The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187 visa enables employers based in Regional Australia* to bring skilled workers from outside Australia as permanent residents or transition skilled temporary residents who live and work in Australia to permanent residence. Employees under this scheme are required to stay with their employer for two years after visa grant. The program has three streams.
- The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for subclass 457 visa holders who have worked for two years in the same position for their employer and their employer wants to offer them a permanent position.
- The Direct Entry stream is for people who have never, or only briefly, worked in the Australian labour market.
- The Agreement stream is for people sponsored by an employer through a labour or regional migration agreement.
Each stream has different eligibility rules.
Step 1 – Application for Certification by Regional Certifying Body (Direct Entry Stream only)
Regional Certifying Bodies are part of the State and Territory governments. The nominating employer must make an application for Certification to the Regional Certifying Body and provide evidence to the Department of Home Affairs as part of the Nomination Application (Step 2) that the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) has approved the application.
Step 2 – Nomination Application
The sponsoring employer must lodge a “Nomination Application” with the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) and nominate a skilled position. As part of the application the employer must meet a number of eligibility criteria dependent on the stream. Our team will be pleased to advise you on this.
Step 3 – Skills Assessment (Direct Entry Stream only)
A visa applicant is required to undergo a pre-migration Skills Assessment if they are a tradesperson who obtained their trade qualifications outside Australia. If the visa applicant is not a tradesperson and has sufficient qualifications and/or relevant work experience, there is often no need for a pre-migration skills assessment.
Step 4 – 187 Visa Application
Once Steps 1, 2 and 3 (where relevant) have been completed, the 187 visa application can be prepared. Each stream has different eligibility rules. Our team will be pleased to assess your eligibility to apply for a 186 visa. Why not give us a quick call on 08 9429 8860!
If and when the visa application is approved, the visa applicant is obligated to remain in the employment of the sponsoring company for two years from the visa grant date.
Contact Us now to find out more