Australia’s Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187) provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who are willing to work in regional areas. This visa is employer-sponsored, making it an attractive option for skilled workers seeking stable employment and residency in Australia. Although the Subclass 187 visa was replaced by the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa in November 2019, it remains relevant for those who applied before its closure.
This article explores the eligibility requirements for the RSMS Subclass 187 visa, details the application process, and provides insights for those transitioning to other regional migration pathways under Australia’s current immigration framework.
Overview of the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa
The Subclass 187 visa was designed to address skill shortages in regional areas by enabling employers to sponsor qualified workers from overseas. Regional areas under this scheme are classified as any location outside major metropolitan cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Key Features of the Subclass 187 Visa:
- Permanent Residency: Provides immediate permanent residency for successful applicants.
- Employer Sponsorship: Requires nomination by an approved regional employer.
- Family Inclusion: Allows applicants to include their spouse, dependent children, and other eligible family members.
- Work and Study Rights: Unrestricted work and study opportunities in Australia.
Streams Under the Subclass 187 Visa
The visa had two distinct streams before its closure:
1. Direct Entry Stream
Designed for skilled workers who:
- Had no prior work experience in Australia.
- Were nominated by an employer in a regional area.
2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
For Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa holders or 457 visa holders who:
- Had worked for their sponsoring employer for at least two years.
- Were transitioning to permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 187 Visa
While the Subclass 187 visa is no longer available for new applications, understanding its eligibility requirements provides a foundation for exploring other regional migration options, such as the Subclass 494 visa. Below are the key eligibility criteria that were required for the Subclass 187 visa:
1. Employer Nomination
- The applicant must have been nominated by an approved Australian employer operating in a designated regional area.
- Employers were required to demonstrate that they could not find suitably skilled Australian workers for the role.
2. Skills and Qualifications
- Applicants needed skills and qualifications matching the occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- A skills assessment was mandatory for certain occupations, conducted by a recognized assessing authority.
3. Work Experience
- Direct Entry Stream: At least three years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
- TRT Stream: Two years of employment with the nominating employer on a qualifying temporary visa.
4. English Language Proficiency
- Minimum English language requirements applied:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 with at least 6.0 in each band.
- Equivalent scores in other tests like PTE, TOEFL, or OET were also acceptable.
5. Age Limit
- Applicants were required to be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Exceptions were made for certain high-skill roles or regional agreements.
6. Health and Character Requirements
- Applicants needed to meet Australia’s health and character requirements, including undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates.
7. Commitment to Regional Living
- A demonstrated commitment to living and working in a regional area was essential for visa approval.
Application Process for the Subclass 187 Visa
Step 1: Secure Employer Sponsorship
- Identify a regional employer willing to sponsor your visa.
- Ensure the employer is approved by the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor skilled workers.
Step 2: Lodge a Nomination Application
- The employer submits a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs, outlining the position, location, and efforts to recruit locally.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation
- Proof of qualifications and skills (e.g., degrees, certifications).
- Evidence of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or PTE scores).
- Work experience records, including employment contracts and reference letters.
- Health and character certificates.
Step 4: Submit the Visa Application
- Lodge the visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Attach all required documentation and pay the application fees.
Step 5: Await Decision
- Visa processing times varied depending on the stream and complexity of the application. On average, decisions were made within 12–18 months.
Transition to the Subclass 494 Visa
Since the closure of the Subclass 187 visa, the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa has become the primary pathway for regional migration. It shares similarities with the Subclass 187 visa, including employer sponsorship and a focus on regional employment.
Key Differences:
- Temporary Visa: The Subclass 494 visa is initially granted as a provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residency after three years.
- Increased Occupation List: A broader range of occupations is eligible under the Subclass 494 visa.
- Income Threshold: Applicants must meet a minimum income threshold set by the government.
For more information on the Subclass 494 visa, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Benefits of Regional Migration to Australia
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Regional visas often lead to permanent residency for eligible applicants.
- Increased Job Opportunities: Employers in regional areas face skills shortages, creating demand for qualified workers.
- Priority Processing: Regional visa applications are often processed faster than metropolitan applications.
- Lifestyle Benefits: Regional areas offer a lower cost of living, less congestion, and a higher quality of life compared to major cities.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Finding a Sponsoring Employer
- Solution: Use online job portals like Seek or JobActive to connect with regional employers.
- Attend job fairs focused on regional employment.
2. Meeting Skills Assessment Requirements
- Solution: Begin the skills assessment process early with the relevant assessing authority to avoid delays.
3. Adjusting to Regional Living
- Solution: Research the lifestyle and amenities of the regional area beforehand to ensure it aligns with personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still apply for the Subclass 187 visa?
No, the Subclass 187 visa was closed to new applications in November 2019. However, you can explore the Subclass 494 visa for similar opportunities.
2. Is employer sponsorship mandatory for regional visas?
Yes, both the Subclass 187 and Subclass 494 visas require employer sponsorship.
3. Are family members included in the visa?
Yes, eligible family members can be included in both the Subclass 187 and Subclass 494 visa applications.
4. Can I change employers after obtaining a regional visa?
Changing employers is possible but must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs to ensure compliance with visa conditions.
5. How long does it take to transition to permanent residency under regional migration?
For the Subclass 494 visa, applicants can apply for permanent residency after three years of living and working in a regional area.
Conclusion
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) was a vital pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Australia’s regional areas. Although this visa is no longer open for new applications, its principles remain relevant in understanding regional migration strategies. Transitioning to the Subclass 494 visa offers similar benefits, including a pathway to permanent residency and opportunities to contribute to regional development.
By understanding eligibility requirements, preparing thorough documentation, and leveraging available resources, skilled workers can successfully navigate Australia’s regional migration system and achieve their long-term career and residency goals.
For more details on regional migration options, visit:
This blog post delivers a professional and comprehensive guide to qualifying for Australia’s Regional Migration Scheme, ensuring clarity and actionable insights for prospective applicants.
