Sub Class 887 Skilled Regional Visa Processing time, Cost & Requirements
For those who have resided and worked in the designated regions of Australia, the Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Visa is a permanent residency visa that allows for permanent residency. This visa provides a path to gain Australia permanent residency after meeting certain residence and work criteria. If you plan to apply for this visa it’s important to note the 887 visa processing time, also the cost and eligibility requirements. This aims to assist you with the critical information needed to facilitate your application process.
Current Processing Times for 887 Visa Applications
The most common issue when preparing for a transition to permanent residency in Australia via the Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Visa is the concern about the 887 visa processing time 2024. Per latest updates from the Australian Department of Home Affairs:
- 75% of 887 visa applications are processed within 21 months.
- 90% of applications are processed within 24 months.
In 2024, transparency and patience remain key as the Department continues to manage a high volume of skilled and family visa applications. Ensuring you meet all the eligibility requirements and keeping your documents up to date will help smooth your path to permanent residency. And if you’re planning to bring family members in the future, understanding options like the parents visa for 10 years can help you plan long-term.
Whether you’re waiting for your visa outcome or just beginning your journey, staying informed about the 887 visa processing time 2024 and knowing how to track your application will keep you one step ahead in securing your future in Australia.
Factors Affecting Visa 887 Processing time
These are some of the major components that determine the time taken for processing the 887 visa:
Here are the key factors that influence 887 visa processing times:
- Application completeness
- Volume of applications
- Health and character checks
- Changes in immigration policy
- Individual applicant circumstances
- Verification of documents
- Response time to additional information requests
- Use of migration agents
- Technical or system delays
- Case officer allocation
887 Visa Requirements in Australia
The Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Visa is a permanent visa for persons who have resided in, and worked in, certain regions of Australia on a prior eligible visa. The holders are permitted to live indefinitely in Australia and avail themselves of Medicare, employment opportunities, and even citizenship. However, the applicants need to meet certain mandatory requirements in order to qualify for the 887 visa.
Key Eligibility Requirements for the 887 Visa:
Previous Visa Requirement
You are required to currently hold or have held an eligible visa which includes Subclass 489, 495, 496, 475, or 487. Alternatively, in some instances, a partner visa holder who resided in regional Australia with their partner may qualify.
Residence Requirement
It is mandatory to have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for a minimum of two years while holding one of the nominated provisional visas.
Work Requirement
Candidates are also expected to have worked full-time for at least 12 months (35 hours or more of work per week) in a specified occupation or any legal employment in a regional area.
Health and Character Requirements
Like most of the Australian visas, need to fulfill the standard health and character requirements. This involves obtaining police clearances and medical examinations.
No Outstanding Debts
In case you have any outstanding debts with the Australian government, arrangements must be made to repay them.
Functional English
Although not a prerequisite for the 887 visa application, applicants who lack functional English proficiency may face additional fees due to second installment visa application charge.
Including Family Members
You can include eligible family members, such as a spouse, de facto partner (including same-sex partners), and dependent children, in your 887 visa application. If your partner visa is currently active and your partner meets all 887 requirements, both of you may apply together, offering a path to permanent residency as a family unit.
Tracking Your 887 Visa Application Status
Once you have submitted your Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Visa application, staying updated on its progress is crucial. Since processing times can vary based on several factors, knowing how to track your application effectively can help you stay informed and prepared for the next steps.
How to Track Your 887 Visa Application Status
For your convenience, the Department of Home Affairs offers an online platform through which applicants can manage and monitor their visa applications. These instructions will help you in checking the progress of your 887 visa:
- Access your ImmiAccount.
- Navigate to the ImmiAccount portal.
- Login using your registered details.
- Find Your Application
- In the “My Applications” tab, check the 887 visa applications you have submitted.
- Your application status will show whether you are in the “Received,” “Processing,” or “Finalized” stages.
Cost Associated with Subclass 887 Visa
Among the various other expenses associated with applying for the Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Visa, is the application fee, extra charges for family members, and other related processing costs. Knowing these costs can help you plan better in terms of budgeting and having a hassle-free visa application process.
Primary Visa Application Charges
The Australian Government charges specific fees for the 887 visa, which vary depending on the number of applicants included in the application. Here is a summary of the principal costs:
- Main Applicant Fee: AUD 465
- Partner (Spouse/De Facto Partner): AUD 210
- Child Under 18 Years: AUD 110
- Second Instalment Charge: AUD 4,890 for dependents aged 18+ (second instalment charge)
The second instalment charge is a significant fee applicable to dependents who lack functional English proficiency. This additional cost ensures that visa holders can access language support to integrate better into Australian society.
Additional Costs to Consider
Other than the fee for the visa application, there are other additional expenses that need to be covered while applying for the 887 visa. Those expenses include:
- Health Examinations
- Police Clearance Certificates
- Biometrics Collection
- Skills Assessment (if applicable)
- Migration Services in Australia
- Payment Methods and Refund Policy
FAQ’s
What are the medical requirements for 887 visa?
Applicants for the Subclass 887 Visa must undergo health examinations, including medical checks, chest X-rays, and blood tests, to meet Australia’s health requirements.
What should I do if my application exceeds the average processing time?
If your 887 visa application exceeds the average processing time, you can track your application through the ImmiAccount portal and contact the Department of Home Affairs for an update. Additionally, ensure all required documents are submitted to avoid delays.
Why are processing times fluctuating?
Processing times for the 887 visa fluctuate due to factors like the number of applications received, case complexity, security and health checks, and whether all required documents are submitted correctly. Policy changes and staffing levels at the Department of Home Affairs can also impact wait times.
For how long 887 visa will remain valid?
The Subclass 887 Visa is a permanent residency visa, meaning it remains valid indefinitely. However, it comes with a 5-year travel facility, after which a Resident Return Visa (RRV) (Subclass 155/157) may be required for international travel.
In Australia who is eligible to apply for skilled regional visa 887?
To be eligible for the Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Visa in Australia, applicants must have lived for at least 2 years and worked full-time for at least 1 year in a designated regional area while holding an eligible visa, such as Subclass 489, 495, 496, 475, or 487.
