1. What is the Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187)?
The Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187) is a permanent residence visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia. It requires sponsorship from an employer in a designated regional area of Australia, and the occupation must be on the list of eligible occupations for regional sponsorship.2. How does the Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187) differ from other types of Australian visas?
The main difference between the Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187) and other Australian visas is that it requires sponsorship from an employer in a designated regional area. This visa also leads to permanent residency, allowing the holder to remain in Australia indefinitely and access social security benefits. Other types of visas may have different requirements, durations, and restrictions on work rights and access to social security.
3. What are the eligibility requirements for the Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187)?
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must:
– Have an occupation on the list of eligible occupations for regional sponsorship
– Be under 45 years of age at the time of application
– Have at least three years of relevant work experience
– Meet English language proficiency requirements
– Be nominated by an employer in a designated regional area
– Meet health and character requirements
There may be additional requirements depending on which pathway under this visa subclass an applicant applies through.
4. What is the process for obtaining a Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187)?
The process typically involves three stages: nomination by an employer, application for approval as a sponsor from the Department of Home Affairs, and application by the skilled worker.
First, the employer must nominate the position they wish to fill with a foreign worker. They must provide evidence that they have unsuccessfully attempted to fill the position with an Australian worker or resident.
Once approved as a sponsor, employers can nominate foreign workers who meet all relevant criteria. The nominated worker then submits their own application for this subclass via an online portal, providing evidence of their skills, qualifications and work experience.
5. Can family members be included in the Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187) application?
Yes, the spouse or de facto partner and dependent children of the primary applicant can be included in the visa application. They will have the same permanent residency status as the primary applicant.
6. Do I need to have a job offer before applying for the Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187)?
Yes, this visa requires sponsorship from an employer in a designated regional area of Australia. The employer must also nominate you for a position that is on the list of eligible occupations for regional sponsorship. It is important to secure a job offer before applying for this visa.
7. What are my obligations if I am granted a Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187)?
As with any Australian visa, holders of this visa must comply with all conditions and obligations outlined by the Department of Home Affairs. This includes residing in a designated regional area, working in the nominated occupation for at least two years, and adhering to all laws and regulations while living and working in Australia. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in visa cancellation.
8. Can I apply for Australian citizenship with a Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187)?
Yes, holders of this visa can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting certain requirements such as residency and language proficiency. Once granted Australian citizenship, individuals have full rights and privileges as Australian citizens including voting and unrestricted travel.
9. Is there a different processing time for this subclass based on which region my sponsor is located?
The processing time may vary depending on where your sponsor is located as different regions may have different levels of demand or specific circumstances affecting processing times. You can check current estimated processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
10. Are there any changes being made to the Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187)?
Yes, some changes to this subclass are being considered by the Australian government as part of its overall migration program. These may include changes to the eligible regional areas or occupation lists, and potential changes to eligibility criteria for certain occupations. It is important to regularly check the Department of Home Affairs website for updates and changes that may affect your application.
2. Who is eligible for the Regional Sponsored Migration Visa?
The Regional Sponsored Migration Visa is available to skilled workers who have been nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia and who have the necessary skills and qualifications for a specific job. The applicant must also meet certain age, English language, health, and character requirements.
3. What are the requirements for the Regional Sponsored Migration Visa?
The requirements for the Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187) are as follows:
1. Nomination by an approved Australian employer located in a designated regional area of Australia.
2. The nominated position must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL).
3. Meeting the skills and qualifications requirements for the nominated occupation.
4. Satisfy health and character requirements.
5. Under 45 years of age at the time of application.
6. Competent English language skills (a minimum score of 6.0 in each component of IELTS, or equivalent).
7. Have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation, if required.
8. Meet certain criteria if you have held certain visas or worked in Australia before.
9. Have an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa lodged on your behalf by your employer within six months of being nominated.
It’s important to note that meeting these basic criteria does not guarantee approval for the visa, as additional factors such as demand for your particular occupation in the regional area may also be considered during the application process.
Additionally, different streams may have slightly different requirements, such as a shorter age limit or different English language proficiency level. It is important to carefully check all eligibility criteria before applying for this visa subclass.
4. How long does it take to process a Regional Sponsored Migration Visa application?
The processing time for a Regional Sponsored Migration Visa can vary depending on individual circumstances and the complexity of the case. However, on average, it takes between 6 to 12 months for the Department of Home Affairs to process the application. It is important to note that this is an estimate and processing times can change at any time.
5. Can I apply for a subclass 187 visa without a job offer in Australia?
No, a job offer from an employer in Australia is a mandatory requirement for the visa application. The subclass 187 visa is designed to assist Australian employers in meeting their labor needs by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas. Therefore, you must have a job offer from an eligible employer in Australia before you can apply for the visa.
6. Do I need to have English language proficiency for the subclass 187 visa?
Yes, you must demonstrate a level of English language proficiency for the subclass 187 visa. This can be done through one of the following:
1. Being a holder of a valid passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada or New Zealand
2. Scoring at least a proficient level in an English test such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced
3. Achieving at least a competent level on all four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) in the Occupational English Test (OET)
4. Holding a degree, diploma or trade qualification that was taught in English and is equivalent to at least an Australian bachelor’s degree or higher qualification
If you are unable to meet any of these requirements, you may still be able to apply for the visa if you can demonstrate that your employer has exempted you from this requirement due to exceptional circumstances.
7. Are there any specific occupation requirements for the subclass 187 visa?
Yes, there are specific occupation requirements for the subclass 187 visa. Applicants must be nominated for a position that is on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) or the Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL). These lists include occupations that are in high demand in regional areas of Australia. Additionally, applicants must have the skills and qualifications necessary to perform the nominated occupation, as well as meet any applicable licensing or registration requirements.
8. Can I include my family members on my Regional Sponsored Migration Visa application?
Yes, you can include your family members on your Regional Sponsored Migration Visa application. Your spouse or de facto partner, dependent children, and other eligible dependent family members can be included as secondary applicants on your visa application. However, they must meet the relevant health and character requirements and must be declared in your application. Additionally, you must have enough funds to cover their living expenses during their stay in Australia.
9. Is there a maximum age limit for applying for a subclass 187 visa?
Yes, applicants must be under the age of 45 to apply for a subclass 187 visa. This age limit may be waived in some circumstances, such as if the applicant is nominated for a position in an occupation on the Regional Occupation List or if they have exceptional skills or experience relevant to their nominated occupation.
10. What steps do I need to take to apply for the subclass 187 visa?
1. Check eligibility: Before starting the application process, it is important to ensure that you meet all the requirements for the subclass 187 visa. This includes having a nomination from an Australian employer and meeting the relevant skills, qualifications, and experience requirements.
2. Choose the right stream: The subclass 187 visa has three streams – Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Labor Agreement – each with its own set of requirements. You need to determine which stream you are eligible for before proceeding with your application.
3. Get nominated by an employer: In order to apply for the subclass 187 visa, you must have a nominating employer who is willing to sponsor you for permanent residency in Australia. Your employer will also need to provide evidence that they cannot find a suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position.
4. Gather documents: You will need various documents to support your application, including your passport, birth certificate, proof of English language proficiency, educational qualifications and work experience certificates.
5. Apply online: Once you have gathered all necessary documents and determined your eligibility, you can start your online application through the Department of Home Affairs’ website.
6. Pay applicable fees: There are various fees associated with the subclass 187 visa application including a nomination fee and a visa application fee. Make sure to pay these fees at the time of application or your application may be delayed or rejected.
7. Undergo health and character checks: As part of your application process, you will need to undergo health examinations to ensure that you are in good health and meet Australia’s health standards. You will also need to provide police clearance certificates from all countries you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
8. Wait for a decision: After submitting your completed application and supporting documents, it may take several months for a decision to be made on your visa application.
9. Prepare for arrival: If your visa is granted, you will need to prepare for your move to Australia. This may include finding accommodation, arranging for healthcare, and organizing any necessary travel arrangements.
10. Comply with visa conditions: Once you arrive in Australia, it is important to comply with all the conditions of your subclass 187 visa. This includes maintaining employment with your nominating employer for at least two years from the date your visa was granted. Failure to meet these conditions may result in cancellation of your visa.
11. Do I need to undergo a medical exam as part of my visa application?
The necessity of a medical exam as part of your visa application will depend on the country you are applying to visit or immigrate to. Some countries may require applicants to undergo a medical exam, while others may not have this requirement. It is important to check with the consulate or embassy of the country you are planning to visit for their specific requirements.
12. Will I be required to provide police clearance certificates?
It depends on the specific requirements of the organization you are applying to. Some organizations may require police clearance certificates as part of their background check process, while others may not. It is best to check with the organization directly or consult their application guidelines for more information.
13. How much does it cost to apply for a Regional Sponsored Migration Visa?
As of July 2021, the processing fee for a Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (subclass 187) is $4,045 for the primary applicant. This cost does not include any additional fees such as health assessments or police checks, which may be required for the application. Additionally, if you use an immigration agent to assist with your application, there may be other fees associated with their services. It is recommended to consult with a registered migration agent for a full breakdown of the costs involved in applying for this visa.
14. Is there an annual quota or limit on the number of subclass 187 visas granted each year?
There is no specific annual quota or limit for subclass 187 visas (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) as it falls under the Employer Sponsored stream of Australia’s skilled migration program. However, there are overall quotas for the permanent Employer-Sponsored program, and priority is given to those positions that have been nominated in regional and remote areas. This means that there may be a higher rate of success for subclass 187 visa applications in these areas compared to major cities.
15. Can I change employers once I hold a subclass 187 visa?
Yes, you can change employers once you hold a subclass 187 visa. However, your new employer must be in a regional area and the new job must still meet all the necessary criteria for the visa. You may also need to notify the Department of Home Affairs of your change in employment.
16. Can I apply for permanent residency through the subclass 187 visa?
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency through the subclass 187 visa, also known as the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa. This visa is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an employer in a regional or low-population growth area of Australia. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are nominated by your employer, you can apply for permanent residency through this visa subclass. You must also meet certain criteria such as age, English language proficiency, skills assessment, and health and character requirements.
17. Is there an age requirement for nominated positions under this visa category?
There is no specific age requirement for nominated positions under this visa category. However, applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria and have the skills and experience required for the nominated position. This may include possessing relevant qualifications or work experience in the nominated occupation.
18. What are the regional areas in Australia where this type of visa applies?
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa applies to designated regional areas in Australia, which include:
1. New South Wales – excluding the greater Sydney area: All postcodes between 2311 and 2312, 2328 and 2333, 2336 to 2490, and 2535 to 2551.
2. Queensland – excluding the greater Brisbane area: All postcodes in Queensland except for those in the metropolitan areas of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba.
3. South Australia: The entire state is considered a designated regional area.
4. Western Australia: The entire state except for Perth and surrounding areas.
5. Victoria: The entire state except for Melbourne and surrounding areas.
6. Tasmania: The entire state is considered regional.
7. Northern Territory: The entire territory is considered regional.
8. Australian Capital Territory (ACT): The ACT is currently not classified as a regional area for this type of visa unless under exceptional circumstances determined by the Department of Home Affairs.
19. How long is the validity period of a subclass 187 visa?
The subclass 187 visa is a permanent residency visa, so it does not have an expiry date. Once granted, the visa is valid for a lifetime, as long as the holder complies with Australian immigration laws and their visa conditions.
20. Can I apply for Australian citizenship after holding a Regional Sponsored Migration Visa?
Yes, you can apply for Australian citizenship after holding a Regional Sponsored Migration Visa. However, to be eligible for citizenship, you must have held the visa for at least 4 years and meet other requirements such as holding a permanent residency status, maintaining good character, and demonstrating your commitment to living in Australia. It is also important to note that the eligibility criteria for citizenship may change over time. Therefore, it is important to check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information before applying.