887 Visa Processing Time: All You Need to Know

887 Visa Processing Time: All You Need to Know

887 Visa Processing Time: All You Need to Know

Posted by admin on March 19, 2025

For skilled workers wanting to forge a successful future, Australia has always been a dream destination. The skilled regional visa subclass 887 is an option for those already living and working in regional Australian areas on a temporary visa. Nonetheless, it is one of the most stressful moments for applicants, and knowing the 887 visa processing time, among other eligibility requirements, is crucial. In this guide, we will cover what is the visa subclass 887, processing times, eligibility requirements as well as the 887 visa checklist to speed up your application process.

What is the 887 Visa Australia?

Subclass 887 is a permanent residency visa meant for applicants who already have a qualifying skilled regional visa. You must have worked and lived in a particular regional area of Australia for a particular period. Successful applicants can live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely and have full work rights, access to Medicare, and the ability to sponsor family members.

Read: Maximising the Benefits of Visa 887: Tips and Insights for Successful Application

Advantages of the Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 887

Some advantages of a skilled regional visa subclass 887 are:

  • You are a green card holder; you can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia for the rest of your life.
  • Take advantage of Australia’s national healthcare system.
  • Become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
  • Sponsor Eligible Relatives for a Permanent Green Card.
  • Travel in and out of Australia freely for five years as of the date of the visa grant.

Eligibility Criteria for Visa 887

To be eligible for the 887 visa Australia, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Hold an Eligible Visa

  • Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489)
  • Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 495)
  • Bridging visa A or B after applying for subclass 495, 487, or 489
  • Skilled Designated Area Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 496)
  • Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 475 or 487)

Residence and Work Experience Requirements

  • Must have lived in a specified regional area for at least two years.
  • Must have worked full-time (35 hours per week) in the specified regional area for at least one year.

Compliance with Visa Conditions

  • Must have complied with the conditions of the provisional visa.
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • Must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government.

Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Australian Skilled Visa

887 Visa Processing Time

The 887 processing time varies depending on factors such as the number of applications received and the completeness of the submitted documents. As of recent updates:

  • 75% of applications are processed within 12 months.
  • 90% of applications are processed within 15 months.

However, processing times may fluctuate due to backlogs, changes in migration policies, or applicant-specific circumstances.

Factors Affecting 887 Visa Processing Time

There are a few different things that can affect how long your 887 visa processing time will be. The completeness of your application is key — a missing document or an inaccuracy in information can cause delays. All required documents, including forms, proof of residence, and employment records, should be accurate and submitted correctly to help the process run smoothly.

Another big element is health and character checks. If you have lived in multiple countries, it can take extra time to get police clearances and medical reports from each location. Delays usually arise if additional medical tests or background checks are needed. The volume of applications can also affect processing time. Processing slows down when the Department of Home Affairs receives more applications than usual due to increased workload.

Another time-consuming step is employment verification. This requires confirming that people who apply must meet certain work and residency requirements, which can entail “contacting employers” and cross-referencing records. Moreover, applications for critical sectors or areas of high-demand occupations may also be prioritised as per the government directive. By familiarising themselves with these common 887 administrative queries, they can be prepared ahead of time, leading to a smoother and potentially quicker 887 visa grant.

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887 Visa Checklist

You need to avoid delays, and to do that, make sure you have all the documents needed before lodging your Visa 887 application. Take a look at the checklist given below:

Identity Documents

  • Passport bio-data page
  • National identity card (if applicable)
  • Birth certificate

Proof of Residence in a Specified Regional Area

  • Lease agreements
  • Utility bills
  • Bank statements showing regular transactions in a regional area

Employment Evidence

  • Payslips
  • Taxation documents
  • Employer reference letters

Health and Character Documents

  • Medical examination reports
  • Police clearance certificates from all countries you have lived in for over 12 months in the past 10 years

Additional Documents for Family Members (If Applicable)

  • Relationship certificates (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)
  • School enrollment records for dependent children

Common Reasons for 887 Visa Processing Delays

To prevent unnecessary delays in the 887 visa processing time, avoid the following mistakes:

  • Submitting an incomplete application
  • Providing insufficient evidence of work or residence
  • Delays in police clearance or health checks
  • Not adhering to visa conditions
  • Submitting incorrect forms or outdated documents

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How an Adelaide Migration Agent Can Help

Navigating the complexities of visa subclass 887 can be overwhelming. Hiring an Adelaide migration agent can ensure your application is correctly prepared and increases the chances of timely approval. Migration agents provide:

  • Assistance in gathering required documents
  • Guidance on eligibility criteria and meeting residence/work conditions
  • Help with troubleshooting delays or issues in application processing
  • Liaison with the Department of Home Affairs if additional evidence is required

Final Thoughts

887 visa Australia is the golden opportunity for regional workers to settle down in the country and become  permanent residents. But, it is important to double-check everything and make sure that all the eligibility requirements are fulfilled. Always be alert, keep an eye on the 887 visa checklist, and take the next step toward securing your future in Australia.

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