The Subclass 887 (Skilled Regional) visa — and its successor, the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional) — provides a pathway to permanent residency for holders of regional provisional visas such as the 489 and 491. However, one of the most scrutinised requirements is the 2-year residence and work obligation in a designated regional area.
Understanding exactly what counts towards this requirement — and what doesn’t — is critical to a successful application.
The 2-Year Regional Residence Requirement
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For the Subclass 887 visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 2 years while holding their qualifying provisional visa (such as a 489 or 495). This requirement is set out in the relevant residence and work criteria for the Subclass 887 visa.
Similarly, for the Subclass 191 visa (which applies to 491 and 494 visa holders), applicants must have lived and worked in a regional area for at least 3 years.
Can You Leave Australia During the 2-Year Period?
Yes — short absences from Australia are generally permitted. The Department’s policy recognises that visa holders may need to travel overseas for holidays, family visits, or other legitimate reasons. However, there are important considerations:
- Time spent overseas does not count towards the 2-year regional residence requirement. Only time physically present in a designated regional area of Australia counts.
- Short holidays are generally acceptable, but extended periods overseas may raise concerns about whether the residence requirement has been met.
- The Department will look at your travel history (passport stamps, airline records, movement records) to calculate how much time you actually spent in Australia.
How Is “2 Years” Calculated?
The 2-year requirement means a total of 24 months of physical presence in a regional area. It’s not simply about holding the visa for 2 years — it’s about actually being there. Key points include:
- If you spent 6 weeks overseas during the 2-year period, your qualifying regional residence would be approximately 22.5 months, not 24.
- You may need to wait longer before applying to accumulate enough qualifying time.
- The Department can request movement records from the Department of Home Affairs to verify your physical presence.
The Work Requirement
In addition to the residence requirement, the 887 visa requires at least 12 months of full-time employment in a designated regional area during the 2-year period. For the 191 visa, the income threshold requirement must also be met.
Important points about the work requirement:
- The employment must be in a designated regional area — working remotely for a company based in a capital city while living regionally may not satisfy the requirement.
- Full-time employment means at least 35 hours per week (though this can vary).
- The work does not need to be in your nominated occupation — any lawful employment counts.
- Self-employment and contract work can count, provided you can demonstrate the hours and income.
What If You Receive a Natural Justice Letter?
If the Department has concerns about whether you meet the residence or work requirement, they may issue a Section 57 natural justice letter asking you to provide evidence or explanations. If you receive one:
- Provide detailed travel records showing your dates in and out of Australia.
- Submit evidence of regional residence — lease agreements, utility bills, council rates, driver’s licence with a regional address.
- Document your employment — payslips, tax returns, employment contracts, employer references.
- Consider whether it may be better to withdraw the application and wait until you have clearly met the requirement, rather than risk a refusal.
Can You Withdraw and Re-Apply?
Yes — if you’ve lodged an 887 or 191 application and realise you may not meet the residence or work requirement, you can request to withdraw the application before it’s decided. This avoids a refusal on your record and allows you to re-apply later when you’ve accumulated enough qualifying time.
Key Takeaways
- The 2-year regional residence requirement counts only time physically present in a regional area.
- Overseas travel is allowed but does not count towards the requirement.
- At least 12 months of full-time work in a regional area is required for the 887.
- If you receive a natural justice letter, respond with detailed evidence of your residence and employment.
- Consider withdrawing and re-applying if you’re at risk of refusal due to insufficient qualifying time.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and is current at the time of publishing. It is not intended as legal or migration advice specific to your situation. For personalised advice, please book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents.
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Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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