How this Visa Works
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A Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme needs:
- an Australian employer
- an overseas employee
- an eligible position.
The process for obtaining a visa under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme is summarised below.
| Who | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Employer |
|
| Regional Certifying Bodies (RCB) |
|
| Employee |
|
Employers
Australian employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia can participate in this scheme.
All areas of Australia are eligible except Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Melbourne and Perth.
See: Eligible postcodes for the Regional Subclass 457 programme and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
Regional Certifying Bodies
Regional Certifying Bodies are organisations that:
- have knowledge of the skills shortages in their local area
- know whether a business is actively operating in their local area
- are able to assess positions under the legislative requirements of the scheme.
There are a number of Regional Certifying Bodies throughout Australia. All Regional Certifying Bodies are endorsed by the relevant state or territory government and many are branches of the State or Territory regional development portfolio.
See: Regional Certifying Bodies
Employees
An employee is a foreign national who:
- meets the age, skill and language requirements
- has an employer that is willing to sponsor them for this visa.
If eligible, employees and their accompanying family members will be granted a permanent visa.
Eligible position
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).
See: Exemption from Eligibility Requirements
Note: A Trade Certificate with full apprenticeship is accepted as equivalent to or higher than a diploma qualification.
Validity Periods
The validity period of the:
- nomination is 6 months
- visa is permanent.
More information
Detailed information on the Regional Sponsored Migration scheme is also available in the booklet 5.
See: Booklet 5 Employer Sponsored Migration (187KB PDF file)