Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
This visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia, live and work in Australia permanently. Divided into two streams:  Direct Entry Stream (187 A) and Temporary Residence Transition Stream (187B).
187A  Direct Entry Stream Details:
This visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by an employer, live and work in Australia permanently.
| Stay period | Permanent. | 
| What you can do with this visa | 
Live, work and study in Australia indefinitely;Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia;If eligible, become an Australian citizen. | 
|  | Must: 
Have an occupation on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations;Have an Australian employer nominating you to work in a position in regional Australia;Depending on your occupation, demonstrate you have at least 3 years of relevant work experienceDepending on your occupation, have a skills assessment;Agree to remain employed with your nominating employer in regional Australia for a minimum of 2 years. | 
| Cost | Main Applicant: Sub Applicant: 
over 18 years of age: AU $1,875;under 18 years of age: AU $940. | 
| Conditions | Not marry before first entry. | 
| Processing times | 
75% of applications: 21 months;90% of applications 24 months. | 
(Note: above fees are subject to the final fee charged by the Australian Immigration Department)
187B  Temporary Residence Transition Stream Details:
This visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia, live and work in Australia permanently.
| Stay period | Permanent | 
| What you can do with this visa | 
Live, work and study in Australia indefinitely;Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia;Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible. | 
| Requirements | Must: 
Hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B or C;Usually, have worked for your employer in regional Australia for at least 3 years full time while holding a subclass 457 or TSS visa;Have been nominated by an Australian employer whose nomination was approved in the 6 months prior to you applying. | 
| Cost | Main Applicant: Sub Applicant: 
over 18 years of age: AU $1,875;under 18 years of age: AU $940. | 
| Conditions | Not marry before first entry | 
| Processing times | 
75% of applications: 12 months90% of applications: 21 months | 
(Note: above fees are subject to the final fee charged by the Australian Immigration Department)