Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Visa Subclass 187)

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    What is the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

    The Department of Home Affairs Australia introduced the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS). Under this scheme, the employers in regional Australia can nominate the eligible, skilled workers who are outside Australia or the skilled workers who are already living in Australia on a temporary basis to fill the skill shortages in their businesses.

    Regional Australia is an area in Australia that lies outside of the following:

    • Australian Capital Territory
    • Newcastle
    • Perth
    • Wollongong
    • Brisbane
    • Sydney
    • Gold Coast
    • Melbourne
    • Central Coast

    What is a subclass 187 visa?

    The subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa allows the skilled workers who were nominated by the employers of Australia to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis. With a subclass 187 visa, skilled people can live and work in Australia as per two schemes:

    • Temporary Residence Transition Scheme

    Skilled workers who are already living and working in Australia as temporary residents are eligible for this visa if their employer nominates them.

    • Direct Entry Stream

    Skilled workers who are outside Australia or those who do not meet the Temporary Residence Transition Scheme criteria can apply for this visa via direct entry scheme if an employer form regional Australia nominates them.

    What can you do with 187 Visa in Australia?

    No matter in which category you fall in, this visa enables you to:

    • Live, Work and Study in Australia
    • Enrol for public health scheme
    • Sponsor your family members (if eligible)
    • Become an Australian Citizen (if eligible)
    • Travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years

    Does RSMS 187 visa provide Permanent Residency?

    Yes, with this visa one can stay in Australia for an indefinite period of time. If a person is already living in Australia as a temporary citizen, they become permanent residents on the very day this visa is granted. For those who are living outside Australia, they are considered as permanent residents the very day they enter into Australia.

    What is the Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 187 Visa?

    1. The occupation of the applicant must be on the list of relevant skilled occupations as mentioned by the Home Affairs Australia 
    2. An employer must nominate you before you apply for this visa
    3. Applicants must have working experience of at least 3 years 
    4. Applicants must have a relevant skill assessment

    How to Apply for RSMS subclass 187 Visa?

    Step 1: Ensure that you meet the requirements for this visa

    There are certain general requirements for both the streams. The applicants must check if they are able to meet the requirements of the stream you wish to opt for.

    Step 2: See if your employer has lodged the application for your nomination

    The employers are required to lodge a nomination to the Home Affairs department of Australia before the applicant actually applies for the visa. Hence, applicants must ensure that their employer has filed their application first.

    Step 3: Collect all the required Documents

    Keep a document checklist with you and ensure that you have all the required documents before you file your application.

    Step 4: Lodge the application 

    Get your documents along with your credit card and file your application online.

    Step 5: The authorities will process your application

    This step would take the most time in your whole application process. So wait until the authorities of the Home Affairs Department of Australia take a decision regarding your application.

    Step 6: Receive your 187 Australian Visa

    Congratulations! Your dream to work in Australia is going to come true. Your visa will be granted and you can start working in Australia.

    Who can nominate you for Australia Visa 187?

    The employers also need to follow certain criteria so as to nominate the skilled workers from or outside Australia. Hence applicants must ensure that they are being nominated by an employer who:

    • Owns a business in Australia that is active and legal 
    • Genuinely needs full-time employees 
    • Can pay the salary as per the market rates 
    • Obey the workplace laws of Australia 
    • Can provide you with employment for at least the next 2 years

    What to do if you do not have an employer who can nominate you?

    The applicants can use SkillSelect and submit an Expression of Interest. As a result, potential employers and state governments will be able to access the applicant’s information and can choose to nominate the applicant if their particulars match with their job requirements.

    Requirements and checklist

    One must thoroughly read the guidelines mentioned in the official site of Home Affairs department Australia to understand the particularities of this visa. Here is a quick checklist for you so that you can ensure that you understand the requirements for RSMS 187 Visa.

    Requirement Yes/No
    Do you know which areas are considered under regional Australia?  
    Do you know where you need to apply for this visa and how?  
    Do you meet the requirements of your Visa Scheme?  
    Has your employer nominated you?  
    Do you know what documents you will require to submit for this process?  
    Have you done your skill assessment?  
    Do you know how much funds you will require throughout this process?  

    Read to know more about all the requirements of 187 Subclass Visa.

    Visa Subclass 187 Requirements
    Rules and Conditions
    • The applicant and their family members must obey the laws of the country.
    • The applicant must agree to work with the employer for at least the next 2 years.
    • The applicant needs to start working within the 6 months of visa grant if they are already in Australia. If the applicant is outside Australia, they have to start working within 6 months entering into Australia after the visa is granted.

    Find more insights into the rules and conditions for 187 Subclass Visa.

    Visa Subclass 187 Rules
    Processing Time

    Depending upon the Stream you have opted for, the processing times may vary. It has been seen that applications under Temporary Residence Transition Stream get processed faster than those under Direct Entry Stream.

    Stream 75% of the applications get processed in 90% of the applications get processed in
    Direct Entry Stream 21 months 23 months
    Temporary Residence Transition Stream 11 months 16 months

    Read more about Processing Time of 187 subclass visa here.

    Visa Subclass 187 Processing Time
    Fee & Cost
    Stream Cost
    Direct Entry Stream Visa is closed to new applications
    Temporary Residence Transition Stream AUD 4,115 and above

    Read more about the Fee and Cost details of 187 Visa here.

    Visa Subclass 187 Fees

    Australian Visas

    Other Important Links

    Frequently asked questions

    What are the eligibility criteria for Subclass 187 Skilled Visa?

    Australia is not accepting new applications under the Direct Entry stream of visa subclass 187. But if you have worked for your employer full-time for at least three years, already have 457 visa or 482 visa, and is nominated by the employer, you can apply for 187 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

    What is the cost of Subclass 187 Visa?

    The application fee for visa subclass 187 is AUD 4,045. You will also have to bear all the other expenses such as translation of documents, health checkups, police and other certificates, language tests, skill assessments, visa consultant charges, etc.

    What is the processing time of Subclass 187 Visa?

    If your application is complete and you have submitted all the documents in the proper format, your visa 187 application might get processed between 6 and 10 months. Visa2Immigration Australian visa consultants can help you make sure that your visa application is perfect.

    What is the Subclass 187 visa and what are the benefits?

    With Visa 187, you can stay, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, sponsor eligible relatives, travel to and from Australia for five years, avail Medicare benefits, and apply for citizenship in due time.

    When I can apply for Subclass 187 visa?

    You can apply for 187 visa if you clear skills assessment related to your nominated occupation, have the license or registration if required, be nominated by the eligible employer who sponsored you for the temporary work visa and for whom you have worked for full-time for at least three years. Mostly applicants under 45 years of age can apply for it but university lecturers, scientists, researchers, technical specialists, medical practitioners and those who have been earning mroe than the Fair Work High Income Threshold are exempted from the age-limit. Visa applicants must also have Competent English.

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      Australian Borders Opening

      Australian Borders Opening

      Australia will open its international borders in November 2021, The Federal Government will announce the ban on international travel lifted next month which will allow fully vaccinated Australian citizens to return home. Fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents will be quarantined at home for 7 days, while unvaccinated Australians will still be required to be quarantined at hotels or dedicated facilities for 14 days. The states will gradually open their doors but New South Wales is expected to be the first to welcome international travellers.

      The main reason for this plan is to bring back international students who are stranded overseas. If the Australian government is opening the borders in 2021, it will also resume the overseas permanent resident applications processing.

      Visa2Immigration experts can help you quicken the process by reviewing your application and checking it for completeness, errors, and documentation. They can also suggest ways on how to make your application more powerful and increase your chances of success. Contact us today to get your Migration Application process started!