– **Including Family**:

You can include eligible family members in your application, provided they hold an eligible visa. Be sure to include all eligible family members at the time of application submission, as you cannot add them later.

– **Newborn Children**:

If you have children born in or outside Australia since your current visa was granted, inform the authorities before lodging your application.

– **Permanent Residency**: Holders of this visa can stay in Australia indefinitely.

– **Work and Study**: You can work and study in Australia without restrictions.

– **Medicare**: Enroll in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.

– **Family Sponsorship**: You can sponsor your relatives to come to Australia.

– **Travel Flexibility**: Travel to and from Australia for 5 years.

– **Eligibility for Citizenship**: If eligible, you can apply for Australian citizenship.

Please note that newly arrived residents may have to wait before accessing certain Australian Government payments and benefits.

The primary applicant for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) is required to pay AUD465.00. Additionally, there is a charge for each family member included in the application. An extra charge may apply for family members aged 18 or older with less than functional English, called the second instalment charge (AUD4,890). Other costs for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics may also apply.

You can apply for this visa from both inside and outside Australia, except when in immigration clearance. This is a permanent visa that allows multiple entries into Australia for up to 5 years from the date of grant. After 5 years, you’ll need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances, but the general processing times for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) are as follows:

– 25% of applications: 7 Months

– 50% of applications: 16 Months

– 75% of applications: 21 Months

– 90% of applications: 27 Months

Actual processing times may vary based on factors such as the completeness of your application, response time to additional information requests, and checks by external agencies.

To be eligible for this visa, you must meet specific requirements:

– COVID-19 Concessions: Concessions to lodgement and eligibility requirements are available for eligible applicants.

– Have an Eligible Visa: You must hold a specific subclass of visa, such as subclass 489, 495, 496, 475, or 487, or a Bridging visa A or B.

– Meet Residence Requirement: You must have lived in a regional area nominated by a state or territory government or a designated area sponsored by a family member for at least 2 years.

– Meet Work Requirement: You must have worked full-time for at least 12 months in a designated area.

– Comply with Visa Conditions: Ensure that you and your family members have complied with the conditions of your eligible visa.

– English Language Proficiency: You must have functional English or pay the second instalment of the visa application charge.

– Visa History: A history of visa cancellations or refusals may affect your eligibility.