187 Visa – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
The 187 Visa – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme RSMS – allows employers in regional areas of Australia to sponsor overseas employees for permanent residence. This is particularly useful for employees in an occupation with a lesser skill level than their metro counterparts.
187 visa has three streams:
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream – For applicants who have worked, in the same position,
for their employer for 3 years while holding a 457 or 482 visa. - Direct Entry Stream -For applicants who have been nominated by their employer and who have
only briefly, or never worked in Australia. - Agreement Stream – For 457 or 482 Visa holders who are nominated by their employer through a labour agreement.
Regional areas
For the 187 visa, the whole of Australia is considered regional with exception of the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, Melbourne and Perth. The actual areas are defined by post codes.
The key requirements for the 187 visa, which you must meet at the time the application is lodged, are as follows:
- You are sponsored / nominated by your employer and the nomination has been approved by a Regional body.
- Hold an eligible visa allowing you to make a 187 application – for which the 457 or 482 visa is one.
- Have the relevant diploma or trade for the nominated position, which is equivalent to at least an Australian diploma level – unless exceptional circumstances apply and the position has been certified by a Regional Authority
- If you need to be licensed or registered, then you must already be so (e.g. registered nurse, electrician etc.)
- have been offered a full time position for a fixed term of at least two years by providing a contract confirming your remuneration, position, employment terms etc.
- Be under 45 years old unless there are exemptions.
- Have Competent English language (IELTS 6.0 in each band) – there are other ways also to demonstrate your English ability.
- Note – should you obtain the 187 visa (successful application) you must remain employed in the nominated position in the regional area for at least two years. The visa may be cancelled if you do not comply with this and complete the two year contract with your employer.
If you have a question or enquiry regarding this visa type, please complete the form below and we will get in touch with you soon.