Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187)
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa, commonly known as the “RSMS visa,” is a permanent, employer‑sponsored visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia. As of 2026, new applications can only be made under the visa’s Temporary Residence Transition stream, and only by applicants who already hold, or have recently held, an eligible subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa.
The Two RSMS Streams
The subclass 187 visa was originally made up of two streams. One of these has been permanently closed to new applications since 2019:
Direct Entry (DE) stream – closed
The Direct Entry stream closed to new applications on 16 November 2019, when it was replaced by the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494). Subclass 494 is a provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residence after three years, via the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191). If you were hoping to apply under the old Direct Entry criteria, subclass 494 (leading to subclass 191) is now the relevant regional pathway, and our team can advise on whether it suits your circumstances.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream – open, in limited circumstances
The TRT stream remains open, but only to applicants nominated by an approved Australian employer for a genuine, ongoing regional position, who are a “transitional” worker.
In practice, this generally means the applicant held a subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, or a subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage, medium‑term stream) visa as of 20 March 2019, in an occupation on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and has continued working for the same employer in the same nominated occupation.
The nominated position also generally needs to be assessed by a Regional Certifying Body, confirming there is a genuine need for the role in that region and that it could not reasonably be filled locally.
Who Can Apply Under the TRT Stream
Eligibility for the TRT stream depends heavily on an applicant’s individual visa history, but generally, a successful applicant will need to:
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a genuine position located in a regional area, generally certified by a Regional Certifying Body;
- Be a “transitional” worker: generally, someone who held a subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, or a subclass 482 (medium‑term stream) visa as at 20 March 2019, in an occupation on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL);
- Have worked for that same employer, in the same nominated occupation, generally for 2 to 3 years within a relevant reference period (the exact threshold depends on when the applicant’s earlier visa was granted);
- Meet the health, character and, in most cases, Competent English requirements, unless an exemption applies; and
- Generally, be under 45 years of age, though limited age exemptions exist for some transitional workers and certain occupations (such as academics, medical practitioners, and researchers nominated by government or research agencies).
Every RSMS case turns on individual visa history. The dates on which you held (or hold) your subclass 457 or 482 visa, and the specific stream of that visa, determine which age, English and work‑experience thresholds apply to you. The figures above are a general guide only, not a substitute for advice on your specific circumstances. Speak with our migration team for an eligibility assessment specific to your circumstances before you rely on any of these figures.
Why the RSMS Pathway Is Narrowing
The subclass 457 visa was discontinued some years ago, and from 7 December 2024 the subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa was itself replaced by the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa as part of the Australian Government’s employer‑sponsored visa reforms. Because no new 457 or medium‑term 482 visas are being granted, the pool of workers who can still qualify as “transitional” workers for RSMS TRT purposes is shrinking over time. The Department of Home Affairs has not announced a fixed closure date for the TRT stream, but anyone who believes they may still be eligible should seek advice promptly rather than risk missing the window.
How Ramsden Lawyers Can Help
Our migration lawyers are experienced across the full range of skilled and employer‑sponsored visas, including legacy pathways like the RSMS subclass 187 visa. For employers and applicants navigating the TRT stream, we can assist with:
- Assessing whether you meet the “transitional worker” requirements and outlining the sponsorship, nomination and visa application process;
- Preparing a tailored document checklist so you know exactly what evidence is required for your circumstances;
- Collating and reviewing your supporting documentation;
- Preparing detailed submissions to the Department of Home Affairs addressing each visa criterion and the evidence provided in support;
- Preparing and lodging both the nomination and visa applications, together with all supporting evidence; and
- Advising on lodgement status, ongoing obligations, and current processing times as your matter progresses.
If you are an employer or a subclass 457/482 visa holder considering a regional employer‑sponsored pathway, our team can help you work out whether the RSMS subclass 187 visa, subclass 494, or another visa option is the right fit.
With offices in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney, and Melbourne, please do not hesitate to contact us today to arrange an initial consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the RSMS subclass 187 visa still open for applications?
Only partly. The Direct Entry stream closed permanently on 16 November 2019. The Temporary Residence Transition stream remains open, but only to eligible transitional subclass 457 or 482 workers.
What replaced the RSMS Direct Entry stream?
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), which offers a pathway to permanent residence via the subclass 191 visa after three years.
Is the subclass 187 visa a permanent visa?
Yes. It grants permanent residence immediately on grant.
How long does an RSMS application take to process?
Processing times change regularly. Check the Department of Home Affairs’ current published processing times before planning around a specific timeframe.
Will the RSMS visa close completely?
No fixed closure date has been announced for the TRT stream, but the pool of eligible applicants is shrinking as legacy 457 and medium‑term 482 visa holders diminish. Anyone who may be eligible should seek advice promptly.
RSMS subclass 187 visa
The RSMS subclass 187 visa’s Direct Entry stream is closed. Only transitional 457/482 workers can apply via the TRT stream. Ramsden Lawyers explains eligibility and how we can help.
