Employer Sponsored Visa

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme- Subclass 187

This application is closed for new applicants as of 16th November 2019

Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa is a permanent residence visa. The scheme allows an employer to sponsor a worker to work in a position in regional Australia. The most important thing to know about this visa is to be eligible you usually need to have worked for your employer in a position located in the Designated Regional Area Postcode for at least 3 years full time, while on a subclass 457 or TSS visa.

Direct entry stream of the subclass 187 regional sponsored migration scheme

The 187 Direct Entry stream no longer is open to any new applicants which took effect as of 16 November 2019. This came into effect after the introduction of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494).

Please refer to our Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494) or call our office on 08 6161 9239 for further information regarding this visa.

Temporary Residence Transition stream

The main stream under this subclass is the Temporary Residence Transition Stream.

In order to successfully nominate someone under the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the nomination must meet several criteria, including:

• Proving that the nominating business is actively and lawfully operating in Australia.
• Have worked for that employer in a designated regional area for at least 3 years full time while on a subclass 457 or TSS visa (or bridging visa A, B or C), unless exemptions apply.
• Usually the applicant must be under 45 years at the time of application. However, some exceptions apply for applicants who are over 45.
• The applicant has been nominated by an Australian employer where the nomination has been approved 6 months before applying for this visa.
• Having the required qualification and skills required for your occupation according to ANZSCO. The nomination must be for an occupation in ANZSCO.
• For some skilled occupations and countries, a skills assessment is required
• Achieving Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), unless exempted, where can prove that you studied at least 5 years of full-time study in a secondary or higher institution where all teachings where provided in English.
• Meet the health requirement (including family members).
• Meet character requirement (including family members).

Nomination criteria

In order to successfully nominate someone under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme direct entry stream, the nomination must meet several criteria, including:

• Proving that the nominating business is actively and lawfully operating in Australia
• Showing that the position is a full-time position available for at least two years with the possibility of extending beyond two years
• Satisfying the Immigration Department that the nominee will not be subject to worse conditions than the sponsor’s Australian employees
• The nomination must be for an occupation in ANZSCO (link to ANZSCO) skill levels 1-3

Unlike subclass 186 requirements (link to ENS page), there is no requirement for the business to meet training benchmarks to nominate someone.

Common problems for applicants and sponsors

In our experience with the Employer Nomination Scheme, these are the major pitfalls that can occur on the way to migrating to Australia via this visa:

• It’s important to nominate the correct occupation for the position you are nominating. The nominated occupation can be the difference between visa grant and visa refusal, and you cannot change your mind after the application has been lodged.
• We recommend that visa applicants attend an English test as soon as possible after deciding to apply for an Employer Nomination Scheme visa, if you have not already achieved the required level of English in the last three years.
• If you want to apply from within Australia, always be aware of your current visa’s expiry date and conditions. Letting a visa expire without applying for a new one can have severe consequences, even if you try to apply the next day.
• When you apply for a subclass 187 visa, you make a commitment to stay with your employer for the next two years. Although they are permanent visas, you need to have the intention to work for your current Employer for at least 2 years. Subclass 187 visas may be cancelled if the visa applicant leaves their job within the first two years.

Red Earth Migration can assist you to work out the correct nominated occupation, advise on the best English test to suit you and keep you updated on your visa status to make sure your visa application is lodged before your current visa expires.

Subclass 187 direct entry applicant FAQ