Like a bridge connecting talent-starved regional communities with skilled professionals worldwide, Australia’s Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa opens doors to new opportunities.
This pathway is particularly compelling if you’re seeking permanent residency while contributing to Australia’s regional development.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, trades expert, or IT specialist, this visa stream offers you a chance to build a life in regional Australia while filling critical skill gaps.
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Quick Takeaways:
- The subclass 187 visa enables skilled workers under 45 to live and work permanently in regional Australia when nominated by approved employers.
- Applicants must have valid job offers, meet English requirements (IELTS 6+), and possess qualifications for occupations on the skilled list.
- Three pathways exist: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Change, and Labour Agreement streams, each with specific eligibility requirements.
- Employers must conduct Labor Market Testing for 4 weeks and pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy before nominating candidates.
- Visa holders must maintain employment in regional areas, with non-compliance potentially leading to visa cancellation.
Eligibility and Basic Requirements
When it comes to qualifying for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187 visa, you’ll need to meet several core requirements. First, you must be under 45 years old at the time of application and have your occupation listed on the skilled occupations list. You’ll also need a valid job offer from an employer in a designated regional area of Australia.
For the Direct Entry stream, you’ll need to demonstrate competent English language skills by achieving a minimum IELTS score of 6 in each component. You must also have at least two years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation and complete a skills assessment.
Your employer plays an essential role in your eligibility requirements. They’ll need to prove there’s a genuine need for your position and conduct Labour Market Testing to show they couldn’t find suitable Australian workers. Additionally, they must comply with the Annual Market Salary Rate of AUD 53,900, ensuring you’ll receive pay that’s comparable to Australian workers in similar roles.
Available Streams and Pathways
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme offers three distinct pathways to permanent residency in Australia. Through the subclass 187 visa, you’ll have access to the Direct Entry Stream, Temporary Residence Change Stream, and Labour Agreement Stream, each designed to suit different circumstances and qualifications.
If you’re new to working in Australia, the Direct Entry Stream might be your best option. You’ll need to have your occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and complete a skills assessment. For those who’ve already been working in Australia on a 457 or 482 visa, the Temporary Residence Change Stream provides a pathway after you’ve worked with the same employer for two to three years.
The Labour Agreement Stream is available if you’re working under a formal labour agreement. Remember, you’ll need to be under 45 years old when applying for most streams, though some exemptions exist. For all pathways, your employer must conduct Labour Market Testing to show they couldn’t find suitable Australian workers for the position. This requirement helps guarantee fair employment practices while addressing regional skill shortages.
Nomination Process
Starting your RSMS visa journey, you’ll need to navigate a three-stage nomination process that includes RCB Certification, Nomination Application, and Visa Application. Each stage requires careful attention to detail and specific documentation to guarantee success.
Before submitting nomination applications, employers must prove they’ve genuinely tried to find Australian workers through Labour Market Testing. You’ll need to show that the position has been advertised for at least four weeks. The nominated position must also comply with occupation requirements and be located in a designated regional area.
As part of the process, your employer will need to submit various documents, including a completed Form 1404 and their business registration details. They’ll also need to pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy during the nomination stage. It’s essential that they demonstrate a genuine need for your position and how it fits within their business structure.
Remember that all documentation must be accurate and up-to-date. Your employer should clearly show how they’ve met all requirements, including proper advertising of the position and compliance with regional area specifications.
Employer Sponsorship Guidelines
Building on the nomination process, employers seeking to sponsor workers under the RSMS visa must meet specific guidelines to qualify as eligible sponsors. You’ll need to demonstrate that your business is actively operating in a designated regional area of Australia and that you’re offering a genuine position that matches the visa holder’s previous experience.
As a regional employer, you must guarantee the salary meets both the Annual Market Salary Rate and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold of AUD 53,900. You’re also required to conduct Labour Market Testing by advertising the position for at least four weeks through approved channels. This step helps prove that you couldn’t find suitable local workers for the role.
Don’t forget about the Skilling Australians Fund levy – if you’re a small business, you’ll need to pay AUD 3,000, while larger businesses must contribute AUD 5,000. These sponsored positions must be consistent with the applicant’s skills and experience, guaranteeing a genuine employment opportunity that benefits both the regional community and the visa holder.
Cost and Financial Considerations
Planning for RSMS visa costs calls for careful financial preparation, as the total investment extends beyond the primary application fee of AUD 3,755. You’ll need to account for various additional expenses that form part of the complete visa application process.
Your financial planning should include health check requirements, which typically cost AUD 330 for each medical examination and chest x-ray. If you’re bringing family members, you’ll face extra charges that vary based on their age and circumstances. Your employer will also need to contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund levy, ranging from AUD 3,000 for small businesses to AUD 5,000 for larger organizations.
Don’t forget to budget for other essential costs like police clearances and document translations. If you’re working with a migration agent, their professional fees will add to your total expenses. It’s recommended to create a thorough budget that covers all these components. By understanding the full scope of visa application fees and associated costs upfront, you can better prepare for this significant financial commitment and avoid unexpected expenses during the application process.
Processing Times and Steps
The RSMS visa application process follows a structured three-stage pathway that you’ll need to navigate carefully. Your journey begins with RCB certification, followed by employer nomination, and concludes with the visa application to the Department of Home Affairs. You can expect a processing time of approximately 4 weeks from when the RCB receives your application.
Before starting your application, make certain your employer has completed the required Labour Market Testing, advertising the position for at least 4 weeks. When submitting your application, you’ll need to email it to admin@rdacentralwest.org.au, keeping the file size under 10 MB.
| Stage | Requirements | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| RCB Certification | Complete documentation | 4 weeks |
| Employer Nomination | $660 fee payment | Varies |
| Visa Application | Health/character checks | Varies |
| LMT Completion | 4-week advertising | Prior to nomination |
Remember that the $660 nomination fee isn’t refundable, regardless of the outcome. To ensure smooth processing, carefully follow all submission guidelines, including the correct email subject line format and documentation requirements.
Regional Areas and Restrictions
Regional areas under the RSMS visa scheme encompass specific locations outside Australia’s major metropolitan centres, with notable exclusions of Sydney, Melbourne, and other capital cities. If you’re planning to apply for this visa, you’ll need to understand that these restrictions are designed to promote growth and address skill shortages in regional communities.
As a skilled worker under the RSMS program, you’ll need to commit to living and working in your designated regional area for at least two years after receiving your visa. Your employer must be located within these regional boundaries and demonstrate a genuine need for your skills. The Regional Certifying Body will assess your position to guarantee it’s genuine and meets local labour market needs.
When you’re considering this visa pathway, you’ll need to verify that your nominated occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupations list. This requirement helps guarantee that your skills align with regional workforce demands. Remember that you can’t simply transfer to a major city once you receive your visa – the regional work and residence requirements are strictly enforced to support regional development objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Subclass 187 Visa in Australia?
A subclass 187 visa is your pathway to permanent residency in Australia if you’re a skilled worker sponsored by an employer in a regional area. You’ll need to choose between two main streams: Temporary Residence Change (if you’ve worked on a 457 or 482 visa) or Direct Entry. You’ll have to meet age limits and English requirements and pass health checks to qualify. Once approved, you’re committed to working with your employer for two years.
What Are the New Changes in a 187 Visa?
You’ll now need to be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and have three years of work experience. The age limit has been set at 45 for Direct Entry applicants, and the minimum salary requirement is now AUD 53,900. You’ll also need to wait three years instead of two to be eligible for permanent residency under certain conditions.
Can I Leave My Employer After Getting a 187 Visa?
You can’t immediately leave your employer after getting a 187 visa. You’re required to work for your sponsoring employer in a regional area for at least two years. If you leave before completing this requirement, you risk having your visa cancelled and losing your permanent residency status. In exceptional circumstances, you can request a waiver from the Department of Home Affairs, but this isn’t guaranteed.
What Is the Age Limit for Subclass 187?
For the Subclass 187 visa, you’ll need to meet specific age requirements depending on your stream. If you’re applying through the Direct Entry stream, you must be under 45 years old. For the Temporary Residence Progression stream, the age limit is 50 years. However, you might qualify for age exemptions if you’re nominated by a university or government agency or if you’re a medical practitioner with four years of work experience.
