Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) is a permanent resident visa for skilled workers who wanted to work in regional areas of Australia. Previously it has two streams i.e. Direct entry stream & Temporary Residence Transition stream. Currently Direct entry stream is closed for new applications but Temporary Residence Transition stream is available.

The Temporary Residence Transition stream caters to individuals holding subclass 457 or subclass 482 visas. To qualify, the visa holder must have worked for two years while holding the visa in the same occupation with their nominating employer. The employer must have lodged a valid nomination under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream and intends to offer the visa holder a permanent position in that occupation. Skilled workers in regional Australia who are nominated by their employer can live and work permanently in Australia with this type of visa.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) Temporary Residence Transition stream allows skilled workers nominated by their employer in regional Australia to permanently reside and work in the country. Further, they can bring their family members to Australia and apply for Australian citizenship (if applicable). Key requirements for this visa are –

• You must be a transitional subclass 457 or subclass 482 worker
• You must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B or C along with a pending 482, 186 or 187 visa
• You must have worked full-time for your employer in regional Australia for a minimum time of 2 years while holding a subclass 457 or TSS visa
• Your Australian employer must have nominated you before 6 months of applying

• The applicant can remain in Australia permanently
• The applicant can work and learn in Australia
• The applicant can apply for Australian citizenship, if applicable
• The applicant bring his or her eligible family members to move them in Australia permanently
• The applicant can travel to and from Australia within five years of the visa grant

As a skilled worker, you might nominate for this type of visa if:

• In regional Australia, you are actively and legally conducting business (areas such as the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, and Melbourne are not eligible places for this).
• Role of a skilled worker should be filled by a paid employee.
• An employer is willing to provide a full-time, skilled job in the applicant’s profession for a minimum time of 2 years. The employer is paying you according to the market salary rate.
• As a skilled worker and primary applicant of visa, you must abide by workplace relations and immigration regulations in Australia.
• Employer’s company should be known for good deeds. Public should know nothing against the company as well as people associated with it.