Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)

CMI Legal’s experienced migration lawyers assist eligible transitional workers with RSMS 187 visa applications, employer nominations, and permanent residence pathways, providing clear advice and strategic guidance across Australia.

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What Is the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa 187?

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) was Australia’s primary pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers sponsored by employers in regional areas. This employer-sponsored visa allowed qualified workers to live and work permanently in Australia while contributing to regional workforce needs.
The subclass 187 visa closed to new applicants on 16 November 2019 when the Australian Government introduced the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) as its replacement. However, the 187 visa remains available to transitional applicants who held, or had applied for, a subclass 457 or 482 work visa before specific cut-off dates.

RSMS 187 Eligibility Criteria (TRT Stream)

The Temporary Residence Transition stream has specific requirements across several categories. Understanding each criterion is essential before proceeding with your application, with guidance from an experienced immigration lawyer in Sydney.

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Regional Employer Nomination

Your employer must operate a lawful business in a designated regional area of Australia and nominate you for a position that is genuine and ongoing. The employer must demonstrate a genuine need for your skills and show that the position will exist for at least the next two years. Regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metropolitan areas.
The Department of Home Affairs scrutinises employer nominations carefully. In our experience, nomination refusals often occur when employers fail to provide sufficient evidence of genuine business operations or cannot demonstrate the ongoing nature of the position. Our team assists employers with preparing comprehensive nomination applications that address these common issues.

Transitional 457/482 Work Requirements

You must have worked for your nominating employer in a regional area for at least three years on a 457 or 482 visa in the nominated occupation or a related occupation. This work must have been full-time and continuous, though some allowances exist for reasonable breaks such as annual leave.
The three-year work requirement is strictly enforced. The Department calculates this period carefully, and gaps in employment or periods working in non-regional areas can affect eligibility. We recommend gathering comprehensive payslips, employment contracts and superannuation statements early to demonstrate your work history conclusively.

Age, Skills and English

Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application, though exemptions may apply for certain transitional workers. You must hold the skills and qualifications necessary to perform the nominated occupation, though formal skills assessments are not always required for the TRT stream if you have already been working in the role.
English language requirements depend on your transitional category. Some applicants may benefit from concessional arrangements that allow competent English rather than the vocational English standard. Our migration team can advise which English requirements apply to your specific circumstances.

Health, Character and Other Public Interest Criteria

All applicants and included family members must meet health requirements, typically demonstrated through medical examinations conducted by a Bupa Medical Visa Services panel physician. Character requirements involve providing police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past ten years.

English language requirements depend on your transitional category. Some applicants may benefit from concessional arrangements that allow competent English rather than the vocational English standard. Our migration team can advise which English requirements apply to your specific circumstances.

Who Can Still Apply for an RSMS 187 Visa?

Although the RSMS 187 visa closed to new applicants in November 2019, the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream remains available to certain transitional workers. You may still be eligible if you meet the transitional worker criteria based on your previous 457 or 482 work visa history.
Transitional 457 workers who applied for or held a subclass 457 visa before 18 April 2017 may access the 187 TRT stream. Similarly, transitional 482 workers who held a 482 visa in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) stream before 16 November 2019 may also qualify.
If you are uncertain whether you qualify as a transitional applicant, our migration lawyers can assess your visa history and confirm your eligibility. Many applicants discover they have options they were unaware of, while others learn that pursuing alternative pathways would be more advantageous.

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Our experienced RSMS 187 visa lawyers provide clear advice for transitional workers and employer-sponsored permanent residence pathways. Book a quick 15-minute consultation or a detailed 45-minute strategy session.

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Key Benefits of the RSMS 187 Visa

The subclass 187 visa offers significant advantages for eligible transitional applicants:

  • Permanent residence from day one: Unlike provisional visas, the 187 grants immediate permanent resident status.
  • Medicare access: Full access to Australia’s public healthcare system for you and your family.
  • Work and study rights: Unrestricted work rights anywhere in Australia and access to domestic student fees.
  • Family inclusion: Include your partner and dependent children in the same application.
  • Sponsor relatives: Ability to sponsor eligible family members for their own Australian visas.

How the RSMS 187 Application Process Works

The 187 visa application involves a two-stage process: employer nomination followed by a visa application. Our immigration lawyers guide you through each stage to maximise your prospects of approval.

Eligibility and Transitional Worker Assessment

We begin by reviewing your visa history, employment records and personal circumstances to confirm you meet the transitional worker criteria. This assessment identifies any potential issues early and determines whether the 187 pathway is your best option or whether alternative visas, such as the 186 or 494, would be more suitable.

Employer Nomination
Preparation

We work with your employer to prepare a robust nomination application. This includes gathering evidence of the business's regional operations, demonstrating the genuine nature of the position and ensuring all supporting documents meet Department requirements. Our team liaises directly with employers to streamline this process.

Visa Application Lodgement & Department Assessment

Once the nomination is approved or lodged concurrently, we prepare and submit your visa application through the Department’s online system. We manage the assessment stage, monitor progress, and respond promptly to any requests for further information to avoid delays.

Visa Grant, PR Rights
& Next Steps

After the visa is granted, you and any included family members receive permanent residence. We guide you through your PR rights and obligations, including Medicare enrolment, employer notification, and understanding your pathway to Australian citizenship.

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With 14+ years of experience helping visa applicants, CMI Legal’s registered migration lawyers deliver practical immigration advice and fixed-fee services that reunite families, build careers, and make Australia home.

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Processing Times for the RSMS 187 Visa

Processing times for RSMS 187 applications vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application. As of early 2025, the Department of Home Affairs indicates that most TRT stream applications are processed within 12 to 18 months, though complex cases may take longer.

Applications with complete documentation, clear transitional eligibility and straightforward circumstances are generally processed faster. Our approach focuses on submitting thoroughly prepared applications that minimise the need for additional information requests and reduce processing delays.

Why Choose CMI Legal For Your Visa Application?

Comprehensive Immigration Services

CMI Legal provides end-to-end immigration law services in Sydney, covering skilled visas, employer sponsorship, permanent residency and citizenship, ensuring clear guidance at every stage of your migration journey.

14+ Years of Immigration Expertise

With over 14 years’ experience, our immigration lawyers in Sydney understand complex visa laws and deliver strategic advice backed by proven success across Australian migration pathways.

Registered MARA Migration Agents 

 Our MARA-registered migration agents ensure your visa application complies with Australian immigration law, reducing risks, avoiding errors and improving approval outcomes for temporary and permanent visas.

Fixed-Fee Pricing with No Surprises

Unlike many immigration lawyers who charge unpredictable hourly rates, we provide upfront fixed-fee quotes for our migration services. You’ll know the total cost before you commit, no hidden charges, no billing surprises.

Sydney-Based with Australia-Wide Service

Located in Sydney with deep knowledge of New South Wales immigration matters, we serve clients across Australia and internationally. Whether you’re in Sydney, regional areas, or overseas planning your migration journey, we provide expert guidance throughout the whole process.

Personalised Visa
Strategy

We develop a personalised visa strategy based on your unique circumstances, ensuring that your application aligns with Australian immigration law. From determining the right partner visa process subclass to gathering the most relevant supporting evidence, we guide you step by step, ensuring all legal requirements are met.

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Client Testimonials and Reviews

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Max Swan
22:16 01 Jul 25
I’ve had an incredibly positive experience working with John & Winnie on my matter. From start to finish, they have been professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive throughout what’s been a stressful time for me.

They explained every step of the process clearly, responded promptly to any questions I had, and made complicated situations feel a lot more manageable. I felt like I was in good hands the entire time, and their calm, confident approach really helped me stay grounded.

Highly recommend CMI services to anyone needing immigration or legal assistance — couldn’t be more grateful.

Thanks again!
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danny
11:57 26 Jun 25
As an old customer of CMI, this year is already the 8th year. Special thanks to attorney John and attorney Tina for carefully answering our various questions, providing a lot of professional advice and help, allowing us to easily complete each transaction.
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Vivien Lu
01:39 23 May 25
Tina was a great lawyer - she was always incredibly knowledgeable, answered all questions promptly, and very friendly. Would recommend Tina!
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04:58 14 Mar 25
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Jeremy Tong
22:32 20 Sep 24
Tina was a great help in guiding us through our first home buying experience. She gave us a lot of great explanations and advice from initial discussion of the process through every step until successful settlement. Communication and resolution of issues was prompt and professional.
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Yun Jung Hsieh
05:56 12 Aug 24
Tina is a fantastic lawyer. her responses to my queries were thorough and timely, and impeccable organizational skills! Truly appreciated her clear and consistent communcation througout the entire property-purchasing process. she handled everything with profressionalism and expertise, making what could have been a stressful experience much smoother. Highly recommend!
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Jeena Jung
05:04 06 Aug 24
We had the pleasure of working with Tina as our solicitor for our first home purchase, and we couldn’t have been in better hands. She carefully explained every step of the process, guiding us through what initially felt overwhelming and unfamiliar. Buying off the plan made us particularly cautious, especially when it came to reviewing legal documents. Tina’s meticulous approach put us at ease—she ensured we both clearly understood each aspect, taking the time to highlight and reorganise information to make it more accessible. Her dedication and professionalism made the entire experience far less daunting, and we’re truly grateful for her support.
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Keyu Jiang
10:03 05 Aug 24
John and Tina have provided great professional legal service since 2017 for me.
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Ian Pereira
09:18 04 Jul 24
I realised that I hadn’t left a review for my dealings with CMI legal. I had dealt with them a few months ago, but an epiphany made me come and leave a review.

5 stars is insufficient to express their work. We were working Dee and she is an amazing and thorough professional. She goes above and beyond and explains matters that makes you understand things really well. Thank you Dee for your amazing work.

FAQs About Immigration Law Services

No. The 187 visa closed to new applicants on 16 November 2019. However, transitional arrangements allow certain 457 and 482 visa holders who meet specific criteria to continue accessing the TRT stream. If you held or applied for a 457 visa before 18 April 2017, or held a 482 MLTSSL visa before the closure date, you may still be eligible.

Transitional 457 workers are those who applied for or held a 457 visa before 18 April 2017. Transitional 482 workers held a 482 visa in the MLTSSL stream before 16 November 2019. Both categories must have worked for their nominating employer in a regional area for at least three years in their nominated or a related occupation.

No. Once your 187 visa is granted, you receive permanent residence with unrestricted work rights. You can change employers, change occupations or relocate anywhere in Australia without affecting your visa status.

The 187 visa was specifically for regional employer-sponsored workers and is now closed except for transitional applicants. The 186 visa covers non-regional employer sponsorship and remains open. The 494 visa replaced the 187 as a provisional regional visa, requiring holders to live and work regionally for three years before applying for the 191 permanent visa.

Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children under 23 years of age in your application. All family members must meet health and character requirements and will receive permanent residence when their visa is granted.

If your employment ends before your visa is decided, the Department will assess whether the nomination remains valid. In some circumstances, you may need to find a new regional employer willing to nominate you, or explore alternative visa options. We recommend seeking advice immediately if your employment situation changes during processing.

Current processing times for the TRT stream range from approximately 12 to 18 months, though this varies based on application complexity and completeness. Well-prepared applications with clear documentation typically process faster than those requiring additional information.

If you hold a 494 visa, you are not eligible for the 187 visa. The 494 was introduced as the replacement pathway, and 494 holders must apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa after completing three years of regional residence and work. Our team can advise on 191 eligibility and timing.

While not legally required, professional assistance significantly improves application quality and reduces the risk of refusal. Transitional arrangements involve complex eligibility criteria, and errors can result in visa refusal and limited appeal rights. Our registered MARA agents ensure your application addresses all requirements correctly.

Meet Our Experienced Legal Team of Migration Lawyers

Mathew Wu

Director

Jhon Zhang

Principal

Tina Tang

Lawyer

Rita Lam

Lawyer

Malorie Tan

Lawyer

Meet Our Team