Work Requirement for Australian Skilled Migration Visas including Subclass 887

💡 What is the Work Requirement for Skilled Migration Visas?

The work requirement is a crucial element of eligibility for many Australian skilled migration visas, including the Subclass 887 Visa. This visa is designed for skilled workers who have held a provisional regional visa (like Subclass 489 or Subclass 491) and who have worked and lived in a designated regional area of Australia.

For the Subclass 887 Visa, applicants must demonstrate full-time work in a skilled occupation for a specified amount of time in regional Australia. This work must meet Australian government standards for hours worked per week and the total duration of employment.

🌍 Work Requirements for Skilled Migration Visas

1. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Work Experience Requirement:
- 3 years of relevant full-time work in your nominated occupation.
- Work experience must be in a skilled occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Work Experience Requirement:
- 2 years of full-time work in your nominated occupation in a regional area of Australia.
- Work must meet the eligibility criteria set for regional areas.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Work Experience Requirement:
- 3 years of relevant full-time work in your nominated occupation for the Direct Entry Stream.
- For the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, applicants must have worked with their sponsoring employer for 3 years on a temporary visa like Subclass 482.

📋 Work Requirement for Subclass 887 Visa

1. Full-Time Work in a Regional Area

Applicants must have worked in their nominated occupation in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 1 year (12 months).
Full-time work is defined as working a minimum of 35 hours per week, for a total of 12 months during the provisional visa period.

2. Residency in Regional Australia

Applicants must have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 2 years while holding their provisional visa (such as Subclass 489 or Subclass 491).
You must provide proof that you lived and worked in the regional area, such as:
- Rental agreements
- Bank statements
- Utility bills

3. Work Must Be Full-Time

To meet the work requirement, your job must have been full-time — meaning a minimum of 35 hours per week. This is the standard definition of full-time work in Australia for visa purposes.
Part-time work or temporary, casual, or intermittent work will not meet the requirement — even if you work fewer hours across multiple jobs. The work must be continuous and full-time for the required 1-year period.

4. Work in a Skilled Occupation

Your work experience must be in a skilled occupation that is on the:
- Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or
- Regional Occupation List (ROL)
The occupation must be directly related to the job you were nominated for on your original provisional visa.

📏 Step-by-Step: How to Meet the Work Requirements for Subclass 887 Visa

1. Ensure Your Occupation is Eligible

Verify that your occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL) for the Subclass 887 Visa. This ensures your occupation aligns with Australian labor market needs.
Example: If your occupation is Software Developer, ensure that it is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.

2. Complete Full-Time Work in a Regional Area

Work at least 35 hours per week for a minimum of 12 months in a regional area. Ensure that this work experience is in your nominated occupation or a closely related field.
Example: If you worked as an IT consultant in Sydney on your provisional visa, this would not count toward the work requirement for Subclass 887. However, work in a regional area like Newcastle or Adelaide would count.

3. Gather Proof of Work Experience

Collect documents that verify your full-time work in a regional area. These documents can include:
- Job references or employment contracts that specify your job title, hours worked, and work location.
- Pay slips or tax records that confirm your work hours and income.
- Employer letters confirming your role and work history in a regional area.

4. Submit Proof of Regional Residency

You must prove that you have lived in a designated regional area for at least 2 years while holding your provisional visa. Documents to support this can include:
- Utility bills (electricity, water, etc.).
- Rental agreements or lease contracts.
- Bank statements showing regional addresses.

5. Apply for the Subclass 887 Visa

Once you have met the work and residency requirements, submit your application for the Subclass 887 Visa through ImmiAccount. Provide all supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid for Subclass 887 Visa Work Requirements

Not Meeting the Full-Time Work Requirement

To meet the Subclass 887 work requirement, ensure that your work is full-time, with a minimum of 35 hours per week. Part-time work will not be counted.

Inaccurate Documentation

Make sure all your supporting documents are accurate and complete. Missing or incorrect documents, such as incomplete job references or pay slips, can cause delays or refusal of your visa.

Work Experience Outside Regional Areas

Ensure that your work experience is within designated regional areas. Work in metropolitan cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) does not qualify for the Subclass 887 work requirement.

Required Documents for Subclass 887 Visa Work Requirements

Skills Assessment (if applicable).

Employment References or Job Contracts confirming full-time work in a regional area.

Pay Slips and Tax Records to verify work hours and employment.

Proof of Residency in a designated regional area (e.g., rental agreements, utility bills).

English Proficiency Results (if required).

🌟 Why It Matters

Meeting the work requirement for the Subclass 887 Visa is crucial for your eligibility for permanent residency in Australia. By demonstrating full-time work in regional areas, you can secure a pathway to permanent residency and contribute to Australia’s economy in areas that require skilled workers.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.