The Regional Skilled Migration Scheme (RSMS) is intended to facilitate the entry of skilled workers who have a job offer in a regional area of Australia. Criteria for grant of RSMS visas are generally easier to meet than for the ENS, but RSMS visas are subject to cancellation if the employee does not remain with the employer for 2 years.

Although the RSMS visa has lower requirements than the ENS visa, applicants may find the RSMS to be less accommodating depending on their specific needs and situation. Acacia Immigration Australia can determine best for you whether you should apply for the RSMS or the ENS visa. Acacia has notable experience in dealing with the regional certifying bodies handling your nomination and we have ample experience in getting the Age and English language waiver available for this visa.

Duration and Conditions

Results in the grant of a permanent visa with full work and study rights in Australia. Travel facility is valid for 5 years. However, if the employee does not commence employment within 6 months of grant of the visa, or does not stay working for the employer for a minimum of 2 years, then the RSMS visa may be cancelled.

Criteria

1. Certification: The position must be certified by a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) prior to the nomination being lodged with the Department of Immigration. .

2. Nomination (Employer Side): The employer must apply for approval of the nomination of non-citizen to fill a specific position in Australia. This will involve the following:

• Providing information on the operations of the business in Australia, and showing that it is in a good financial position to nominate the employee;
• The business must be operating in a regional area of Australia;
• The position must be open for at least 2 years;
• The position must require a diploma-level qualification, or be in a trade.

3. Nomination (Employee Side): The main requirements from the employee side are as follows:

• Must be under 45, unless exceptional circumstances apply;
• The employee must have the required skills to fill the position;
• Employee needs to demonstrate vocational English - a waiver of this requirement is available;
• All members of the family unit must meet full health & character requirements.

Do I Apply in Australia or Overseas?

The employer side (nomination) must be lodged in Australia. Applications for an RSMS visa must be made at the same DIAC post in Australia which processed the nomination. However, only holders of certain temporary visa classes are entitled to be granted an RSMS visa whilst in Australia.