The Direct Entry Stream of the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa offers skilled workers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. This visa targets individuals who have a nomination from an Australian employer for a job in regional Australia. Candidates do not need to have previously worked in Australia, making it an attractive option for those looking to relocate directly. Applicants must meet specific skill requirements, hold relevant qualifications, and pass an English language proficiency test. This stream promotes regional development by addressing skill shortages in less populated areas. By facilitating the migration of skilled workers, the RSMS visa supports economic growth and community sustainability in regional regions. Successful applicants and their families gain the right to live, work, and study in Australia permanently, enjoying the benefits of Australian residency while contributing to the local workforce and community. The Direct Entry Stream thus plays a crucial role in Australia's immigration strategy, fostering regional prosperity.
Processing Times
To get an idea of how long it takes to process this visa, refer to the Visa Processing Time Guide Tool. This tool reflects recent application decisions, serving as a general guide rather than specific to your application.
Benefits of the Visa
- Indefinite Stay: Live in Australia permanently.
- Work and Study: Access employment and educational opportunities in Australia.
- Healthcare: Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Sponsor Relatives: Bring eligible family members to Australia.
- Travel Flexibility: Travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years.
- Path to Citizenship: Eligible for Australian citizenship if requirements are met.
Eligibility for Family Members
You can include various family members in your application, such as your partner, dependent children, and stepchildren. Family members must meet health and character standards.
Application Process
- Location: Apply from within or outside Australia.
- Visa Status: Ensure you hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B, or C if applying within Australia.
- Processing: Application processing times may vary based on correct form submission and document completeness.
Obligations
- Compliance: Adhere to all Australian laws during your stay.
- Employment Requirement: Work for your nominating employer in regional Australia for at least 2 years.
Travel Conditions
- Initial Travel Period: Travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years from the visa grant date.
- Resident Return Visa: After 5 years, obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV) for re-entry as a permanent resident.
- Digital Visa: Australian visas are issued digitally; no physical label is provided in your passport.
Additional Considerations
- Payment: Ensure correct visa application charges are paid promptly.
- Compliance Monitoring: Failure to meet employment obligations may result in visa cancellation.
- Return Considerations: Leaving Australia after the travel facility expires may affect your ability to return as a permanent resident.
This summary provides an overview of the Direct Entry Stream of the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa, tailored to provide clear guidance while ensuring compliance with Australian immigration standards.
Eligibility Criteria for Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa
Occupational Requirements
- Occupation Eligibility: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupations list, and you must be nominated by an employer.
- Work Experience: Typically, you need at least 3 years of relevant work experience, unless exempt.
- Exemptions: Exemptions from the work experience requirement apply if you hold a Special Category visa (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461).
Skills Assessment
- Positive Assessment: A positive skills assessment is required if your occupation is listed on IMMI 12/096 Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities.
- Exemptions: Exemptions from the skills assessment apply under specific conditions, such as holding certain visas or obtaining qualifications in Australia.
Licensing and Registration
- Professional Requirements: You must hold any necessary licenses, registrations, or memberships required for your occupation in the intended state or territory of work.
Employer Nomination
- Nomination Requirement: You must be nominated by an actively operating Australian employer.
- Timing: Apply for the visa within 6 months of nomination approval.
Age Requirement
- Age Limit: Generally, applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of application, with some exemptions for academics and specialists.
Health and Character Requirements
- Health Requirement: You and accompanying family members must meet Australia's health standards.
- Character Requirement: Applicants aged 16 and above, including family members, must meet character requirements.
Australian Values Statement
- Values Commitment: Applicants aged 18 and above must sign a statement affirming their commitment to Australian values and laws.
English Language Proficiency
- Language Skills: Competent English proficiency is required for visa approval.
Financial Obligations
- Debt Repayment: Any debts to the Australian Government must be repaid or under a formal repayment arrangement.
Visa History
- Visa Integrity: Your eligibility may be affected if you have had a visa canceled or a previous application refused in Australia.
This detailed outline ensures compliance with the requirements of the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa, promoting clarity and accessibility for applicants seeking to settle and work in Australia.
STEP BY STEP PROCESS FOR APPLICATION
Step 1: Preparing for Your Application
Skills Assessment
- Before applying, ensure you undergo a skills assessment to validate your qualifications and expertise for your intended job role.
English Language Proficiency
- Verify the currency of your English test results, ensuring they meet the visa requirements.
Health Examinations
- Schedule your health examinations either before or after submitting your application. Learn more about the required examinations and how to arrange them beforehand.
Application Assistance
- While not mandatory, consider consulting a registered migration agent for guidance on your visa application process. Alternatively, designate someone to receive correspondence or provide immigration assistance.
Employer's Nomination Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
- Ensure your employer submits a nomination application and obtain the TRN from them, essential for your visa application.
Legal Considerations
- Beware of legal implications regarding visa sponsorship, as penalties apply for any misconduct related to this process. Familiarize yourself with guidelines to avoid potential pitfalls.
Step 2: Gathering Your Documents
Accuracy in Information
- Provide accurate details throughout your application to avoid complications related to identity verification and information authenticity.
Identity Documents
- Include pages from your current passport displaying personal information, along with any national identity card or change of name documents, if applicable.
Licensing, Registration, and Membership
- If necessary for your occupation, submit evidence of mandatory licenses, registrations, or professional memberships in the state or territory where you plan to work.
Skills and Qualifications Documentation
- Submit documentation verifying your skills and qualifications, or evidence exempting you from this requirement, such as relevant work experience or qualifications obtained in Australia.
Age Exemption Documentation
- If you're 45 years or older, provide documentation proving exemption from age eligibility criteria based on specific occupational nominations or other qualifying factors.
English Language Proficiency Documentation
- Include documents demonstrating your Competent English proficiency level required for the visa.
Health Documentation
- Health examination results are directly transmitted to immigration authorities by your medical practitioner, eliminating the need for you to submit these documents separately.
Character Documentation
- Provide an Australian police certificate if you've resided in Australia for a cumulative total of 12 months or more since turning 16, and corresponding police certificates from other countries where applicable. Additionally, include military service records if applicable.
Nomination of Assistance
- Specify individuals authorized to receive your correspondence or provide immigration advice on your behalf using the appropriate forms.
Partner Documentation
- Include identity and character documents, and either your current marriage certificate or evidence of a de facto relationship spanning at least 12 months.
- This structured approach ensures thorough preparation for your Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa application, adhering to all regulatory requirements and enhancing your chances of a successful outcome.
Proof of English Proficiency
- Functional English Requirements
- Demonstrate that your partner meets the Functional English standard.
Non-Compliance Consequences
- Failure to prove Functional English for dependents may necessitate payment of the second instalment upon request.
Documents for Dependents Under 18
Provide the following for each dependent under 18 years old applying with you:
- Identity Documents
- Relationship Proof: Such as birth or marriage certificates
- Character Documents: If applicable
Parental Consent Requirements
Obtain consent for any dependent child migrating to Australia from those legally entitled to decide their residence, not accompanying them to Australia.
- Submit either:
- Form 1229: Consent form for an Australian visa for a child under 18
- Statutory Declaration: Declaring consent for the child's migration, accompanied by contact details, signature, and photo identification.
Documents for Dependents Over 18
Provide the following for each dependent 18 years old or older applying with you:
- Identity Documents
- Relationship Evidence: Including documents about other relationships if applicable
- Character Documents
Dependency Proof
Establish the individual's status as a family member and their dependence on you:
- Complete Form 47a: Details of a child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over
- Proof of relationship: Such as birth certificates or adoption papers
- Evidence of financial dependence over the past 12 months, such as:
- Proof of cohabitation
- Tax records
- Current enrollment in studies
Translation and Document Preparation
Translation Requirements
Translate all non-English documents into English and provide both original and translated copies with your application.
- Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
- Include translator details: Full name, address, telephone number, qualifications, and language expertise.
Document Scanning
Scan or photograph all documents (in color) clearly. Save multi-page documents as a single file.
Step 3: Visa Application
Unfortunately, applications for this visa are currently closed.
Status Updates
We cannot provide interim updates on application status.
Travel Considerations
While your application is processed, you can travel outside Australia without prior notification. Ensure you hold a valid visa for re-entry.
Health Examinations
If not previously completed, await notification if health examinations are required via ImmiAccount.
Biometric Information
We may request biometric data (fingerprints and photo) and will notify you accordingly.
Additional Information Requests
Respond promptly to any requests for additional documents or information via Immi Account.
Compliance with Visa Conditions
Maintain lawful status by holding a valid visa during processing.
Bridging Visa
Upon application in Australia, a bridging visa will likely be granted if your current visa expires before a decision is made.
Payment and Amendments
Second Instalment Payment
Upon meeting all other visa requirements, an invoice for the second instalment will be issued. Pay only upon receipt of the invoice.
Adding Family Members
You can include additional family members in your application before a decision is made, including:
- Your partner
- Dependent children
- Newly born children
- Application Management
Error Notification
- Rectify promptly of any errors in your application using Form 1023: Notification of incorrect answers.
Step 4: Visa Outcome
Decision Notification
- You will be informed of the visa decision in writing, whether you are in or outside Australia during the decision process.
Visa Grant Information
- Upon approval, details such as your visa grant number, start date, and any applicable conditions will be provided.
Refusal Information
- If your visa is refused, reasons for refusal and information on review rights will be provided. Unfortunately, visa application charges are non-refundable in case of refusal.
AFTER RECEIVING THE VISA POINTS TO CONSIDER (Coming to Australia)
Before Departure
Travel Document Verification
Ensure you have the following:
- A valid visa for entry into Australia
- A current passport or equivalent travel document
Arrival at the Border
Completing the Incoming Passenger Card
All arrivals to Australia must complete an Incoming Passenger Card, provided during your flight.
Efficient Airport Departure
Utilize SmartGate for expedited departure, leveraging automated facial recognition technology with your ePassport.
New Zealand Passport Holders
If processed by an immigration officer, inform them:
- You possess a permanent Australian visa
- You do not require a Special Category visa (subclass 444)
Failing to do so might result in unintentional granting of a subclass 444 visa, potentially impacting eligibility for Australian citizenship.
In Australia
Benefits of Your Visa
This visa allows you to:
- Reside indefinitely in Australia
- Work and study in Australia
- Access Australia’s Medicare health scheme
- Sponsor eligible relatives to join you
- Travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years
- Pursue Australian citizenship if eligible
Initial Adjustments
New residents may experience waiting periods for certain Australian Government payments and benefits.
Obligations on Your Visa
Compliance with all Australian laws is mandatory for you and your family members.
Regional Work Requirement
Expectation to work for your nominating employer in regional Australia for a minimum of 2 years. Failure to comply could result in visa cancellation.
Commencement of Employment
Start working within 6 months of either:
- Entering Australia (for visas granted offshore)
- Visa grant date (for visas granted in Australia)
Permanent Residency
Duration of Travel Facility
You can travel to and from Australia on this visa for up to 5 years from the date of grant.
Resident Return Visa (RRV)
After this period, obtain an RRV to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident if your travel facility expires.
Visa Validation and Documentation
Use VEVO to demonstrate visa status and conditions. Request international movement records for proof of travel to and from Australia.
Employment in Australia
Workplace Rights
Working in Australia grants you protections under Australian workplace laws. Familiarize yourself with your rights and entitlements.
Sponsorship of Family Members
Bringing Relatives
As a permanent resident, explore options to sponsor eligible relatives to immigrate to Australia.
Pathway to Citizenship
Australian Citizenship
Eligibility for Australian citizenship becomes possible after a specified period. Learn more about the citizenship process and requirements.
Departure from Australia
Before Departure
Ensure your travel documents are in order, including a valid passport or equivalent travel document.
Visa Validity Check
- Verify visa conditions and expiry through VEVO before departure.
- Departure Procedures at the Border
Efficient Departure
- Utilize SmartGate for streamlined departure processes using facial recognition technology with your ePassport.
After Leaving Australia
Proof of Travel
- Request international movement records to obtain proof of your travels to and from Australia.
Disclaimer: Explore your opportunities wisely! While we strive to provide accurate information about the Australia work permit, it's essential to conduct thorough research based on the details provided. For the latest updates and personalized advice, we encourage you to delve deeper and consult authoritative sources or seek professional guidance. Your journey to securing a work permit begins with informed decisions.
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