Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) allows employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia, to sponsor employees who are foreign nationals for a permanent visa to work in Australia.

The employees applying for a visa can be either of the following: 

• skilled workers from overseas
• skilled temporary residents currently in Australia who hold a qualifying visa

To determine if your area is considered regional it is important to refer to the eligible postcode list.

Members are encouraged to visit the official homepage of the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme which contains some important background reading about the process, eligibility requirements and your obligations.

Once employers and visa holders are satisfied they meet the eligibility requirements they should commence preparing their applications using the following checklists:

Step 1: The employer applies for certification
Step 2: The employer nominates a position
Step 3: Employee applies for a visa

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship undertakes to process these applications within 5 - 8 months.