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.
Main requirements
- 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.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Confirm transitional status
Check the 18 April 2017 or 20 March 2019 dates and your work history.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks transitional eligibility carefully. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Employer nomination
The regional employer lodges the nomination.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the nomination. - Lodge within 6 months
Lodge the visa within 6 months of nomination approval.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent lodges on time. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Not listed in the Home Affairs processing time guide. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Processing time | Not published. Home Affairs 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.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Eligibility
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.