187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)

For employers and potential applicants in regional Australia, serious consideration should be given to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) 187 visa.

Like the ENS 186 visa stream, the 187 is also an employer sponsored pathway to permanent residency (PR). A major advantage of the 187 visa is that it gives applicants access to the Regional Occupational List (ROL), which contains a much broader list of occupations as compared to those available under the MLTSSL and 186 visa stream.

Under the 187 stream, it is possible to apply for PR directly or after spending a minimum of 3 years on a 482 visa with a sponsoring business in Australia.¹

The 187 visa has a similar skill requirement to the 186. Generally a minimum of 3 years full time work experience in addition to a relevant qualification for the occupation. While skills assessments are currently not required for non-trade based occupations, the Department of Home Affairs have advised that these may be brought in towards the middle of 2018.

In addition to the skill requirement, applicants under the 187 stream need to have a minimum score of competent in English to qualify, for example 50 in each category (reading, writing, speaking and listening) for the PTE Academic test.

If you are a regional employer, or applicant interested in exploring your options under the 187 RSMS pathway, please call MAPS registered migration agent on 1300 899 734 to discuss your eligibility.

¹ Shorter transition periods may apply for 457 visa holders that have spent 2 years with their sponsor.