What’s New in Australian Immigration? Key Updates on Subclass 191 and 887 Visas

1. Overview of the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 Visa
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 Visa, under the Regional Provisional Stream, launched on 16 November 2022. In the 2023–24 program year, over 10,500 applications were submitted. Notably, within the first three months of the 2024–25 program year, more than 3,000 applications have already been lodged. This increase likely reflects a rise in applicants who have met the eligibility requirements, including holding an eligible provisional visa for a minimum of three years and fulfilling regional residency criteria.

2. Trends in Subclass 491 Visa Applications
A noticeable decline in applications for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa was observed in the 2023–24 program year compared to the previous year. This reduction may be attributed to lower state and territory nomination quotas, which were adjusted based on the existing high volumes in the visa pipeline for the 2023–24 planning period.

3. Government Funding for Visa Processing
In September 2022, the government allocated $36.1 million to enhance visa processing efforts temporarily, aiming to address the previous backlog. As a result, processing times for the Skilled Regional Subclass 887 Visa reached peak efficiency during this period, allowing for faster turnaround on applications.

4. Decrease in Subclass 887 Visa Grants
Fewer Subclass 887 Visa applications have been granted in the 2023–24 program year, reflecting a decrease in eligible applicants. The final qualifying visas for the legacy Subclass 887 Visa ceased accepting new applications in November 2019, contributing to this decline in the applicant pool.

This structured update provides a clear overview of recent trends and government initiatives related to Subclass 191 and 887 visas, highlighting program adjustments and processing improvements.