Visa 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa

One visa type that is commonly applied for by non-Australia citizens is the 187 visa, also known as Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa. What does this particular visa cover? 

Subclass 187 visa allows any employers in regional or areas in Australia which as low population to sponsor employees who are foreign nationals for a permanent visa to work in regional Australia. Employees can either be a highly skilled worker or a skilled temporary resident who is currently in Australia. 

There are three steps in processing this visa type. First, the applicant should get an approval to the Regional Certification Board (RCB). Next, the applicant should get a nomination from a legitimate and approved Australian employer. Finally, the applicant should lodge a subclass 187 visa application. 

This visa type has three streams: 

a. Temporary Residence Transition stream – for 457 visa holder who have worked for two years working in the same occupation. The nominating employer is the one offering them a permanent position in the same occupation. 

b. Direct Entry Stream – for applicants who have not worked under a 457 visa with their nominating employer for two years but are formally qualified with their occupation and have enough experience to meet the requirements of the said visa. A positive skills assessment may be needed. 

c. Agreement stream – for applicants sponsored by an employer through a labor agreement. 

For those applicants who do not have an employer who will nominate them, they can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. There are a good number of employers and state and territory governments who can browse and choose whether to nominate a particular applicant for skilled migration. 

Who can apply for a subclass 187 visa? 

• A nomination by an approved Australian employer operating a business in regional Australia.
• The nomination was approved less than six months before applying a visa.
• Any applicant not more than 50 years old
• Applicants who already have the required skilled and qualifications before lodging the application.
• Applicants with the appropriate English language skills for Temporary Residence Transition stream or Direct Entry stream
• Applicants who have met the health and character requirements

These are the necessary documents needed for this visa: 

• Passport
• 2 passport size photos
• Marriage certificate or divorce certificate, if possible
• Birth certificate
• Evidence of financial dependency for applicants below 18 years old.

Direct Entry stream: 

• Detailed curriculum vitae/resume
• Transcript of records
• Work reference letters
• Skill assessment result
• IELTS or the International English Language Testing System exam with a score no lower than 6.0 in each band

Temporary Residence Transition stream: 

• A subclass 457 visa holder
• IELTS result of no lower than 5.0 in each band
• Certificate of employment of the last two years

Processing of applications takes more than six months; hence, it is best to complete all the necessary requirements most especially the IELTS test. For more information, visit http://www.immi.gov.au/. 



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