The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) is for skilled workers who want to work in regional Australia. This visa involves a two-step process, firstly, nomination by an approved Australian employer and then an application under the nominated stream. It is part of the Permanent Employer Sponsored Visa program.
The visa is a permanent resident visa. You can be in or outside Australia when you apply. If you are in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a bridging visa A, B or C.
The visa has three streams:
- The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for subclass 457 visa holders who have worked for two years, while holding a subclass 457 visa, in the same occupation with their nominating employer (who is not subject to a labour agreement and who has lodged a valid nomination with us under the Temporary Residence Transition stream), who wants to offer them a permanent position in that occupation.
- The Direct Entry stream is for:
- people who have been nominated by their employer under the Direct Entry stream
- people who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia
- temporary residents who do not qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
- The Agreement stream is for subclass 457 visa holders nominated by an employer through a labour agreement.
1. You have to be nominated by an Australian employer for a job in regional Australia
Regional Australia does not include the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong or Melbourne.
2. You might be able to get this visa if you are younger than 50 years of age
3. You have to meet the skills, qualifications and English language requirements
4. You need to apply under the stream for which you were nominated
The visa has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition stream, the Direct Entry stream and is the Agreement stream.
Find out more about The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.
Visit the government’s website for general inquires on regional initiatives and search under your corresponding state or territory.