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Regional Skilled Migration Scheme Australia

The Regional Skilled Migration Scheme (RSMS) allows employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia to fill skilled positions they are unable to fill from the local labour market.

An employer can take part in the scheme if their business is in any area except Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, Melbourne and Perth.

Employers considering nominating persons under the RSMS may identify suitable nominees in various ways, including:

• Through their efforts in testing the local labour market;
• Personal contact and/or experience with the nominee;
• Recommendation from third parties; or
• Through DIAC's skill matching program.

Skill Matching Database

Skill matching is made possible by the Skill Matching Database. It contains the educational, occupational and personal details of Skilled-Independent category applicants and Skill Matching Visa applicants.

The Skill Matching Database is updated monthly and distributed to all State/Territory governments and to a network of regional development authorities.

Employers can use the database to identify suitable applicants for nomination under the RSMS or Labour Agreements. Applicants nominated from the database do not need to lodge a further visa application.

Regional Skilled Migration Scheme Process

The RSMS process consists of 3 stages:

1. Certification of the Nomination or Vacancy (by a certifying body)

In general terms, the employer must be able to demonstrate to a certifying body that:

• The position is a genuine full-time vacancy;
• It is available for at least 2 consecutive years;
• It requires qualifications equivalent to at least Australian diploma level (this includes trade certificates);
• The position cannot be filled from the local labour market;
• Employment and remuneration is in accordance with Australian industrial laws; and
• There is, or will be, an employment contract or letter of appointment covering the position.

2. Employer Nomination Assessment

The completed and certified nomination needs to be forwarded to the relevant Department Business Centre who needs to be satisfied:

• The nomination has been certified by a regional certifying body; and
• All the above requirements were met.

3. Visa Nominee Requirements

The nominee must complete and lodge an application. In general terms, the visa application will be assessed against the following:

• That the nominee has the relevant qualifications equivalent to at least an Australian diploma;
• That the nominee is able to satisfy any mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership requirements;
• That the position is for a fixed term of at least 2 years (supported by evidence of a contract);
• That the nominee is less than 45 years of age;
• That the nominee has functional English language ability; and
• That the nominee and all family unit members meet mandatory health and character requirements.

Visa Conditions

Cancellation of a visa will not occur where a nominating employer terminates an employee's contract within the 2 year period, provided the employee has made a genuine effort to complete the 2 years with the approved employer.

If the employee's visa is cancelled, the visas for people who accompanied the employee to Australia through the Regional Skilled Migration Scheme will also be cancelled.