Get Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa Subclass 187 Eligibility & Requirements

Have you been wishing to live and work there permanently in one of Australia's regional areas? The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme subclass 187 (RSMS 187 Visa) can help you achieve this. This visa is for skilled workers who have a nomination from an approved Australian employer in a regional area. The Subclass 187 Visa provides you permanent residency, work rights and the opportunity to be a part of a regional community that is vibrant and growing.

We at Immigration Agent Adelaide make it easy and provide professional support so we can assist you to navigate this important visa option. First, it is really important you understand the eligibility and requirements, either be you are applying from outside Australia, or you have already arrived here.

What is the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Subclass 187 Visa?

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Subclass 187 is a permanent employer sponsored visa stream. It allows workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia with the support of an Australian employer as a sponsor. As part of the Permanent Employer Sponsored Entry (PER) category, it provides a pathway directly into permanent residency.

Although the RSMS Subclass 187 program is now closed to new applications under the Direct Entry stream (as of March 2018), it remains applicable to transitional applicants, under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, under grandfathering provisions.

Key Features of Subclass 187 Visa

• Permanent Residency: Grants the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
  

• Work Rights: Allows full-time employment in regional areas with the sponsoring employer.
  

• Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible after fulfilling residency and character requirements.
  

• Family Inclusion: You can include eligible family members in your application.
  

• Medicare Access: Enjoy the benefits of Australias public health system.
  

Streams Under the RSMS 187 Visa

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

This stream is for 457 or 482 visa holders who have worked for their employer in a regional area for at least three years, and are now eligible to apply for permanent residence. This stream is still available to persons under grandfathering arrangements (i.e., persons already on, or who had applied for a 457 visa before 18 April 2017).

2. Direct Entry Stream (Closed for New Applicants)

Previously this was open to people who had never worked in Australia or only ever worked temporarily. It is now closed to new applicants but is still applicable to those who lodged their application before the closure.

Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 187 Visa

To apply for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme subclass 187, you must meet a specific set of eligibility criteria. These include:

1. Sponsorship by an Approved Employer

You must be sponsored by an approved Australian employer located in a designated regional area. The employer must:

• Be actively and lawfully operating.
  

• Be unable to fill the position with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  

• Commit to employing you in the nominated position for at least two years.
  

2. Regional Location

The employment must be in a regional area as defined by the Department of Home Affairs. These areas generally exclude major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

3. Nomination Approval

Before applying for the visa, your sponsoring employer must lodge a nomination application. This nomination must be approved before the visa application can be submitted.

4. Skills and Qualifications

You must have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience for the position youre being nominated for. In most cases, this involves:

• Holding a relevant Australian qualification or overseas equivalent.
  

• Having your skills assessed by a recognized assessing authority if required.
  

5. English Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate competent English at the time of application. This typically means achieving:

• IELTS score of at least 6 in each component, or
  

• Equivalent scores in TOEFL, PTE Academic, OET, or Cambridge tests.
  

6. Work Experience

For TRT stream applicants, a minimum of 3 years of work experience with the sponsoring employer is required.

7. Age Requirement

Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless exemptions apply (e.g., academic researchers, medical practitioners, etc.).

8. Health and Character Requirements

• You must meet Australias health and character requirements.
  

• Undergo a medical examination and police clearance as part of the process.
  

How to Apply for Subclass 187 Visa

Applying for the Subclass 187 Visa involves several important steps. Heres an overview of the process:

Step 1: Employer Nomination

Your Australian employer must first lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 2: Visa Application

Once the nomination is approved, you can proceed to lodge your visa application online through ImmiAccount.

Step 3: Gather Documentation

Youll need to submit documents such as:

• Passport and ID
  

• Employment contract
  

• English test results
  

• Skills assessment (if applicable)
  

• Police and health checks
  

Step 4: Wait for Decision

The Department will assess your application and may request further information. Once approved, youll receive a permanent visa grant.

Processing Time for Subclass 187 Visa

Processing times for the Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme subclass 187 can vary based on the stream and individual circumstances:

• Temporary Residence Transition Stream: Typically between 12 to 20 months.
  

• Applications may be delayed due to incomplete documentation, health checks, or verification processes.
  

At Immigration Agent Adelaide, we ensure your documentation is accurate and complete to minimize delays.

Costs Involved

As of 2025, the visa application charges for Subclass 187 are:

• Primary applicant: AUD $4,640
  

• Additional applicants (above 18): AUD $2,320
  

• Applicants under 18: AUD $1,160
  

Other costs may include health checks, English tests, and police clearance certificates.

Benefits of Applying with Immigration Agent Adelaide

Choosing the right migration agent makes a huge difference in your visa journey. At Immigration Agent Adelaide, we provide:

• Expert guidance through each step of the RSMS 187 application.
  

• Customized solutions based on your profile and eligibility.
  

• Timely updates and case management from experienced MARA-registered agents.
  

• Assistance with employer nomination, documentation, and visa lodgment.
  

Weve helped hundreds of skilled workers and employers secure the Subclass 187 Visa and successfully settle in Australias regional areas.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Here are some frequent mistakes that can result in delays or refusals:

• Incomplete or incorrect nomination by the employer.
  

• Insufficient supporting documentation.
  

• Failing to meet the minimum English or skill requirements.
  

• Missing deadlines or lodging ineligible applications.
  

Avoiding these pitfalls is easy with the right support. Let Immigration Agent Adelaide handle your case with professionalism and care.

Final Thoughts

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme subclass 187 is a unique opportunity for skilled workers to receive permanent residency in Australia, particularly in regional communities where skills are needed. With the right preparation, a compliant employer, and professional migration advice, your pathway to permanent residency can be seamless and successful.

Whether your permanent move to Australia is in progress or you're still living overseas and just planning, the Subclass 187 Visa will help them plan their long-term future in Australia. All they need to do is look into Immigration Agent Adelaide for migration support and they will be one step closer to achieving their migration plans.