187 — Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)

Australia•Oceania

Open

187 — Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

4,910 AUD

Stay Duration

Permanent (stay indefinitely)

Renewable

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Living in Australia

Cost of Living

1% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryA$67,200

Quality of Life

190/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The Australian Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia. Only the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream remains open — the direct entry stream closed on 16 November 2019 when Subclass 494 replaced it.

TRT applicants must have held a Subclass 457 or 482 visa by the relevant cut-off dates, worked for their sponsoring employer for at least two years, and earn at least AUD 76,515. The visa grants permanent residence; dependants can be included and spouses may work. The application fee is AUD 4,910.

This visa is ideal for transitional 457 or 482 holders already working in regional Australia with their nominating employer who want a permanent residence outcome.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a transitional subclass 457 or subclass 482 worker who held or had applied for a subclass 457 or 482 visa on or before 18 April 2017

Must be nominated by an approved employer for a position in regional Australia

Must be under 45 years of age (exemptions apply)

Must have at least competent English (IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent)

Must meet health and character requirements

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Min. Income

76,515 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Approved nomination reference number

Employment contract stating terms and location in regional Australia

Skills assessment or evidence of qualification and work experience

English language test results (if not exempt)

Police clearance certificates

Application Process

Employer submits a nomination application for the regional position

Nomination is approved

Applicant lodges the visa application online linking it to the approved nomination

Pay the visa fee of AUD 4,910

Undergo health checks and upload police clearances

Visa is granted

Verified Claims (18)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Employer submits a nomination application for the regional position; Nomination is approved; Applica…	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Dependent Visa	Subclass 187 (dependents can be included in the primary application)	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Discontinued Note	Direct entry stream closed 16 November 2019, replaced by Subclass 494. Temporary Residence Transitio…	migration.sa.gov.au
Fee Breakdown	Base application charge: 4910 AUD	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Fees	AUD 4,910	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Job Offer Required	true	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Official Info	https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/regional-sponsor-migration-scheme-…	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Max Age	44	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

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Overview

This visa is ideal for transitional 457 or 482 holders already working in regional Australia with their nominating employer who want a permanent residence outcome.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a transitional subclass 457 or subclass 482 worker who held or had applied for a subclass 457 or 482 visa on or before 18 April 2017

Must be nominated by an approved employer for a position in regional Australia

Must be under 45 years of age (exemptions apply)

Must have at least competent English (IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent)

Must meet health and character requirements

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Min. Income

76,515 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Approved nomination reference number

Employment contract stating terms and location in regional Australia

Skills assessment or evidence of qualification and work experience

English language test results (if not exempt)

Police clearance certificates