Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) closed on 16 November 2019

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187) visa is now closed. Employers who have lodged an application for the RSMS visa (subclass 187) with the Department of Home Affairs on or before 11:59pm AEST on 15 November 2019, can still apply for nomination certification advice with WA Migration Services.  

To nominate a skilled position under the direct entry stream of the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) with the Department of Home Affairs, the employer and the  nominated position must be assessed by a Regional Certifying Body (RCB). 

The Department of Training and Workforce Development, through WA Migration Services, is the RCB for Western Australia (excluding the Goldfields–Esperance region). The Perth metropolitan area is not eligible for the RSMS visa (subclass 187).

To be assessed by WA Migration Services, applications must demonstrate the following criteria and the certifying body must be satisfied that: 

• there is a genuine need for the identified position, under the direct control of the nominator.
  

• the position cannot be filled by an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident who is living in, or would move to the local area concerned.
  

• the identified person will be paid at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation. The AMSR is defined by the Department of Home Affairs on their salary and employment condition requirements for sponsored skilled visas page.

• The nominated occupation is listed on the Medium and long-term strategic skills list or Regional occupation list.
  

For more information see the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme checklist for applying for nomination certification.

To lodge an application with WA Migration Services you need to:

• prepare the required documents listed in the checklist for nomination certification; 

• scan and attach the required documents to the form. All documents should be high quality colour copies of the original; and

• pay the $200 application fee.
  

Once the assessment has been completed, the nominator (employer) will receive an email with the Regional Certifying Body advice and a signed Form 1404 which is then used in your application to the Department of Home Affairs.

The Regional Certifying Body assessment advice must have been obtained no more than three (3) months before the date the nomination is lodged. If the assessment is dated more than three (3) months before the date the nomination is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs decision maker may require a fresh RCB assessment to be obtained. This is because labour market conditions may have changed sufficiently for new advice to be warranted.

If you have any questions regarding the process, contact the WA Migration Services team.

For information regarding the application to the Department of Home Affairs, contact the Department of Home Affairs.