The Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) is an important pathway to achieving permanent residency in Australia for individuals who have previously held specific temporary visas. This visa offers numerous benefits to its holders, making it a valuable option for those wishing to establish themselves in regional areas of Australia.
Permanent Residency: The Subclass 887 Visa provides permanent residency in Australia, allowing visa holders to live and work in the country indefinitely.
Study and Work: Visa holders can study and work in Australia, opening opportunities for personal and career development.
Medicare Access: This visa makes you eligible to enroll in Medicare, Australia’s healthcare scheme, providing access to healthcare services in the country.
Sponsor Relatives: Visa holders can sponsor eligible family members and relatives to come to Australia, facilitating family reunification.
Pathway to Citizenship: Holders of the Subclass 887 Visa can apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling certain residency requirements.
To be eligible for the Subclass 887 Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Previous Visa: You must have held any one of the specified temporary visas like subclass 489, 495, 496, 475, or a Bridging visa A or B after having made a valid application for a subclass 489, 495, or 487 visa.
Residency Requirement: The applicant should have lived in a regional or designated area of Australia for at least two years. Alternatively, the applicant should have work experience of over 12 months in a specified regional area of Australia.
Health and Character: The applicant, along with their family members, should meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. This includes providing character certificates approved by the police of their country of residence.
Debts and Values: The applicant should have cleared all outstanding bills with the Australian government. Additionally, all applicants over the age of 18 should understand and sign the Australian values statement, which is a declaration of abiding by the rules and values in Australia.
English Proficiency: The applicant should have a functional level of proficiency in the English language.
Here are the general steps to apply for a Subclass 887 Visa:
Document Preparation: Check the validity of your passport and gather all the required documents, including identity proof, relationship proof, character certificates, English language proficiency proof, and documents for dependents.
Online Application: Apply for the visa online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
Bridging Visas: You might be provided with bridging visas if required after your application is assessed.
Health and Biometrics: Undergo health examinations and other biometric procedures as required.
Visa Outcome: The outcome of your visa application will be communicated to you through mail.
The Subclass 887 Visa is a permanent visa, which means you are eligible to stay in Australia indefinitely. However, there is a travel component associated with this visa. Visa holders can travel in and out of Australia for five years through this visa. After becoming an Australian citizen within the first five years of obtaining the visa, travel restrictions no longer apply, providing greater freedom to move in and out of the country.
