RSMS

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (Subclass 187)

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) enables the employers in the regional area who are experiencing labour shortage from the local residents to overcome this issue by employing skilled overseas workers and aiding them to apply for a valid visa to legitimatise their stay in Australia. Successful visa applicants are obliged to work under the sponsoring employer for 2 years after the grant of the visa.

To apply for RSMS Subclass 187 visa, valid applications must be made in 3 steps, namely, Regional Certifying Body, Nomination, and Visa Application, to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). Upon its grant, the visa applicants will enjoy the benefits of being an Australian Permanent Resident. There are 3 pathways in applying for an Australian Permanent Residency through RSMS.

Processing time

Stream	75 per cent of applications processed	90 per cent of applications processed
Temporary Residence Transition stream	12 months	14 months
Direct Entry stream	22 months	24 months
Agreement stream	Unavailable due to low volume of applications.	Unavailable due to low volume of applications.

Last updated 19 June 2018 (for month ending 31 May 2018)

Temporary Residence Transition Stream – This stream allows the holders of Subclass 457 visa, who has completed 2 years of employment under a sponsoring employer to apply for an Australian Permanent Residency. Successful applicants must be nominated for RSMS visa by the same employer who has nominated the applicant for their Subclass 457 visa. To apply, the visa applicants must:

• Hold Subclass 457 visa, and have worked for 2 years under a same employer and nominated position
• Prove English proficiency equivalent to 5.0 in all components in International English Language Test System

Direct Entry Scheme – The Direct Entry Scheme for RSMS is offered to highly skilled and experienced overseas workers who can demonstrate their understanding of the nominated work. Applicants for this stream must show that:

• They have an approved or a pending nomination by the sponsoring employer for a position under this stream
• They hold English proficiency level of at least 6.0 in all components in International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or equivalent
• They hold a valid skills assessment in the nominated occupation, if necessary

Agreement Scheme – An employer that holds a labour agreement can provide sponsorship for RSMS for eligible applicants in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement. Successful visa applicants must meet the requirements, such as age, skills, experience, and English, outlined in the Agreement.