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How to Secure an 187 Visa and Live in Regional Australia as a Skilled Worker

If you’re a skilled worker planning to settle in regional Australia, the 187 Visa (RSMS) could be your pathway to permanent residency. In this guide, we’ll explain how the visa works, its benefits, and the essential steps to help you navigate the application process. Ready to take the next step toward a new life in Australia? Keep reading to find out how to get started!

Visa 187, also referred to as the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS), permits qualified employees to reside and work in regional Australia. It provides permanent residency status, access to Medicare, and the ability to sponsor a family. At CMI Group, we guide you through the application process, from employer sponsorship and visa applications to compliance, providing expert legal advice and a seamless transition for skilled workers in regional Australia.

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Key Benefits of the 187 Visa

The 187 Visa is the direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers. This visa is particularly attractive for those who want to establish a stable career in regional areas. Below are the key benefits explained in detail:

Permanent Residency in Australia

The greatest benefit of the 187 Visa is that it provides permanent residency in Australia. This means visa holders can:

  • Indefinitely live, work, and study in Australia with no restrictions.

  • Apply for social security benefits (after the required residency period).

  • Get the freedom to travel to and from Australia and a travel facility for five years.

  • Utilise government-funded services and community programs.

Work Stability with a Secured Job in Regional Australia

Unlike temporary visas, the 187 Visa provides job security, as it requires the applicant to be sponsored by an Australian employer. Benefits include:

  • Guaranteed Job Offer: Since the visa is employer-nominated, applicants find work before they arrive in Australia.

  • Permanent Residency in Australia: Unlike temporary visas, you don’t need to find new sponsors or renew your visa to stay in Australia.

  • Regional Employment Growth: Many regional areas have skill deficiencies, which can create a demand for skilled workers in key industries such as healthcare, engineering, trades, and hospitality.

Access to Australia’s Public Healthcare System (Medicare)

With a permanent visa, you can enrol in Medicare, the public health system in Australia, which offers:

  • Free or heavily subsidised medical care at public hospitals.

  • Lowered expenses related to doctor visits and prescriptions.

  • Bulk billing services are available, so you can see doctors for little or no out-of-pocket costs.

Family Inclusion – Bring Your Loved Ones

187 Visa holders can sponsor family members in their application, providing them with the same benefits:

  • Spouse or Partner: Your partner could reside, study, and work in Australia as a permanent resident.

  • Dependent Children: Children under the age of 18 (or financially dependent adult children) can be included and receive permanent residency.

  • Healthcare and Education Benefits: Free public education is available for family members, and Medicare ensures a better future for children.

Eligibility Requirements for the 187 Visa

Before applying for the 187 Visa, it’s essential to ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria that are listed below:

  • Nomination by an Australian Employer: You must be nominated by an employer in a designated regional area for this visa to be eligible. The employer must show that no suitable Australian worker has been found for the position.
  • Occupation on the Skilled List: You must have a nominated occupation that is listed in the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or other relevant skilled occupation lists.
  • Work Experience and Skills: For eligibility, you are required to possess relevant qualifications and at least three years of full-time work experience in your occupation.
  • Age Limit: At the time of lodging your visa, you must be under 45 years of age. However, based on where you work, how much you earn, and other circumstances, there are some notable exceptions.
  • English Language Proficiency: You will need to show good English language skills with accepted English language test scores (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.).
  • Health and Character Requirements: Applicants and their immediate relatives need to meet Australia’s health and character requirements, including a medical exam and police clearance certificates.

The Application Process for the 187 Visa

The Subclass 187 Visa application process involves securing an employer nomination, meeting legal criteria, and submitting the required documents, all of which need careful planning. It’s critical to know the step-by-step process when hoping for a smooth application and approval. Here is an explanation of each stage:

  • Step 1: Employer Nomination: The Subclass 187 Visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia but requires employer sponsorship. You must have an approved employer sponsor who must nominate you for a full-time post. It must be on the skilled occupation list, and the employer must demonstrate they were unable to find a suitable Australian worker.
  • Step 2: Submit Your Visa Application Once the employer’s nomination is approved, you need to apply for the visa through the online application in ImmiAccount. This includes personal information, qualifications, job experience, and any skills assessment if necessary. You must also provide proof of English proficiency test results, employment contracts, and additional documentation that will demonstrate you meet the visa’s eligibility requirements.
  • Step 3: Undergo Health and Character Checks: Before the visa is granted, an applicant should satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements. To prove your clean record, you’re required to undergo a medical examination by an authorised panel doctor and submit police clearance certificates from any country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the last ten years.
  • Step 4: Wait for Processing and Decision: After you submit your application, the Department of Home Affairs will evaluate it. Processing times may differ, but they are expected to take between 12 months and 24 months. During this time, you might be required to submit more documents, attend an interview, or clarify certain portions of your application before you get the final decision.
  • Step 5: Visa Outcome: If your Subclass 187 Visa is granted, you will be granted permanent residency to live and work in an eligible regional area of Australia. If your application is denied, you will be issued with a letter detailing why the application was refused, and whether you can appeal through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Challenges Applicants Face & How to Overcome Them

  • Finding an Eligible Employer: Skilled workers have difficulty finding regional employers to sponsor them. Search job websites such as SEEK, Indeed, and regional job boards. You can also reach out to registered migration agents and connect with employers in Australia.
  • Meeting Skill and Experience Requirements Some applicants may lack relevant work experience. Increase your skills or go through skills assessments through organisations such as Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
  • English Language Barriers: Certain applicants find difficulty in English test scores. Take preparatory courses and practice tests for IELTS or PTE Academic before applying.
  • Lengthy Processing Times: It can take more than a year for a visa to be approved. Make sure your papers are correct and complete to help avoid delays.

Why Choose CMI Group for Your 187 Visa Application?

At CMI Group, our visa lawyers specialise in immigration law and provide a smooth process for the Subclass 187 Visa. We help with employer sponsorship, documentation, visa lodgement, and appeals. Our experienced team works with current applicants to streamline the process, avoiding unnecessary delays, ensuring applicants meet the legal requirements, and successfully ensuring permanent residency in Australia with confidence. We have years of experience working with immigration law, ensuring that your application has the best chance of success.

Conclusion

The 187 visa for regional work offers skilled workers an opportunity to live, work, and bring their families to Australia. It provides a pathway to permanent residency through the 187 visa and allows individuals and their families to settle in regional Australia. Understanding the application process, eligibility requirements, and the benefits of the visa can help you plan your migration journey effectively.

At CMI Legal, we are committed to helping skilled workers navigate the complexities of the Australian immigration system. Our team of immigration law experts is here to provide you with the guidance you need to successfully apply for the 187 visa, transition to permanent residency, and bring your family with you.

FAQs

Yes, but you need to work for your sponsoring employer for a minimum of two years after your visa is issued. Leaving earlier may result in visa cancellation.

You may be refused a visa application if your employer withdraws your nomination before it is approved. In that case, you will have to find a new sponsor and apply again.

Yes. After four years of lawful residence in Australia, including at least one year as a permanent resident, you may be eligible for Australian citizenship.

The base application fee is around AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant and is higher for dependents.

If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal to the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal). Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney will maximise your appeal’s success.

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