187 Visa Employer Sponsorship – Secure Permanent Talent in Regional Australia
The 187 Visa Employer Sponsorship allows businesses in regional Australia to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residency. This visa helps employers fill labor shortages while offering skilled employees the opportunity to establish a long-term career in Australia.
Learn more about employer-sponsored visas →
What is the 187 Visa?
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) 187 Visa was introduced to support businesses in regional areas by allowing them to hire skilled overseas workers for positions they could not fill locally. Although applications for this visa are now closed, employers with existing sponsorships must still meet their obligations and explore alternative permanent residency pathways for their employees.
For the latest government updates, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Available Pathways for the 187 Visa
The 187 Visa Employer Sponsorship previously included two key pathways for skilled workers:
🔹 Direct Entry Stream – Designed for applicants with at least three years of work experience in their occupation who met skill and qualification requirements.
🔹 Temporary Residence Transition Stream – Available to TSS 482 visa holders who worked for their employer for at least three years before transitioning to permanent residency.
Employer Responsibilities for 187 Visa Sponsorship
Employers with existing 187 Visa sponsorship obligations need to:
✅ Oblige Sponsorship Obligations – Employers must comply with Australian immigration laws and Fair Work standards.
✅ Guarantee Employees Remain in Regional Areas – Sponsored workers must reside and work in designated regional locations.
✅ Provide Competitive Salary and Work Conditions – Employees must receive wages at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
✅ Maintain Employment Commitments – Sponsored workers must remain employed for at least two years, as per visa conditions.
Worker Requirements for the 187 Visa
Workers holding a 187 Visa must:
🔹 Continue Employment with Their Sponsoring Employer – They must remain in their nominated position in a regional area.
🔹 Stick to to Visa Conditions – Chiefly, compliance with all visa requirements is necessary to maintain their residency status.
🔹 Satisfy Character & Health Standards – Australian authorities require continued compliance with health and character regulations.
Certainly for additional workplace regulations, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Application & Compliance Support for 187 Visa Holders
1️⃣ Ensuring Sponsorship Compliance – Employers must fulfill all obligations related to their sponsorship.
2️⃣ Exploring Permanent Residency Pathways – Businesses and employees should consider alternative visa options such as the 494 Visa or ENS 186 Visa.
3️⃣ Understanding Post-Visa Responsibilities – Lastly – employers and workers must stay informed about their ongoing commitments and options.
How We Assist Employers with 187 Visa Sponsorship
Although new applications for the 187 Visa Employer Sponsorship are closed, we continue supporting businesses with:
✔ Sponsorship Compliance & Legal Obligations – We help employers meet all regulatory requirements.
✔ Guidance on Alternative Visa Pathways – Our team assists businesses in transitioning employees to the 494 Visa or ENS 186 Visa.
✔ Expert Migration Advice – We provide insights into sponsorship obligations and future workforce planning.
✔ Workforce Retention Solutions – Businesses can receive support in retaining skilled employees and securing long-term visa options.
Get Expert Assistance for Employer Sponsorship Compliance
We have worked with many regional Australian businesses to ensure compliance with 187 Visa Employer Sponsorship obligations. Certainly let us help you navigate your sponsorship responsibilities while planning for the future!
📅 Book a Consultation Today → Schedule an Appointment