Regional Sponsored Permanent Residence (RSMS) subclass 187 is a Permanent Residency visa allows employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia to sponsor employees for a permanent visa to work in Australia.

The RSMS receives the highest priority from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection within the skilled migration stream.

There are three entry streams:

1. Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS) is for subclass 457 visa holders who have worked for their employer for 2 years and whose employer wants to offer them a permanent position in that occupation.
2. The Direct Entry stream is for prospective employees who have not held a subclass 457 visa for atleast 2 years, or who are applying directly from overseas. This stream will require Certification from a Regional Ceritfying Body.
3. The Agreements stream is for prospective employees who are being sponsored by an employer through a negotiated Labour Agreement or Regional Migration Agreement.

Each stream has general criteria that must be satisfied, in order for applicants to be eligible. The following criteria must be met for all streams:

• Applicants must be less than 50 years of age when making the application;
• Be nominated by an approved Australian employer, who will sponsor them in a position in regional Australia;
• Have the required skills and/or qualifications to perform the position; and
• Be paid the market rate.

There are exemptions available in limited circumstances

What you can do with this visa:

• Permanent Residency visa allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely
• Work and Study in Australia
• Enrol in Medicare, Australia's health care scheme
• Apply for Australian Citizenship (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency (subject to eligibility criteria)