Visa file / Employer sponsored visas
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa 187
Closed to new applications except the Temporary Residence Transition stream for transitional 457 and 482 workers.
Closed to new applicants
Who it is for
Only transitional workers: people who held (or had applied for and were later granted) a 457 on 18 April 2017, or held or had applied for a Medium-term 482 on 20 March 2019, working in regional Australia for the employer who nominates them. The Direct Entry stream is closed.
Closed to new applicants: Home Affairs states the visa is closed to new applicants but does not show the date on its page.
Published eligibility
- Be a transitional 457 or 482 worker and hold a 457, 482 or a Bridging A, B or C linked to a pending 482, 186 or 187.
- Usually worked full time for the nominating employer in regional Australia for at least 2 of the 3 years before nomination.
- A nomination approved in the 6 months before you apply.
- Usually under 45 (exemptions apply; transitional 457 holders as at 18 April 2017 can apply if under 50).
- Required skills, mandatory licensing, English; health and character.
Where you apply from
In Australia, holding the eligible visa or bridging visa.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Confirm transitional status
Check the 18 April 2017 or 20 March 2019 dates and your work history.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks transitional eligibility carefully.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Employer nomination
The regional employer lodges the nomination.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares the nomination.
- 05
Lodge within 6 months
Lodge the visa within 6 months of nomination approval.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges on time.
- 06
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 07
Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
Where a registered migration agent can help
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Temporary Residence Transition, main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Second instalment, main applicant without functional English | A$9,800 |
| Second instalment, secondary applicant 18 or over | A$4,890 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
Processing times: not published by Home Affairs for this visa. Not listed in the Home Affairs processing time guide. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Not a transitional worker.
- Work history with the employer too short or not regional.
- Nomination older than 6 months.
- Over the age limit with no exemption.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Eligibility
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
- Home Affairs: Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
- Home Affairs: 187 Temporary Residence Transition stream
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.