Scam Alert: Scammers targeting recruitment agencies claiming to be from Konnecting are contacting people via messaging Apps offering flexible jobs/free visas. View our Scam Page.
RSMS Visa (Subclass 187) is a permanent resident visa similar to the ENS (subclass 186), but it is meant specifically for skilled worker positions in regional areas.
Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 replaced the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) and requires employer sponsorship.
Free Employer HotlineFree Visa WizardSchedule a Consultation
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:
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.
Nomination of the position to the Department of Home and Affairs (DHA) and subsequent review by DHA of the business.
Application for the visa by the employee
Eligible Postcodes in Regional Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Entire Territory
New South Wales
2250 to 2251 – Central Coast
(Excluding Sydney Newcastle and Wollongong)
2256 to 2263 – Central Coast
2311 to 2312
2328 to 2411
2415
2420 to 2490
2536 to 2551
2575 to 2594
2618 to 2739
2787 to 2898
Norfolk Island
Entire Territory
Northern Territory
Entire Territory
Queensland
4124 to 4125
(Excluding the greater Brisbane area and the Gold Coast)
4133
4211
4270 to 4272
4275
4280
4285
4287
4307 to 4499
Eligible Postcodes in Regional Australia
4515
4517 to 4519
4522 to 4899
South Australia
Entire State
Tasmania
Entire State
Victoria
3211 to 3334
(excluding Melbourne Metropolitan Area)
3340 to 3424
3430 to 3649
3658 to 3749
3753
3756
3758
3762
3764
3778 to 3781
3783
3797
3799
3816 to 3909
3921 to 3925
3945 to 3974
3979
3981 to 3996
Western Australia
Entire State
Eligible Postcodes in Regional Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Entire Territory
New South Wales
2250 to 2251 – Central Coast
(Excluding Sydney Newcastle and Wollongong)
2256 to 2263 – Central Coast
2311 to 2312
2328 to 2411
2415
2420 to 2490
2536 to 2551
2575 to 2594
2618 to 2739
2787 to 2898
Norfolk Island
Entire Territory
Northern Territory
Entire Territory
Queensland
4124 to 4125
(Excluding the greater Brisbane area and the Gold Coast)
4133
4211
4270 to 4272
4275
4280
4285
4287
4307 to 4499
4515
4517 to 4519
4522 to 4899
South Australia
Entire State
Tasmania
Entire State
Victoria
3211 to 3334
(excluding Melbourne Metropolitan Area)
3340 to 3424
3430 to 3649
3658 to 3749
3753
3756
3758
3762
3764
3778 to 3781
3783
3797
3799
3816 to 3909
3921 to 3925
3945 to 3974
3979
3981 to 3996
Western Australia
Entire State
Conditions
Visa 187 is a permanent visa dependent on the applicant having a job offer located in an Australian Regional Area. There is an obligation on the employee to remain in the nominated position in the Regional Area for at least 2 years post-approval, or the RSMS could be canceled.
Independent Migration
No.
Employer Nomination
Required, and required to be from a Regional Area.
State/Territory Government Nomination
No.
Family/Relative Sponsorship
No.
Permanent Migration Pathway
RSMS visa is a permanent visa, with an obligation on the employee to remain in the nominated position in the Regional area for at least 2 years post-approval
Employment ProspectsEmployer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 replaced the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) and requires employer sponsorship.
Recruitment Migration
Recruitment Migration
Free Employer HotlineSubscribe
