The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) allows employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia, to sponsor employees who are foreign nationals for a permanent visa to work in Australia.

This visa is for employers operating in regional and low population growth areas of Australia, who want to sponsor skilled workers to fill skilled vacancies in their business.

The employees applying for a visa can be either of the following:

skilled workers from overseas

skilled temporary residents currently in Australia.

Visa applicants who are currently living and/or working in Australia on a qualifying visa can apply for the onshore RSMS (subclass 857) visa. If you do not hold a qualifying visa, you may still be eligible to apply in Australia if you last held a qualifying visa no more than 28 days prior to lodging an application. The offshore RSMS (subclass 119) visa is for applicants who are outside Australia. Note: Applicants who do not hold a qualifying visa can apply for the offshore RSMS visa (subclass 119) and lodge their application in Australia. However, applicants must be outside Australia at the time of visa grant.

Eligibility

A regional certifying body must first certify the nominated position against the following criteria;

Business must be activitly and lawfully operating in Regional Australia

The position must be available for a minimum of two (2) years

The busienss requires a person with a diploma level qualification or higher.

Note:  Waiver of certain requirements is available.

In addition to the above, the department will also assess the application against the following criteria:

the nomination has been approved by the relevant Regional Certifying Body

the business follows all relevant Australian laws and has a satisfactory record of meeting immigration laws (if applicable)

the nominated position is in a business operated by the employer

the position is being remunerated in accordance with relevant workplace legislation and awards.

The Employer must:

hold a qualifying visa (or apply for the offshore visa equivalent)

have the relevant qualifications for the nominated position, which has an Australian equivalent trade, diploma or higher qualification

meet any mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership requirements which allow you to work unsupervised and without further training

have been offered a full time position for a fixed term of at least two years (supported by evidence of a contract or letter of appointment signed by both the employer and the employee)

be under 45 years old

have Functional English language ability

Note:  Waiver can be applied for in certain circumstances.

Visa Charges:

Nomination:    $520.00

Visa:              $2960 (onshore); $1,995 (offshore)