For Skilled Workers Who’ve Called Regional Australia Home
Is your employer happy with you, and are you already living in a small regional town in Australia? And do you love to settle here forever? Do you already have a 457 or a 482 visa? Then, the Australian government provides you with a pathway to settle in the country permanently via the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187).
This visa is no longer accepting new applications; however, if you meet certain conditions under special rules and eligibility, you may still be eligible to opt for this visa. We will help you to understand everything about it.
📌 What Is the Subclass 187 Visa All About?
The Subclass 187 visa (also known as the RSMS visa) was established to facilitate the acquisition of permanent residency by skilled workers who are employed in a regional area of Australia and sponsored by a local employer.
The Australian Government designed the Subclass 187 visa to provide a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers employed in a regional area of Australia by a local employer.
However, it’s now closed for new applications. If you’re already having a 457 or TSS 482 visa and working in a regional area, you may still be eligible through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
✅ Who Can Still Apply?
You may be eligible if:
- You’re holding a 457 or 482 visa.
- You’ve worked full-time for the same employer in a regional area for at least 3 years.
- The maximum age is 45 years (some exceptions apply).
- You have a competent level of English (IELTS 6 or equivalent).
- You meet health and character requirements.
- You have a skills assessment, if needed, for your job.
If you tick all these boxes, then this visa is for you.
🔎 What Do They Look For in Your Application?
The Department of Home Affairs wants to be sure that:
- The job you’re doing is genuine and in demand in that area.
- You’re qualified and experienced for the role.
- Your employer is approved and follows immigration rules.
- The job requires a full-time, ongoing position based in a regional area.
🪜 Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 – Employer Nomination
Your employer must:
- Be based in a regional area.
- Lodge a nomination for your position with the immigration department.
Step 2 – Get Your Documents Ready
You’ll need:
- Your passport
- Employment contract and recent payslips
- English test results (like IELTS)
- Health and police clearances
- Proof of your work skills and education
Step 3 – Apply Online
- Log in to ImmiAccount and submit your application.
- You must apply within six months of your employer’s nomination being approved.
Step 4 – Health & Police Checks
- Book a health check (you’ll be informed of the location).
- Upload police clearance certificates for every country you’ve lived in for over 12 months.
Step 5 – Wait for Your Decision
If everything checks out, you’ll get your permanent residency granted. 🎉
📋 What Documents Do You Need?
Here’s your simple checklist:
Personal Documents
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Work-Related Documents
- Job offer or employment contract
- Payslips
- A letter from your employer confirming your job duties
Education & Skills Requirement
- Diplomas and certificates
- Skills assessment (if required)
English Language Proof
- Results of IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL
- Minimum: IELTS 6 in each segment
Health & Character
- Medical check results
- Police certificates from any country you lived in for 12 months or more
For Your Family (if they’re applying with you)
- Their passports and birth certificates
- Documents showing your relationship
💵 Visa Costs & How Long It Takes
| Who Pays | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $4,640 |
| Each adult family member | $2,320 |
| Each child (under 18) | $1,160 |
| Health/police checks | Varies (approx. $300–$500) |
🕒 Processing Time: Usually takes between 12–18 months, but it may vary depending on the case
💳 Do I Need to Show Proof of Funds?
No specific bank balance is required for this visa.
However, it’s smart to have savings to cover:
- Travel and moving costs
- Rent and household setup
- Children’s school fees
- Daily living expenses, such as food and bills, etc.
💡 Between AUD 15,000 and AUD 25,000 is a safe estimation to have better expenses.
🎁 Benefits of the RSMS Visa
Here’s what you get once approved:
- ✅ Permanent residency in Australia
- ✅ Bring your partner and kids
- ✅ Access to Medicare (government healthcare)
- ✅ Later, you can apply for Australian citizenship
- ✅ No points test or SkillSelect required
- ✅ A better life in regional Australia
⚠️ A Few Limitations to Know
- ❌ You must stay in the regional location where you were sponsored.
- ❌ You’re supposed to work for the same employer for at least 2 years.
- ❌ Changing jobs immediately after obtaining your visa can lead to rejection of your residency.
- ❌ If you don’t hold a 457 or 482 visa, then you’re eligible to apply for the visa.
🌐 Important Links & Contacts
- Department of Home Affairs – RSMS Visa Info
- ImmiAccount Login – To Apply or Upload Documents
- ☎️Connect with a Trusted Immigration Consultancy: Visas Adviser; +91 8744852222; info@VisasAdviser.com
📄 Sample Document Formats
📁 Employer Letter Example
📁 Payslip Example
❓ Most Commonly Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I don’t have either a 457 or 482 visa?
No. This visa is only for those individuals who hold one of these visas on specific dates. New applications are closed.
Q: Do I need to work for the same employer after getting PR?
Yes. You’re supposed to work for the same employer for at least 2 years. Leaving early may lead to questions about your commitment and visa compliance.
Q: Is the English test mandatory?
Yes. You need to demonstrate your competent English, which means achieving an IELTS score of 6 in each band unless there are exceptions.
💡 Expert Tips Just for You
- ✅ Ensure your documents are accurate—no errors in dates or job titles.
- ✅ Don’t rush your application. Take time to check every detail.
- ✅ Talk to a registered migration agent if anything is unclear.
- ✅ Keep all your payslips and contracts—they’re essential proof.
- ✅ Stay committed to your employer after PR is granted.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This visa was beneficial for many people, enabling them to turn their regional location into a permanent settlement. If you are still eligible through the transitional stream, then don’t miss this opportunity to improve your life and future growth. Living in Australia is not just enjoyable and stress-free; it’s also about opportunities to grow, save money, and live in peace. If you are already on the track, then resume your journey to obtain the Subclass 187 visa and make Australia your permanent home. 🇦🇺