Regional Employer-Sponsored Permanent Visa
Visa Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa Australia
The Employer-Sponsored Regional Permanent Visa — Closed to Most, But Still Open for Transitional Workers
Before anything else, there is something important you need to understand about the Visa Subclass 187 — something that many people searching for it do not realise until they speak with a migration agent.
The Subclass 187 visa is no longer open for new applications. It has been replaced by newer regional employer-sponsored pathways, most notably the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa — Subclass 494. However, what does remain open is the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream — but only for a specific and narrowly defined group of transitional workers.
If you held a Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, or a Subclass 482 TSS visa in the medium-term stream on or before 20 March 2019, and you have been working in regional Australia — the Subclass 187 TRT stream may still be available to you. And it leads to full Australian permanent residency.
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Visa Overview
What Is the Visa Subclass 187 — And Which Streams Are Still Open?
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187) was an Australian employer-sponsored permanent residency visa designed to attract skilled workers to regional areas. It was the regional equivalent of the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa — structurally very similar, with the primary distinction being the geographic requirement. The 187 required the nominated position to be in regional Australia, while the 186 had no geographic restriction.
It was a permanent residency visa from the day of grant — not provisional, not temporary. Once approved, holders could live and work in Australia permanently. The visa originally operated across three streams.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
Open — but only for transitional 457 and 482 workers as defined. This is the only live pathway under the Subclass 187 in 2026.
Direct Entry Stream
Closed to all new applicants effective 16 November 2019. No longer available under any circumstances.
Labour Agreement Stream
Closed to new applications. No longer available under any circumstances.
TRT Stream Eligibility
Who Is Still Eligible — Transitional 457 and 482 Workers
The TRT stream of the Subclass 187 is open only to people who meet one of two specific definitions. If you do not fall into either category, the Subclass 187 is not available to you — and our team can confirm the right alternative pathway.
Transitional 457 Worker
A transitional 457 worker is an applicant who held a Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017. The Subclass 457 was abolished on 18 March 2018 when it was replaced by the Subclass 482. If you held a 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017 — even briefly — you may qualify.
Transitional 482 Worker
A transitional 482 worker is a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa holder in the medium-term stream who, on 20 March 2019, either held this visa or had applied for it. If you received your Subclass 482 after 20 March 2019, or were in the short-term stream, the 187 TRT stream is not available to you — the Subclass 186 is the correct pathway.
The Practical Test — Ask Yourself These Two Questions
- Did I hold a Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017?
- Did I hold or apply for a medium-term Subclass 482 visa on or before 20 March 2019?
If the answer to either question is yes, and you have been working for a regional employer in regional Australia, you may qualify for the Subclass 187 TRT stream. If the answer to both is no, the Subclass 186 is almost certainly the correct pathway for you — and our team at Migration Republic can confirm this.
TRT Stream Requirements
TRT Stream Requirements in Detail
For those who do qualify as a transitional 457 or 482 worker, the TRT stream requirements are as follows.
Work Experience Requirements
- General rule: 3 years of the past 4 years working full-time for the same nominating regional employer in the same nominated occupation
- Transitional arrangement: Where transitional arrangements apply, the 457/TSS visa holder must have worked for their employer for at least the last 2 years
- Must be the same employer that nominated them for the 457 or 482 visa
- Must be in the same occupation nominated under those visas
Other Key Requirements
- Age: Generally under 45 years — age exemptions may apply in certain circumstances (e.g. regional medical practitioners)
- English: Competent English required — at least 6.0 on each IELTS component (or equivalent). Test must be within the last 3 years before lodgment date
- Occupation: Must be on the Department's Occupations List with any required licence or registration held at time of application
- Regional area: The nominated position and employer must be in a designated regional area of Australia
- Health and character: One-fails-all-fails rule applies — all included family members must meet requirements
Employer Obligations
What the Regional Employer Must Demonstrate
The nominating regional employer has its own set of requirements under the Subclass 187 TRT stream. A key step unique to the 187 — not required under the 186 — is engagement with the Regional Certifying Body (RCB).
Employer Must:
- Be actively and lawfully operating a business in a designated regional area of Australia
- Demonstrate a genuine ongoing need for the nominated position on a full-time basis
- Lodge an application to the relevant Regional Certifying Body (RCB) demonstrating genuine need and that the position cannot be filled by an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Offer a salary that meets or exceeds the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) of $76,515 — from 1 July 2025
- Comply with Australian workplace relations laws
- Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy — which cannot be passed on to the applicant
SAF Levy — Employer Obligation
The employer must pay a one-time Skilling Australians Fund levy:
- Small business (annual turnover under $10M): AUD $3,000
- Other businesses (turnover $10M+): AUD $5,000
The SAF levy is an employer obligation under Australian migration law. If your employer attempts to charge you for it or asks you to reimburse it, this is a breach of their legal obligations and should be reported.
Visa Advantages
Key Benefits of the Visa Subclass 187
Permanent Residency From Day One
The RSMS visa is a permanent visa from the day of grant. Unlike provisional regional visas such as the 491 and 494, the 187 grants full permanent residency immediately — no provisional period, no second application.
Full Work Rights Anywhere in Australia — After Two Years
Visa holders are required to continue working for their regional employer for a minimum of two years after grant, after which they have unrestricted work rights anywhere in Australia. After that initial two-year obligation, you are free to live and work anywhere with no restrictions.
Medicare Access
Permanent residency through the 187 provides eligibility to enrol in Australia's public healthcare system — Medicare. This applies from the date the visa is granted.
Five-Year Travel Facility
Unlimited travel in and out of Australia for five years from the visa grant date. After the five-year facility expires, a Resident Return Visa is required to re-enter as a permanent resident.
Family Members Included
Partners and dependent children can be included in the application and receive permanent residency alongside the primary applicant.
Sponsor Eligible Relatives and Pathway to Citizenship
Once you hold the 187, you can sponsor eligible relatives for other visa categories. After meeting residency requirements, you can also apply for Australian citizenship — the same pathway as any other permanent residency visa.
Visa Comparison
Subclass 187 vs Subclass 186 vs Subclass 494 — Which Is Right for You?
Given that the Subclass 187 is largely closed, understanding how it compares to the visas that have replaced it is important for making the right decision.
| Feature | Subclass 187 (RSMS) | Subclass 186 (ENS) | Subclass 494 → 191 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Closed except transitional TRT | Open — all streams | Open — provisional then PR |
| Who Can Apply | Transitional 457/482 workers only | Broad employer-sponsored applicants | Skilled workers in regional roles |
| Visa Type | Permanent (immediate) | Permanent (immediate) | Provisional → Permanent (3 years) |
| Regional Restriction | Yes — regional employer required | No — anywhere in Australia | Yes — regional area for 3+ years |
| Same Employer Rule | Yes — TRT stream strictly | No — multiple sponsors now allowed | No |
| Salary Threshold | CSIT $76,515 | CSIT $76,515 | No CSIT (but AMSR applies) |
| Work Obligation Post-Grant | 2 years with regional employer | None — free to change employer | 3 years regional compliance |
| Path to PR | Already PR at grant | Already PR at grant | Via Subclass 191 after 3 years |
Not sure which pathway applies? If you are not a transitional 457 or 482 worker, the Subclass 187 is not available to you. The Subclass 186 is the primary employer-sponsored permanent residency pathway for most skilled workers. If your position is in regional Australia and your employer cannot sponsor a 186, the Subclass 494 followed by the Subclass 191 is the correct regional pathway. Our team can assess your situation and identify the right option.
Government & Professional Fees
Visa Subclass 187 Cost
The cost structure for the Subclass 187 TRT stream mirrors that of the Subclass 186, with the same government application charges applying. Fees are as of 1 July 2025.
| Cost Item | Who Pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination Fee | Employer | AUD $540 * |
| SAF Levy — Small Business (<$10M turnover) | Employer | AUD $3,000 * |
| SAF Levy — Large Business ($10M+ turnover) | Employer | AUD $5,000 * |
| Visa Application Fee — Main Applicant | Applicant | AUD $4,910 * |
| Additional Applicant 18+ | Applicant | AUD $2,455 * |
| Additional Applicant Under 18 | Applicant | AUD $1,230 * |
| Second Instalment (18+ without functional English) | Applicant | AUD $4,885 * |
| English Language Test (IELTS/PTE/OET) | Applicant | AUD $400–$600 |
| Health Examinations (per adult) | Applicant | AUD $350–$500 |
| Police Clearances | Applicant | AUD $50–$100 per country |
| Migration Republic Professional Fee | Applicant | Contact Us |
Important: Fees are reviewed annually each July and may increase. The SAF levy is an employer obligation and cannot be passed on to the applicant. Always verify current fees in ImmiAccount before lodging. Processing times for the TRT stream are broadly comparable to the Subclass 186 — typically 6–12 months for complete, well-organised applications.
Application Process
How to Apply for the Subclass 187 TRT Stream
Confirm Transitional Worker Eligibility
Before anything else, confirm that you meet the definition of either a transitional 457 worker or a transitional 482 worker. This is the threshold eligibility question — if you do not meet it, the Subclass 187 is not available to you and the Subclass 186 or 494 should be explored instead.
Confirm Regional Employer Eligibility
Verify that your employer operates in a designated regional area of Australia and meets the requirements to nominate under the Subclass 187 TRT stream, including the commitment to offer full-time ongoing employment.
Employer Engages Regional Certifying Body (RCB)
The business lodges an application to the relevant Regional Certifying Body to demonstrate that there is a genuine need for the position and that it cannot be filled by an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This step is specific to the Subclass 187 and does not apply to the 186.
Employer Lodges Nomination via ImmiAccount
The employer lodges the nomination application through ImmiAccount, paying the nomination fee ($540) and SAF levy at this stage.
Lodge Visa Application Within Six Months
The visa application is submitted by the employee, providing details of how the worker is skilled for the nominated occupation and personal details of all applicants. Lodge within six months of nomination approval — if you miss this window, you will need a new nomination.
Complete Health and Character Checks
All applicants and included family members must complete health examinations with a Department-approved panel physician and provide police clearances from all relevant countries.
Await Decision — Permanent Residency Granted
The Department assesses both the nomination and visa application. If both are approved, the Subclass 187 visa is granted and you become an Australian permanent resident.
Document Checklist
Documents Required for the Subclass 187 TRT Stream
For the Visa Applicant
- Valid passport and identity documents
- Evidence of holding a qualifying Subclass 457 or 482 visa during the transitional period
- Evidence of full-time employment with the nominating regional employer for the required period (2 or 3 years depending on transitional provisions)
- English language test results (IELTS, PTE, OET, or equivalent) — within the last 3 years before lodgment
- Evidence of nominated occupation and any mandatory registration, licence, or professional membership
- Health examination results from a Department-approved panel physician
- Police clearances from every country lived in for 12 or more months in the past 10 years
- Australian Values Statement
For the Employer (Nomination)
- Business registration documents (ABN, ASIC registration)
- Evidence of active and lawful operation in a designated regional area
- Regional Certifying Body (RCB) letter confirming genuine need for the position
- Evidence the offered salary meets CSIT ($76,515) and AMSR
- SAF levy payment receipt and nomination fee payment
For Included Family Members
- Passport and identity documents
- Proof of relationship — marriage certificate, birth certificates
- Health examination results
- Evidence of functional English for secondary applicants 18 or over
How We Help
Our Visa Process
Transitional Worker Eligibility Assessment
This is the most critical first step for any Subclass 187 inquiry. We review your visa history — specifically your 457 or 482 holding period and the dates involved — to determine definitively whether you qualify as a transitional 457 or transitional 482 worker. If you do not qualify, we identify the correct alternative pathway (Subclass 186 or 494) and explain what that means for your timeline.
Employer and Regional Certifying Body Coordination
We work with your employer to assess their eligibility to nominate under the 187 TRT stream, guide them through the Regional Certifying Body process, and prepare the nomination application. The RCB step is specific to the 187 and requires careful preparation — this is not something employers should navigate without guidance.
Employment Evidence Review
For the TRT stream, the quality and completeness of employment evidence is critical. We review your employment records — contracts, payslips, tax documents, and employer confirmation letters — to ensure the required period of full-time regional employment is clearly and compellingly documented.
Complete Application Preparation and Lodgment
We prepare your complete visa application package, coordinate all health and character checks, review every document, and lodge via ImmiAccount. Both the nomination and visa application are coordinated carefully so nothing is missed and the timeline from nomination to visa lodgment is managed effectively.
Active Case Management and Alternative Pathway Advice
After lodgment, we monitor your application and respond promptly to any Department requests. If it becomes clear that the Subclass 187 is not available to you, we immediately redirect to the most appropriate alternative — Subclass 186 TRT or Direct Entry, or Subclass 494 for regional employer-sponsored workers — and begin building the correct application without delay.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Migration Republic
Why Choose Migration Republic?
The Subclass 187 is one of the most technically complex visa assessments in the Australian migration system in 2026 — not because the visa itself is complicated, but because determining whether someone actually qualifies under the transitional provisions requires a careful reading of their visa history, the dates involved, and the specific stream they held.
Getting this wrong has real consequences. Applying for a visa you are not eligible for wastes time, money, and potentially affects your ability to remain in Australia. And missing an eligibility window you actually did qualify for — because you assumed the 187 was closed without checking — can mean losing a direct pathway to permanent residency.
At Migration Republic, our MARA-registered migration agents take the time to assess your visa history precisely. We know the transitional provisions, we know the difference between the 187 and 186 TRT streams, and we know when the 187 is the right pathway versus when the 186 or 494 is the better option. We also work closely with regional employers through the Regional Certifying Body process — a step unique to the 187 that requires careful coordination.
Transparent Process
Regular updates at every stage for both applicant and employer so everyone always knows where things stand.
Precise Eligibility Assessment
We read your visa history carefully and give you an honest, accurate answer — 187 TRT, 186, or 494. No guesswork.
End-to-End Support
From eligibility confirmation and RCB coordination through to permanent residency grant — for both applicant and regional employer.
Ready to Explore the Visa Subclass 187 TRT Stream?
If you held a Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, or a medium-term Subclass 482 visa on or before 20 March 2019, and you have been working for a regional Australian employer — the Subclass 187 TRT stream may still be the pathway to your permanent residency. Do not assume it is closed without checking. And do not assume you qualify without verifying. Our MARA-registered agents at Migration Republic will give you a definitive, accurate assessment of where you stand.
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