Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

(Subclass 119/857)

Under this visa, Australian employers in regional areas may recruit skilled persons from overseas or temporary residents in Australia for employment in a nominated position certified by the relevant regional certifying body. This is a permanent visa with an obligation on the employee to remain employed for at least two years in the nominated position in the regional area. This visa is available for all regions in Australia except Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast and Wollongong. Any secondary applicants included in the visa application can live, work and / or study in Australia.

Eligibility

Employee

The candidate must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Provide a letter of appointment or contract signed by both the employer and employee for a fixed term of at least two years.
  • Have qualifications equivalent to an Australian diploma that is appropriate for the nominated position. (A Trade Certificate with full apprenticeship is accepted as equivalent or higher than a diploma for trade occupations.)
  • Meet any mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership requirements for the position.
  • Have functional English language ability
  • Under 45 years of age
  • Candidate and dependant family members must meet all requirements of Health, Character and Australian Values Statement.

Exemption from eligibility requirements

Under some circumstances, exemption from skill, language or age eligibility requirements may be considered depending on the position, availability / non availability of a suitable candidate, occupation in demand, skills acquired, etc.

Employer

The employer has to fulfil all requirements and meet all conditions as required, be assessed and approved by the regional certifying body to nominate a position.

They must have a legitimate need for an employee to fill in a full time position for at least 2 years and ensure remuneration for the position is in line with relevant workplace legislation and awards.

The employer must be lawfully operating a business in regional Australia and have a good record of meeting all relevant Australian and immigration laws.

Compliances

Employer


The employer must issue a letter of offer or a contract that is for full time employment for at least two years in the specified region and must meet all relevant Australian standards and workplace legislation for wages and working conditions.

Employee


If arriving from overseas the employee must commence employment within six months of arrival in Australia.

If the employee is already in Australia, commencement of employment must be within six months from the date the visa is issued.

The employee must be employed in the nominated position in the regional area for at least two years.

Non compliance in completing the two year contract with the employer may lead to cancellation of the visa.

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