Permanent Visas

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme - RSMS (119/857)

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) is for employers in regional Australia to fill skilled positions they are unable to fill from the local labour market.

Under the RSMS, employers are able to nominate staff from overseas or temporary residents currently in Australia to fill full-time, permanent vacancies. The employees applying for this visa can be either skilled workers from overseas or skilled temporary residents.  This visa allows you and any dependent family members included in your visa application to live as permanent residents in Australia.

An eligible position must meet the following requirements:

• is located in a regional area
• cannot be filled by an Australian employee
• is a genuine full-time vacancy
• is available for at least 2 consecutive years
• requires a person with qualifications equivalent to at least Australian diploma level (unless exceptional circumstances apply).

To be eligible for a permanent visa under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, the prospective employee must:

• have the relevant qualifications for the nominated position, which are equivalent to at least an Australian diploma level
• meet any mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership requirements
• have been offered a position for a fixed term of at least 2 years (supported by evidence of a contract or letter of appointment signed by both the employer and the employee) 
• be under 45 years 
• have functional English language ability