The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) allows employers in Regional Australia , to nominate individuals from overseas or temporary residents currently in Australia to fill full-time, permanent vacancies for skilled positions if they are unable to fill them from the local labour market.
The RSMS offers permanent residency but you are required to start your employment within 6 months of the visa grant and stay with the nominating employer for 2 years after the visa is granted; the visa may be cancelled if you do not.
There are 3 stages to this visa;
Before applying for Nomination approval by DIAC the employer must apply for the position to be Certified by an appropriate Regional Certifying Body. Once Certification of the position is received than the employer can apply for Nomination approval.
The employer must show that;There is a need for a paid employee in the nominated position and that the position will be full-time, be permanent and available for at least 2 years and not exclude the possibility of extending;The work requires a person with a skill level at least equivalent to Australian diploma level or a Trade Certificate with full apprenticeship;It is a lawful and actively operating business and is in a satisfactory financial position;Employment will be in accordance with relevant workplace legislation and awards
Once the nomination is approved the employee can apply for their visa.
The main requirements for the visa applicant are;
In exceptional circumstances a waiver may be available for skill level, English language or age.