Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187 visa)

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187 visa) allows employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia, to sponsor employees who are foreign nationals for a permanent visa to work in Australia.

Visa applicants can apply in or outside of Australia for RSMS (subclass 187) visa.

Note: ONLY applicants who hold a substantive visa or relevant bridging visa when applying for the RSMS visa (subclass 187) in Australia will be eligible for a bridging visa. 

Other Requirements for the Regional Skilled Migration Scheme

Direct Entry

A regional certifying body must first certify the nominated position against the following criteria:

• Business must be actively and lawfully operating in Regional Australia
• The position must be available for a minimum of two (2) years
• The business requires a person for the nominated position and satisfies the market rate requirement

In addition to the above, the department will also assess the application against the following criteria:

• the nomination has been approved by the relevant Regional Certifying Body
• the business follows all relevant Australian laws and has a satisfactory record of meeting immigration laws (if applicable)
• the nominated position is in a business operated by the employer
• the position is being remunerated in accordance with relevant workplace legislation and awards.

The Employee must:

• have the relevant qualifications and/or work experience for the nominated position which are equivalent to the Australian standard (Skills Assessment may be required in some circumstances)
• meet any mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership requirements which allow you to work unsupervised and without further training
• have been offered a full time position for a fixed term of at least two years (supported by evidence of a contract or letter of appointment signed by both the employer and the employee)
• be under 50 years old
• have Competent English language ability

Note:  Exemption of certain requirements is available.

Temporary Residence Transition stream

If you have already worked for your nominating employer for two years in Australia, your skills do not need to be assessed.

You must have at least vocational English. No Regional Certification is required for this stream.

This stream is available only to people who hold a subclass 457 visa. People who hold other 400 series visas may qualify to apply for a permanent residence visa through the Direct Entry stream.

Benefits of the Regional Skilled Migration Scheme

This visa allows employers operating in regional and low population growth areas of Australia (NSW, Victoria, and other States and Territories) to sponsor skilled workers to fill skilled vacancies in their business.