Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) is a permanent visa for people with a job offer in a regional area of Australia. These areas are gazetted.

Criteria for grant of RSMS visas have a lower threshold than for the ENS, but RSMS visas are subject to cancellation if the employee does not remain with the employer for 2 years.

Certification - The Employer

The position must be certified by a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) prior to the nomination being lodged with the Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC).

Nomination - The Employer

The employer must apply to DIAC for approval of the nomination of the applicant to fill a specific position in Australia. This will involve the following:

1. Submitting information about the operations of the business in Australia, and showing that the business is in a good financial position to nominate the employee.
2. The business must be operating in a regional area of Australia.
3. The position must be open for at least 2 years.
4. The position must require a diploma-level qualification, or be in a trade.

Visa Application- The Employee

The main requirements from the employee side are as follows:

1. Must be under 45, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
2. The employee must have the required skills to fill the position unless exceptional circumstances apply.
3. Employee needs to demonstrate functional English - a waiver of this requirement is available.
4. All members of the family unit must meet full health & character requirements.

Duration and Conditions

Results in the grant of a permanent visa with full work and study rights and Medicare in Australia.

However, if the employee does not commence employment within 6 months of grant of the visa, or does not stay working for the employer for a minimum of 2 years, then the RSMS visa may be cancelled.

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