Get the most recent information on Australia’s Subclass 191 and 887 visas, including eligibility changes, application trends, and government processing assistance.

1. Overview of the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 Visa

On November 16, 2022, the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 Visa was introduced in the Regional Provisional Stream. More than 10,500 applications were received during the 2023–2024 program year. Notably, almost 3,000 applications have already been submitted in the first three months of the 2024–25 program year. This increase most likely reflects an increase in candidates who have fulfilled the regional residency requirements and held an eligible provisional visa for at least three years.

2. Trends in Subclass 491 Visa Applications

Compared to the prior year, there was a discernible decrease in the number of applications for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa during the 2023–24 program year. Lower state and territory nomination quotas, which were modified in light of the substantial volumes already in the visa pipeline for the 2023–2024 planning year, may be the cause of this decrease.

3. Government Funding for Visa Processing

The government set aside $36.1 million in September 2022 to temporarily improve visa processing in an effort to clear the backlog. Because of this, the Skilled Regional Subclass 887 Visa processing processes were at their most efficient during this time, enabling quicker application turnaround.

4. Decrease in Subclass 887 Visa Grants

Due to fewer eligible candidates, fewer Subclass 887 Visa applications were approved during the 2023–2024 program year. This drop in the applicant pool was caused in part by the final qualifying visas for the legacy Subclass 887 Visa ceasing to accept new applications in November 2019.

This well-organized update highlights program modifications and processing enhancements while offering a concise summary of current developments and government actions pertaining to Subclass 191 and 887 visas.