RSMS Visa (Subclass 187)

Applications for Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme may be lodged via the following streams, as in the ENS visa:

• Temporary Residence Transition stream (TRT), where the applicant has worked with the nominating employer for at least 3 years of the 4 years as a holder of a subclass 457 visa/TSS visa prior to the nomination. The nominated position must, however, be the same and is permanent. Under this stream, the applicant must not have turned 45 years of age, at least have competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent, unless an exemption applies), and skills assessment is not required.
• Direct Entry stream (DE), where an English level of IELTS 6 or equivalent is necessary, the applicant must meet the skills requirement, and the applicant must not have turned 45 years of age. In addition, seeking residency without a prior provisional visa, the position will need RCB certification.
• Agreement stream, for cases where the nominating employer has a Labour Agreement or a Regional Migration Agreement. The applicant must satisfy the age, English, and experience/skills requirement as stated in the agreement.

Holders of a subclass 457 visa/TSS visa who do not meet the requirements under TRT may still apply under DE. Both onshore and offshore applicants may apply for a subclass 187 visa.

To apply for an RSMS visa under Direct Entry Stream, you must nominate an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 1-3. This covers occupations requiring a degree, diploma, trade certificate.

An application for RSMS under Direct Entry Stream requires both the applicant and the sponsoring business to meet the specified criteria to be granted the visa.

The application involves 3 stages:

1. Certification of the employer by a Regional Certifying Body (RCB).
   RCB checks that:
   • there is a genuine need for a paid employee in a business operated by the employer that is actively and lawfully operating in a regional area of Australia;
   • the terms and conditions of employment are the same and applicable to Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents performing the same work in the same location; and
   • the nominated position cannot be reasonably filled from the local labour market, hence having the position advertised is a must.
2. Nomination of the position to the Department of Home and Affairs (DHA) and subsequent review by DHA of the business.
3. Application for the visa by the employee