Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) – Now Replaced

Important Update (2025-2026): The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa subclass 187 has been closed to new applications since November 2019. It has been replaced by the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494

The subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years. After 3 years on this visa, holders can apply for the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191) to gain permanent residence.

Key Requirements

Must be nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia
Must have a relevant skills assessment for your nominated occupation
Must be under 45 years of age at time of application
Must have at least competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list

Visa Fees (2025-2026)

Primary applicant: AU$4,640
Additional applicant 18+: AU$2,320
Dependent child under 18: AU$1,160
Nomination fee: AU$170

Pathway to Permanent Residence

After holding the subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years and meeting income and regional living requirements, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence visa. You must have earned at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of AU$73,150 per year during the 3-year period.

Regional Areas

From November 2019, regional Australia includes all areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This means cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, and all rural and remote areas are classified as regional.

You can attain the Regional sponsored migration scheme if you:

have been nominated by an approved regional Australian employer
are less than 50 year of age at the time of filing your application
have the required skills and qualifications for the position & occupation you are nominated under
have appropriate English language skills
meet health and character requirements
meet the eligibility of the stream you are applying under

The application process for obtaining this visa can be summarised as below:

Who	Responsibility
Employer	Nominates the position they want to fill Certification by the relevant Regional Certifying Body. Approval for the position from the concerned department. Recruitment of overseas workers.
Regional Certifying Body (RCB)	Scrutinize the nominations by employers against specific criteria Certification of the nomination if all criteria are met
Employee	Acceptance of employment Visa apllication Meet the required criteria on their visa if approved.

GOVERNMENT CHARGES		Notes
Government Charges	Fee	Notes
Govt. Fee ENS	AU $4640	This fee includes the main visa applicant and dependent.
OTHER COSTS (If Applicable)		Notes
Medical Examination	Variable (Depending upon the type of Medical Test and Examination required)	This fee is payable for each person included in your application and must be paid directly to the doctor conducting your examination.
Character Clearance (Police Check)	Variable	This fee is payable to the police authorities in the countries where you have lived for 12 months or more.
Certification/Translation of Documents	Variable	Payable to Translator
OUR FEE IN AUD		Notes
Category		Charges
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme		AU$5999