The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS), also known as the Subclass 187 visa, offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional areas. This visa allows Australian employers in designated regional areas to sponsor foreign workers for permanent employment in positions that cannot be filled by the local workforce.
With Australia actively seeking to boost the population and economy of its regional areas, the 187 visa provides an attractive opportunity for skilled workers. This article will explain the key details of the Subclass 187 visa, including eligibility criteria, application steps, benefits, and challenges.
What is the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)?
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) is a permanent residency visa designed to attract skilled workers to regional areas of Australia. It allows Australian employers located in regional, remote, or low-population growth areas to sponsor skilled workers for a permanent role that meets the required eligibility criteria.
The main goal of the RSMS visa is to address skills shortages in regional Australia, ensuring that local employers have access to the skills they need. It also helps in decentralizing the population by encouraging skilled migration to areas outside major cities.
The Two Streams of the Subclass 187 Visa
The Subclass 187 visa has two streams:
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
Direct Entry (DE) Stream
Each stream targets different groups of workers based on their current status and qualifications.
1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is for applicants who are already working in Australia under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) or the older Subclass 457 visa. To be eligible for the TRT stream, applicants must have worked for their sponsoring employer in a regional area for at least three years. This stream is designed to provide a straightforward pathway to permanent residency for those who have already contributed to the Australian workforce.
To qualify for the TRT stream, applicants must:
Hold a Subclass 482 or Subclass 457 visa.
Have worked for the sponsoring employer for at least three years.
Be under 45 years of age (with some exemptions).
Meet the English language requirements (usually an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent).
Satisfy any health and character requirements.
The TRT stream is ideal for those who have already established themselves in the regional workforce and wish to transition to permanent residency.
2. Direct Entry (DE) Stream
The Direct Entry (DE) stream is for skilled workers who have not previously worked in Australia or who have worked for their employer for less than three years. It is also open to applicants who are currently living outside of Australia. The DE stream targets those who can fill skilled positions that are difficult to fill with Australian workers.
To be eligible for the Direct Entry stream, applicants must:
Be nominated by an employer in a regional area.
Have at least three years of relevant work experience in their occupation.
Be under 45 years of age (with some exemptions).
Have their skills assessed by the relevant authority.
Meet the required English language proficiency (usually an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent).
Fulfill health and character requirements.
This stream is suitable for skilled workers who are looking to move to Australia for the first time or have been in Australia for less than three years.
Eligibility Requirements for the 187 Visa
Both the TRT and DE streams have specific requirements, but all applicants must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:
Nomination: Applicants must be nominated by an employer based in a regional area of Australia. The nominated position must be full-time and listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Age: Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application, with exemptions available in certain cases, such as for senior academics or individuals earning a high salary.
English Language: Applicants must demonstrate competent English language proficiency, which usually means an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each band or an equivalent score in another approved test.
Skills and Experience: Applicants must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated position. For the Direct Entry stream, a formal skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority is typically required.
Health and Character: All applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This usually involves undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates from any country the applicant has lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.
Application Process
The application process for the Subclass 187 visa involves several key steps. It is essential to understand and follow the process carefully to avoid delays or rejection.
Step 1: Employer Nomination
The first step in applying for a Subclass 187 visa is for the Australian employer to lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs. The employer must demonstrate that the position is genuine, full-time, and located in a regional area. They must also provide evidence that they have tried and failed to find a suitably qualified Australian citizen or permanent resident for the role.
Step 2: Visa Application
Once the employer’s nomination is approved, the visa applicant can submit their visa application. This step involves providing all necessary documentation, such as proof of identity, work experience, skills assessments, and English language proficiency. Applicants must ensure that their application is complete and accurate, as missing or incorrect information can result in delays.
Step 3: Processing and Decision
After the application is submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will assess it. Processing times can vary based on factors such as the stream chosen and the complexity of the application. On average, it can take between 6 and 12 months for a decision to be made.
Once the application is approved, the applicant will be granted a Subclass 187 visa, allowing them and their family members to live and work in regional Australia permanently.
Benefits of the 187 Visa
The Subclass 187 visa offers numerous benefits to both the applicant and their employer:
Permanent Residency: The 187 visa provides the applicant and their family members with permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
Work Rights: Visa holders can work in Australia without any restrictions, making it an attractive option for skilled workers looking for long-term career opportunities.
Access to Social Services: Subclass 187 visa holders can access Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) and other social services, such as education and welfare benefits.
Citizenship Pathway: After holding permanent residency for a certain period, 187 visa holders may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Family Sponsorship: Visa holders can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency in Australia, contributing to family reunification.
Challenges of the 187 Visa
While the 187 visa offers many benefits, it is not without its challenges:
Strict Eligibility Criteria: Meeting the age, skills, and English language requirements can be difficult for some applicants. Exemptions are available, but they are limited and apply only in specific circumstances.
Complex Application Process: The application process for the Subclass 187 visa can be complex and time-consuming. Both the employer and the applicant need to provide detailed evidence and documentation to support their nomination and visa application.
Long Processing Times: Visa processing times can vary, but they often range from several months to a year or more. Delays can occur if the application is incomplete or if there are complications with the employer’s nomination.
Regional Requirement: The Subclass 187 visa requires the applicant to live and work in regional Australia. While this is an attractive opportunity for many, others may find the requirement to live outside major cities a challenge, especially if they are used to urban environments.
See also: What Is The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Conclusion
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) is an excellent pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who are willing to live and work in regional Australia. With two different streams—Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry—the visa offers flexibility to applicants based on their work history and location.
While the eligibility criteria and application process can be challenging, the benefits of the 187 visa—such as permanent residency, work rights, and access to social services—make it a valuable option for those seeking to build a future in Australia.
Applicants and employers should take care to ensure that they meet the necessary requirements and provide complete and accurate information throughout the application process. For those who meet the criteria, the 187 visa can be a life-changing opportunity.
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