Skilled – Regional (Residence) Visa (Subclass 887)

Skilled – Regional (Residence) Visa (Subclass 887)

OverviewThis is a permanent visa for people in Australia who hold certain provisional visas, and who have lived for at least two (2) years, and who worked for at least one (1) year in a Specified Regional Area in Australia. This is the second stage of the regional skilled migration program, and provides opportunities for permanent residency for people still living and working in regional Australia.
Who is eligible for a regional skilled visa?
1.    You must have held one of the following visas for two (2) years:**
•    Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 495)
•    Skilled – Designated Area – Sponsored (Provisional) visa (Subclass 496)
•    Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (Subclass 475)
•    Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (Subclass 487)
2.    You have lived for at least two (2) years and worked for at least one (1) year in a Specified Regional Area
3.    You must have complied with the conditions on your visa
4.    You meet health and character requirements (see Public Interest Criteria)
5.    You are willing to stay and work in a regional area for the duration of your visa: this visa depends on you living and working in a designated regional area so you must tell the Department if you move between regional areas or out of a regional area.
**If you hold one of these four visas mentioned above but are unable to meet these other requirements for a permanent visa before the end of your provisional visa, you may be eligible to extend your provisional stay in Australia for up to 12 months without having to meet the points test again.
How will my visa application be assessed?
You must meet the prescribed criteria for the grant of this visa. This visa is not points tested.