The Subclass 887 Visa is a permanent residence visa for individuals who have previously held an eligible provisional visa and have lived and worked in specified regional areas of Australia. This visa allows you to settle permanently in Australia, providing a pathway to Australian citizenship.
What Is the Subclass 887 Visa?
The Subclass 887 Visa is designed for people who have:
- Lived for at least two years in a specified regional area.
- Worked full-time for at least one year in a specified regional area.
- Previously held an eligible visa.
This visa grants you and your family members the right to:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Work and study anywhere in Australia.
- Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme.
- Apply for Australian citizenship (subject to eligibility).
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
Eligibility Criteria for the 887 Visa
To be eligible for the Subclass 887 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Hold an Eligible Visa
You must hold, or have held, one of the following visas:
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)
- Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 495)
- Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 475)
- Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 487)
- Bridging Visa A or B after applying for one of the above visas.
Note: The bridging visa must have been granted after a valid application for a Subclass 489, 495, or 487 visa.
2. Meet Residency Requirements
You must have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for at least two years while holding one of the eligible visas.
3. Meet Work Requirements
You must have worked full-time for at least 12 months (one year) in a designated regional area. Full-time work is generally considered to be at least 35 hours per week, which can be in one or more jobs.
4. Meet Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must satisfy the Australian government’s health and character requirements, including:
- Undergoing medical examinations.
- Providing police certificates from each country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years since turning 16.
5. Functional English
Applicants aged 18 or over must have at least a functional level of English. Evidence may include:
- Holding a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
- Completing an English language test (e.g., IELTS) with the required scores.
Required Documents for the 887 Visa Application
When applying for the Subclass 887 Visa, you need to provide a range of documents to support your application.
Personal Documents
- Valid Passport: Copy of the bio-data page of your current passport.
- Identification Documents:
- National identity card (if applicable).
- Evidence of name changes (e.g., marriage certificate, deed poll).
Work and Residency Evidence
- Proof of Residence:
- Rental agreements or mortgage documents.
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, water).
- Bank statements showing transactions in the regional area.
- Proof of Employment:
- Employment contracts.
- Payslips covering at least 12 months of full-time work.
- PAYG payment summaries or income tax returns.
- Employer reference letters detailing your role, hours worked, and employment period.
Character Documents
- Form 80: Personal particulars for character assessment.
- Form 1221: Additional personal particulars.
- Police Certificates: From every country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16.
English Language Proficiency
- Evidence of Functional English for applicants over 18:
- English test results (e.g., IELTS, PTE Academic).
- Evidence of education conducted in English.
Family Members’ Documents
For Partner or Spouse:
- Identity Documents: Passport and national ID card.
- Marriage Certificate: If married.
- Evidence of De Facto Relationship: If applicable.
- Character Documents: Form 80, Form 1221, police certificates.
For Minor Children:
- Birth Certificate: Showing both parents’ names.
- Parental Consent:
- Form 1229: Consent form if one parent is not accompanying.
- Statutory Declaration: If required.
- Custody Documents: If applicable.
For Dependent Adult Children:
- Identity Documents: Passport and national ID card.
- Evidence of Dependency:
- Proof of financial dependence.
- Evidence of current studies (if applicable).
- Character Documents: Form 80, Form 1221, police certificates.
Application Process for the 887 Visa
1. Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above. Ensure that all documents are:
- Scanned in color.
- Certified copies if required.
- Translated into English by a certified translator if necessary.
2. Create an ImmiAccount
Visit the Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount. Use this account to complete and submit your application.
3. Complete the Online Application
Log in to your ImmiAccount. Select “New Application” and choose “Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 887)”. Fill out the application form carefully, ensuring all information is accurate.
4. Upload Supporting Documents
Upload
all the required documents to your ImmiAccount. Make sure each document is clear and legible.
5. Pay the Visa Application Fee
The visa application fee is AUD 425. Additional charges apply for each family member included in your application.
Second Installment Fee: If any family member over 18 does not have functional English, a second installment fee of AUD 4,890 may be required.
6. Submit Your Application
Review your application thoroughly before submitting. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation and a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
7. Await Processing
The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application. Processing times can vary; ensure you check the latest estimates.
8. Respond to Any Requests
Be prepared to provide additional information or attend an interview if requested. Check your ImmiAccount and email regularly for updates.
Processing Times
As of the latest information:
- 75% of applications are processed in 20 months.
- 90% of applications are processed in 25 months.
Processing times can be affected by:
- Completeness of your application.
- Promptness in responding to requests.
- Verification of your information.
Bringing Family Members with an 887 Visa
You can include the following family members in your application:
- Partner or Spouse.
- Dependent Children: Under 18 years old.
- Dependent Adult Children: Over 18 but financially dependent on you.
Important Notes:
- Include at Time of Application: You must include all family members when you apply. You cannot add family members after submitting your application.
- Health and Character Requirements: All included family members must meet health and character requirements.
- Functional English Requirement: Family members over 18 must have functional English or you may need to pay the second installment fee.
Travel Restrictions and Resident Return Visa
While the Subclass 887 Visa grants you permanent residency, the travel facility (the permission to re-enter Australia) attached to the visa expires five years from the date of grant.
- After Five Years:
- If you wish to travel outside Australia after the travel facility expires, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
- Without a valid RRV, you may not be allowed to return to Australia as a permanent resident.
COVID-19 Concessions for the 887 Visa
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Home Affairs introduced temporary concessions:
If You Are Outside Australia
- Application Flexibility: You can apply for the Subclass 887 Visa from outside Australia during the concession period.
- Reduced Requirements:
- Work Requirement: Reduced to 9 months of full-time work.
- Residence Requirement: Reduced to 18 months living in a specified regional area.
If You Are In Australia
- Work Requirement: Reduced to 9 months of full-time work in a specified regional area.
- Residence Requirement: Remains at 2 years living in a specified regional area.
Note: The concession period is subject to change. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
Holding the Subclass 887 Visa may make you eligible for Australian citizenship, provided you meet the following criteria:
- Residency Requirement: Lived in Australia lawfully for at least 4 years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident.
- Good Character: Meet the character requirements.
- Intent to Reside: Intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Include Family Members After Lodging My Application?
No, you must include all family members at the time of application. You cannot add family members after you have submitted your visa application.
What If My Family Member Does Not Have Functional English?
You may need to pay a second installment fee of AUD 4,890 for each family member over 18 who does not have functional English.
How Long Is the 887 Visa Valid For?
The Subclass 887 Visa grants permanent residency; however, the travel facility expires after five years. To travel outside Australia after this period, you need to obtain a Resident Return Visa.
Do I Need to Be in Australia When the Visa Is Granted?
Yes, you must be in Australia when the decision on your visa application is made.
Conclusion
The Subclass 887 Visa is an excellent pathway to permanent residency for those who have lived and worked in regional Australia. By meeting the eligibility requirements and providing the necessary documentation, you can secure your future in Australia.
Remember:
- Ensure all information and documents are accurate and complete.
- Keep up to date with any changes in immigration policies.
- Consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for personalized advice.