How to Acquire Australian 187 Visa: Requirements & Checklists

Applying for Australian 187 visa, formerly known as RSMS visa, is a big step to gaining the right to live permanently in Australia. This visa is meant for skilled workers who seek sponsorship from their employers to work in regional areas of Australia. It is important that you follow the requirements in this pathway and plan and work towards achieving them. This article provides an overview of the Australian 187 visa which includes – its application requirements, checklists and the processing time.

Eligibility for RSMS Visa Australia

Employer Nomination Scheme visa 187 is designed for the skilled workers in regional Australia and New Zealand. It provides an opportunity to qualify for the status of permanent residency, provided certain conditions are met. To be eligible, you must:

Be Nominated by an Approved Employer: Your employer must be based in a specific regional area in Australia and must have nominated you for a specific position.

Have the Required Skills and Qualifications: You must have the skill, education, and experience that is required by the Australian government for the nominated occupation.

Meet Health and Character Requirements: Applicants are also expected to undergo a health check and avail clearance certificates from the police indicating they are of good conduct.

Be Under 45 Years of Age: When applying, you must be below 45 years of age, although there may be some special cases to this rule.

Have Competent English Proficiency: Fluency in English is required if you are not an exception based on your nationality or other circumstances.

Subclass 187 Requirements

The 187 visa consists of two main streams:

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: This is for people who have a temporary visa to work for their employer for more than three years and have been sponsored by their employer for a permanent position.

Direct Entry (DE) Stream: This is for those applicants who are outside the country or have not been serving their nominating employer for the last three years.

For both streams, the core requirements include:

Nomination by an Employer: The employer must nominate you for a position that is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Position Must Be Full-Time and Ongoing: The job offer must be of a full-time nature and the employer must provide evidence of the availability of the offer.

Skills Assessment: For DE stream you require a positive ability assessment report from the assessing authority in relation to your occupation.

187 Visa Occupations

The RSMS visa is available to applicants in many fields. Some common occupations include:

Healthcare Professionals: Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Tradespersons: Such occupations include electricians, plumbers and carpenters.

Engineers and IT Professionals: Software engineers, civil engineers, and network administrators.

Agricultural Workers: Those involved in agricultural activities such as farming and other technicians.

It’s important to verify whether your occupation is on the relevant list and ensure you meet the specific criteria for your job category.

Subclass 187 Visa Processing Time

The time it takes to process a 187-visa application also depends on the 187-visa stream that you are applying in and the quality of your application. Generally:

TRT Stream: It may take approximately 11 to 18 months to process.

DE Stream: Processing might take between 13 and 24 months.

It is very important to fill in all the documents properly and submit them on time so that there are no delays. Additional information or checks may be required, and this may take time to satisfy such requirements.

Application checklists for students and their parents

Document Checklist

Valid Passport: Make sure that your passport is valid for the period of the application process.

Nomination Approval Letter: Based on your employer.

Skills Assessment: Successful skills assessment outcome.

English Language Test Results: IELTS, PTE or any other test as per the requirement of the university.

Health and Character Documents: Health examination results and police clearance certificates.

Employment History: Specific records of your employment history and experiences.

Preparation Tips

Consult with a Migration Agent: Considering the detailed procedure of the 187 visas, it is advisable to seek advice from a registered migration agent.

Keep Updated with Immigration Policies: Australian immigration laws and practices can always evolve thus ensuring one is up to date is important before applying.

Prepare for Interviews: Prepare to showcase your willingness to live and work in the regional areas of Australia.

Applying for 187 visas in Australia requires a lot of planning and compliance with certain criteria. Therefore, by fulfilling all the requirements outlined in this guide and then multiplying your chance of a successful application, you will be closer to your dream of getting permanent residency in Australia.