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Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Subclass 119/857

This visa allows employers located in regional or low population areas in Australia to sponsor a skilled employee for a permanent visa. This visa is available for all areas of Australia except Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.

This visa is a permanent residence visa which means that the employee is responsible for their own welfare. The employer must pay an above award salary plus superannuation and offer the employee a 2 year contract of full time work. The employee must work for you for at least 2 years after which their permanent residence becomes unconditional. 

The applicant must have a suitable skill level of at least an Australian Diploma, be under 45 years of age and speak English to an acceptable level. A trade certificate with a full apprenticeship is equivalent to at least a Diploma qualification. There are exceptional circumstances that may be considered by DIAC when processing these applications. The applicant must live and work in the regional area. 

The visa has three stages:

1. Employer seeks the endorsement of the position with the applicable Regional Certifying Body (RCB)
2. Employer nominates the position that has to be filled
3. Prospective employee applies for the visa to enable them to take up that position.

The RSMS visa applications are presented to the appropriate Regional Certifying Body (RCB) for approval prior to going to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).  

The company will have to disclose evidence to DIAC to show that it is financially viable and able to support the position that it intends the migrant to fill. The company must have evidence that shows that they have been unable to successfully fill this position from the local job market and that they have an extensive training program in place for the Australians employed by them.