491 through regional migration pathways.
Application process
Former Application Process for Subclass 887
This historical pathway followed structured regional residence, employment evidence, and compliance requirements before permanent residency grant.
2
Gather regional residence evidence
3
Prepare employment documentation
4
Complete application requirements
5
Submit visa application
6
Department of Home Affairs assessment
7
Additional information requests if required
8
Permanent residency decision
Regional Residence
Employment Evidence
Document Preparation
Visa Lodgement
PR Decision
Planning and compliance
Regional PR Planning and Compliance Guidance
Whether reviewing a legacy pathway or planning a current regional PR strategy, structured evidence and compliance review remain essential.
Indicative Timeline Module
- Historical processing times varied depending on application complexity and departmental assessment requirements
Cost Planning Module
- - Visa application fees
- - Document certification expenses
- - Police clearances
- - Health examinations if required
- - Professional assistance fees
Compliance Module
- - Regional residence verification
- - Employment evidence review
- - Document consistency checks
- - Migration compliance guidance
Trust and delivery
Why Clients Trust Our Regional Migration Team
Legacy regional pathway expertise
887
Historical pathway guidance
Critical document review stages
8+
Evidence quality checkpoints
Compliance checkpoints
6
Structured case milestones
Australian migration compliance aligned
AU
Gov source aligned strategy
Documents
Regional Residence Evidence Checklist
- Passport documents
- Regional residence records
- Employment evidence
- Taxation documents
- Utility bills
- Rental agreements
- Identity documents
- Police clearances
Risk review
Common Issues Previously Seen in Subclass 887 Applications
- Insufficient regional residence evidence
- Incomplete employment records
- Taxation inconsistencies
- Incorrect documentation
- Failure to meet residence requirements
- Character disclosure issues
- Incomplete application submissions
Current Regional Migration Pathways
Our approach
Our Process: How We Assess Former and Current Regional PR Pathways
Step 1: Eligibility review
Review your visa history, regional compliance, and suitability for current PR pathways.
Step 2: Regional pathway assessment
We identify the most suitable active pathway such as Subclass 191, 491, or 494 based on your profile.
Step 3: Evidence review
Structured review of regional residence, employment, taxation, and supporting documentation.
Step 4: Migration strategy planning
Personalised strategy for current regional PR options and long-term settlement planning.
Not sure which regional pathway applies to you?
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Agents and Visa Consultants Now.
Contact UsFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Skilled Regional Residence Visa (Subclass 887)
Is Subclass 887 visa still available?
No. The Skilled Regional Residence Visa (Subclass 887) is closed to new applications.
What was the purpose of Subclass 887 visa?
The visa provided permanent residency to eligible holders of certain regional visas who met residence and employment requirements.
What replaced the Subclass 887 visa?
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) is now the primary regional permanent residency pathway.
Can I still apply for Subclass 887?
No. New applications are no longer accepted.
What is the difference between Subclass 887 and Subclass 191?
Subclass 887 was the previous regional PR pathway. Subclass 191 is the current regional permanent residency pathway.
Can Subclass 491 visa holders obtain permanent residency?
Yes. Eligible Subclass 491 visa holders may become eligible for Subclass 191.
Can Subclass 494 visa holders apply for permanent residency?
Yes. Eligible Subclass 494 holders may also become eligible for Subclass 191.
Is regional migration still a pathway to Australian PR?
Yes. Regional migration remains an important pathway to Australian permanent residency through current visa programs.
Can I move anywhere in Australia after obtaining regional PR?
Permanent residents generally have the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Should I seek migration advice for regional pathways?
Professional migration advice may help identify the most suitable pathway based on individual circumstances.
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Next step
Looking for Current Regional Permanent Residency Pathways?
The Subclass 887 visa is no longer available, but there are several active regional migration pathways that may lead to Australian permanent residency. Speak with our Australian registered migration agents to explore your options and develop a personalised migration strategy.
Questions? Call +61 414 996 546 or email info@realmigration.com.au.