Visa subclass 887 · Regional · permanent · closed
Subclass 887 Skilled Regional (PR): 2026 eligibility, points and processing
The 887 is the PR endpoint for legacy regional skilled visa-holders (subclass 489, 475, 487, 495). It closed to new applications when 491 / 191 replaced it but remains open for transitioning legacy holders.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Subclass 887 Skilled Regional (PR) is a permanent visa for regional applicants.
- ✓No points test – eligibility is sponsorship + skills assessment + work experience based.
- ✓Processing: 15 months median (source: Department of Home Affairs Global Visa Processing Times, January 2026).
- ✓Primary VAC1: $475.
- ✓Path to PR: This IS the PR – 887 is permanent residence.
At a glance
Stream
permanent, closed to new applications
Age limit
None at 887 stage (provisional visa applied the age cap).
Work rights
PR work rights from grant.
Path to PR
This IS the PR – 887 is permanent residence.
Eligibility
Eligibility checklist
Every box below must tick before lodgement. Missing any one of them either makes the visa impossible or pushes the applicant into a different subclass.
- Hold (or have held) a 489, 475, 487 or 495 regional provisional visa
- Lived in a designated regional area for at least 2 years on that visa
- Worked full-time in a designated regional area for at least 12 months on that visa
- Meet health and character requirements
Processing time
How long does it take?
Published by Home Affairs as 25th, 50th and 90th percentile times. Individual processing can be faster or slower depending on documentation, country of passport and decision-ready status.
| 25% of applications | 50% (median) | 90% of applications |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 15 months | 24 months |
Department of Home Affairs Global Visa Processing Times, January 2026. See current processing times across all subclasses.
Cost
Visa Application Charge
| Applicant | VAC1 (lodgement) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $475 |
| Partner (secondary) | $240 |
| Child (secondary) | $120 |
Closed to new applications outside of legacy 489 / 475 / 487 / 495 transition. Fee shown for transitioning applicants.
In depth
What you actually need to know
The 887 is the PR pathway for holders of legacy regional skilled provisional visas: 489, 475, 487 and 495. Once the provisional visa-holder has met the residence (2 years) and full-time work (12 months) requirements in a designated regional area, they can apply for 887 PR.
The 887 is being phased out as legacy provisional visas are processed through. The current regional skilled provisional pathway is the 491, which transitions to PR via the 191 (not 887). Holders of 489 or 475 visas should make sure they apply for 887 before their provisional visa expires.
Note: the 491 + 191 pathway is the current equivalent. The 887 remains open only for transitioning legacy holders.
Visa conditions to know
- Standard PR conditions
Occupations covered
n/a (regional residence requirement, not occupation-based at 887 stage).
Pathway to permanent residence
This IS the PR – 887 is permanent residence.
Common questions
Subclass 887 Skilled Regional (PR) – common questions
Can I apply for 887 if I have a 491?
No. The 887 is for legacy 489 / 475 / 487 / 495 holders. The 491 transitions to PR via the 191 visa. Same outcome (PR), different subclass.
What if my 489 expires before I qualify for 887?
You must lodge the 887 application before your 489 expires (or apply for a Bridging Visa). If you let your 489 expire without lodging 887, you may be left without status and unable to apply onshore.
Does the regional residence have to be continuous?
The residence and work tests are calculated as a total over the provisional period – you do not have to live and work in the same region the whole time, but you must accumulate 2 years of residence and 12 months of full-time work in designated regional areas before applying.
Is 887 closed?
Closed to new pathways but still open for legacy 489 / 475 / 487 / 495 transitions. Holders of those provisional visas should apply for 887 when they meet the residence and work tests.
Source
Primary source for this page
Information on this page is summarised from the Department of Home Affairs visa listing for subclass 887. Always confirm details against the primary source before lodging.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-regional-887 →