187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa

About this Visa

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (187) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who want to work in regional Australia. This visa involves a two-step process, firstly, nomination by an approved Australian employer and then an application under the nominated stream. The visa has 3 streams:

  • The Temporary Residence Transition Stream (457) is for visa holders who have worked in the same occupation with their nominating employer for 2 years, who wants to offer them a permanent position in that occupation
  • The Direct Entry Stream is for:
    • people who have been nominated by their employer under the DES
    • people who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia
    • temporary residents who do not qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition Stream
  • The Agreement Stream is for 457 visa holders nominated by an employer through a labour agreement

187 Visa Requirements

  1. Have been nominated by an approved Australian employer in regional Australia (outside of Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong and Melbourne) within 6 months before you apply
  2. Under the age of 50
  3. Have required skills and qualifications for the position – hold any mandatory registration, license or professional membership
  4. Have appropriate English Language Skills
  5. Meet health and character requirements
  6. Meet the requirements of the stream

Direct Entry Stream Requirements

  1. Have been nominated for a position and has been approved
  2. Have at least competent English
  3. Meet the skills requirements

When and How to apply

  1. Apply when your employer lodges their nomination, or afterwards
  2. Must apply less than 6 months after the nomination been approved
  3. Prepare documents and lodge visa application

Visa Holder Obligation

  • You and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian Laws
  • Make a genuine effort to begin employment with your employer within 6 months of:
    • First entry to Australia if visa were granted while you were outside of Australia or,
    • The visa being granted while you were in Australia
  • Begin employment and remain in the position for full 2 years