The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) is a visa category for skilled workers who want to work and live in regional Australia. It has two streams: the Temporary Residence Transition stream and the Direct Entry stream.
Under the Temporary Residence Transition stream, a person must have held a subclass 485 visa for two years and worked in the same occupation as their 485 visa for at least the past year.
Under the Direct Entry stream, a person must have at least three years of relevant work experience and meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Both streams require nomination by an approved Australian employer and endorsement by the relevant regional certifying body.
Successful applicants under the Subclass 187 visa will be granted permanent residency in Australia, allowing them to live and work in the country on a long-term basis.