There are 3 application pathways or streams for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187). The 3 streams available are:

        1.   Temporary Residence Transition stream

This stream is available for Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) holders who:

• have worked for the sponsoring employer for at least 2 years in the same occupation
• can meet vocational English requirements unless you are exempt
• no skills assessment is required

        2.   Direct Entry stream

This is available for applicants who:

• have never, or only briefly worked in Australia
• hold a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) but do not qualify under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream
• are applying directly from outside Australia
• meet competent English requirements (unless exempted)
• meet the skills requirements

        3.   Agreement stream

This stream is only applicable if you are being sponsored by an employer through a tailored and negotiated labour agreement. The age, skills and English requirements will be stated in the labour agreement.

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There are a number of advantages in applying for an RSMS under the Temporary Transition Stream including:

• No need to demonstrate skills as the 457 visa holder has been employed in the position for at least 2 years
• Allows access to a health waiver request

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Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

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Stage 1 - Regional Certifying Body Advice

The first step in making an application for an RSMS visa it to apply to a Regional Certifying Body for advice. Regional Certifying Bodies, commonly referred to as RCBs are state and territory government agencies, local chambers of commerce, local government councils and regional development bodies.

RCB advice provides DIBP with an assessment of:

• recruitment efforts by the employer
• genuine need for the position
• local labour market conditions
• specific regional development requirements

Each RCB has different evidentiary requirements for an RCB advice application and it is important to understand the requirements and provide the necessary information. 

Without a RCB approval your RSMS visa is likely to be refused by the DIBP.

Stage 2 - Nomination Application by an Australian Employer

The second stage of the RSMS visa application process is a nomination application submitted by a suitable employer.

The employer will need to:

• offer a position that is available for at least two years from the time the RSMS visa is granted.
• nominate an occupation on one of the occupation lists relevant for the RSMS visa
• apply for a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) certification

Stage 3 – Visa Application

Visa applicant requirements for the RSMS Direct Entry

Applicants applying for the RSMS Direct Entry visa need to meet English, skills and age requirements.

• English applicants will need to demonstrate Competent English

• meet skills and qualification requirement specific to occupation skill level

• meet qualification requirements

• hold appropriate full Australian Registration if required

               -  for example a General Practitioner (Medical) will need a full, unrestricted licence to practice in Australia. An Electrician will need a full Australian licence.

• be under the age of 50

Some exemptions can apply to age and English criteria in some cases.

Visa applicant requirements for the Temporary Transition Stream for existing 457 visa holders

The key requirements for a 457 visa holder to apply for the RSMS via Temporary Transition are:

• the applicant must have held the 457 visa and worked under the same employer for at least 2 out of the last 3 years before applying. There are very limited exceptions for this.

• the employer has paid the correct salary, superannuation and withheld taxes for the work done under the 457 visa employment.

• the employer meets the Training Benchmark requirements. This means that the employer has provided an acceptable amount of training for its Australian citizen and permanent resident employees, or has made a contribution to a relevant industry training fund.

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

** This visa will be superseded by the Skilled Employer Sponsored (Provisional) subclass 494 visa on 16 November 2019 *

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187), popularly referred to as the “RSMS visa” is an attractive Australian Permanent Resident visa for professionals being sponsored to work in the regional areas of Australia.

The RSMS visa involves a three step process:

1. Regional Certification Board (RCB) approval
2. Nomination by an approved Australian employer
3. A Subclass 187 visa application by the skilled worker

Need to know more about the RSMS 187 visa? Click on the information you need to learn more.

The 3 application stages of the RSMS 187 visa

RSMS 187 Visa Nomination Requirements

RSMS 187 Visa Nomination Requirements - the Market Salary requirement

RSMS 187 Visa Nomination Requirements - the Genuine Position requirement

RSMS 187 Visa - Regional Areas of Australia

RSMS 187 Visa - the 3 streams you can apply for

How does the RSMS 187 Visa - Temporary Residence Transition stream benefits you

Advantages of the RSMS 187 Visa

Common Issues with a RSMS 187 Visa

RSMS 187 Visa - Payment for Sponsorship Conduct

RSMS 187 Visa - Visa Compliance Monitoring and Cancellation Powers

Do I need help with a RSMS 187 Visa application?

The RSMS 187 Visa Skilled Occupation List

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.