Subclass 489 Skilled Regional
The most common source visa. Provisional regional visa granted up to 2019. Many current 887 applicants come from the 489.
Permanent Residency for 489/475/487/495 Holders
If you hold an older regional provisional visa, the 887 is your PR pathway.
The Subclass 887 is being progressively replaced by the newer Subclass 191 for applicants coming through the 491 route. For thousands of current holders of older regional visas, the 887 remains the right destination. 2 years regional residence plus 1 year regional work.
Who qualifies
Holders of four older regional provisional visas.
If you held one of these during the qualifying period, the 887 is the pathway. Holders of the newer Subclass 491 are usually directed to the Subclass 191 instead.
Subclass 475 Skilled Regional Sponsored
Earlier regional sponsored provisional visa. Smaller number of current applicants but the 887 pathway remains open.
Subclass 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored
Variant of the regional sponsored stream. Same 887 pathway applies.
Subclass 495 Skilled Independent Regional
Older independent regional provisional stream. 887 pathway applies for holders during the qualifying period.
Key requirements
The two-and-one rule: 2 years regional residence, 1 year regional work.
These are the numbers the Department looks at. Everything else is evidence supporting them.
Hold or have held a qualifying visaYou must currently hold, or have previously held, one of the qualifying regional provisional visas.
2 years in a specified regional areaYour primary place of residence during these two years must have been in a specified regional area. Short trips out for holidays or work are acceptable.
1 year of full-time work in the areaFull-time for at least 12 months (not necessarily consecutively) in the specified regional area during your time on the provisional visa.
Health and characterStandard requirements apply. Family members on the original provisional visa are usually included in the 887 application.
Evidence the Department wants
A coherent picture of regional life.
Residence and work evidence need to be consistent with each other. Working in Sydney while claiming regional residence will not work.
Residence evidence
Lease agreements covering the 2-year period. Utility bills showing regional address. Drivers licence or ID with regional address. Bank statements showing regional activity. Children's school enrolments if applicable.
Work evidence
Employment contracts. Pay slips covering the 12-month work period. Tax documents showing income sourced in the regional area. Superannuation statements. Employer reference letters confirming regional work location.
Consistency
Residence and work evidence must match. Working in Sydney while claiming regional residence in NSW will not work. The Department looks for a coherent picture.
The 887 does not require you to still be in the same occupation.
You can change jobs, change industries, or even take time out of work, as long as you meet the 1-year full-time work requirement in the regional area overall. The test is about the qualifying period as a whole, not your situation at the time of application.
Common 887 questions
The questions we hear most.
For 887 eligibility review, book with Sourabh Aggarwal or Gurjeev Bhalla.
I held a Subclass 489 but have since moved to a major city. Can I still apply for the 887?
Potentially yes, if during your time on the 489 you met the 2-year regional residence and 1-year regional work requirements. The 887 looks at your pattern during the provisional visa, not your current location.
What counts as full-time work for the 12-month requirement?
Generally 35 or more hours per week averaged over the period. Short-term fluctuations are fine. What matters is the overall pattern of full-time employment.
My provisional visa has expired. Can I still apply?
Yes. The 887 is available to people who have held the qualifying provisional visas, not just to those currently holding them. The time to apply depends on your current visa situation.
Do I need to still be working in the specified regional area at the time of application?
No. You need to have worked full-time in the area for at least 12 months during your provisional visa period. Your current work situation is less important for 887 eligibility.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.