Regional Sponsored Migrant Visa (Subclass 119/857)

Skilled overseas staff or temporary residents in Australia can be chosen by local employers for positions they are unable to fulfill in the regional labour market, on the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. Employers wishing to run this scheme cannot be based in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Wollongong.

The Regional Sponsored Migrant Visa permits you and your dependant family (included on the Visa application) to reside and work in Australia as permanent residents/learn in Australian schools and universities. Funding for healthcare through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is available and in addition it is possible for you to access some social security payments, although waiting periods do apply. If you fit the residency eligibility criteria you may be suitable for Australian citizenship.

Eligibility for employees to apply for the Regional Sponsored Migrant Visa (Subclass 119/857):

• Your offer of employment must be for a minimum of 24 months and a fixed term contract (contract/letter must be provided as proof and is to be signed by employer and employee).
• Your qualifications must be equal to an Australian diploma and of relevance to your sponsored position.
• You must be under the age of 45 years old.
• You must have competent English language skills.
• Professional membership requirements/mandatory licensing must be met.
• You and any dependant family (included in your Visa application) must meet all health and character necessities set by Australian Immigration.

All Visa applicants over the age of 18 must sign an Australian Values Statement, which is provided in the Visa application form. The government book ‘Life in Australia’ must have been read or explained to you.

Applicants already in Australia must check that their current Visa has no restrictions, which would prevent them from making another Visa application.

Eligibility for employers to sponsor an employee on the Regional Sponsored Migrant Visa (Subclass 119/857):

• Employers must lawfully operate in regional Australia. Employers cannot be based in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Wollongong.
• It must be a legitimate, paid, full time position, made available for 2 years.
• The position must require a person with credentials equal to an Australian diploma and of relevance to your sponsored position (a Trade Certificate with full apprenticeship is accepted).
• The job position cannot be filled by the local labor market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Regional Sponsored Migrant Visa (Subclass 119/857) on the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme?
Experienced temporary workers & experienced workers from overseas are eligible to apply.
What do you mean by regional /local Australia?
On the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, the regional/local area eligible to apply excludes Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Wollongong.
I am already in Australia so am I still able to apply?
Yes you can.
How long will my nomination be valid for?
You nomination will be valid for 6 months and if the Visa is granted then you will have permanent residency.