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- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme - Subclass 187 Visa Lawyers Sydney
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (Subclass 187) is closed to most new applicants. However, limited access may remain available for certain transitional 457 and 482 workers under the Temporary Residence Transition stream. If you lodged before the closure date or believe transitional arrangements may apply to you, PromptLaw’s Sydney migration lawyers can review your position and advise on your options.
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- Current Pathways
Current Regional Employer Sponsored Visa Pathways
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional Visa
Subclass 494 replaced the Subclass 187 as the primary regional employer-sponsored pathway. It is a five-year provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in a designated regional area with an approved employer. It provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 after meeting the relevant Subclass 191 residence, work, and income evidence requirements.
Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa
The Subclass 191 provides permanent residence for holders of the Subclass 494 who have lived and worked in a regional area and met the relevant Subclass 191 requirements, including income evidence requirements where applicable. It is the permanent residence outcome of the current regional employer-sponsored pathway.
For skilled workers who are not required to live in a regional area, the Subclass 186 provides a direct permanent residence pathway through employer nomination. It covers the Temporary Residence Transition stream for Subclass 482 holders and the Direct Entry stream for workers coming from overseas or on other visas.
- Eligibility
Requirements for Outstanding Subclass 187 Applications
The following requirements applied to the Subclass 187 at the time of closure and continue to govern applications that remain in processing. If your application was lodged before the closure date, the Department assesses it under the rules in force at lodgement.
Employer Nomination and Regional Requirements
The nominating employer must have met the nomination and regional location requirements that applied to the relevant stream at the time of lodgement. This may include evidence of lawful business operation, genuine need for the position, regional location, sponsorship or nomination compliance, and any stream-specific requirements. Our lawyers review your nomination documents and advise on any concerns raised by the Department.
Nominated Occupation
The nominated occupation must have appeared on the relevant occupation list at the time of lodgement. The occupation must accurately reflect the applicant’s actual duties and qualifications as defined by the ANZSCO classification system. Our lawyers review how your occupation was assessed in your original application and advise on any concerns raised by the Department.
Skills Assessment and Work Experience
Direct Entry stream applicants were required to hold a positive skills assessment and demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation. Temporary Residence Transition stream applicants were required to have worked for their nominating employer in a regional area for at least two years. Our lawyers review the evidence in your file and advise on how to respond to any outstanding Department requests.
Age, Health and Character Requirements
Applicants were generally required to be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless an exemption applied. All applicants and included family members were required to complete health examinations and provide police clearance certificates for countries where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16. Character concerns may require detailed legal submissions depending on the circumstances.
- Documentation
Subclass 187 Visa Documents Checklist Australia
For outstanding Subclass 187 applications still in processing, the following documents were required and may be requested by the Department at any stage of assessment. A complete, well-organised file reduces the risk of further delays.
Passport and Identity Documents
Provide a valid passport, birth certificate, and any supporting identity documents required for your application. All documents must remain valid throughout the processing period.
Employment History Evidence
Include employment reference letters, contracts, payslips, tax records, and superannuation statements confirming your work experience and role history in your nominated occupation and regional area.
Employer Nomination Documentation
Provide documentation meeting the nomination and regional location requirements that applied to the relevant stream at the time of lodgement, including evidence of lawful business operation, genuine need for the position, and any stream-specific requirements.
Qualifications and Skills Assessment
Provide educational qualifications, academic transcripts, professional registrations, and a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority where required by your stream.
Health and Character Documents
Complete your health examination through an approved panel physician and provide police clearance certificates for countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16.
Relationship and Family Documents
Submit marriage certificates, de facto relationship evidence, divorce certificates, and dependent family documentation where secondary applicants are included in the application.
- Processing Times
Subclass 187 Processing Times Sydney
Processing times for outstanding Subclass 187 applications vary significantly. Because access to this visa was restricted from November 2019, remaining applications in the queue have generally been waiting for an extended period. Processing times depend on the Department’s current caseload, the completeness of your application, health and character checks, and whether further information has been requested.
The Department of Home Affairs publishes indicative processing times through its visa processing time guide. These timeframes should be verified directly with the Department and are not guaranteed decision dates.
If your Subclass 187 application has been waiting for an extended period without a decision, PromptLaw can review your file, assess whether any action is available to progress your matter, and advise on your options. Contact us to discuss your situation.
- Our Process
How PromptLaw Assists With Subclass 187 Matters
File Review and Assessment
We review your existing Subclass 187 application, assess the current status of your matter, and identify any outstanding requirements or risks. We advise on the strength of your application and any steps available to move it forward. All professional fees are confirmed in writing before engagement.
Responding to Department Requests
If the Department has issued a request for further information, a notice of intention to refuse, or any other correspondence, we prepare a comprehensive response addressing each concern precisely and within the required timeframe.
Monitoring and Communication
From the point of engagement, all Department correspondence is handled by PromptLaw. You will not need to respond to Department correspondence without legal guidance. We monitor your file and keep you informed at every stage of the processing period.
Representation and Outcome
If your application is refused, we advise you immediately on whether review rights are available and, where applicable, assist with Administrative Review Tribunal proceedings. We also advise on alternative current visa pathways that may be available to you, depending on your circumstances.
- Specialised Legal Support
Facing Subclass 187 Visa Issues? Sydney Lawyers Can Help
Extended Processing Delays
If your Subclass 187 application has been waiting for an unusually long period without a decision, our lawyers review your file, assess what action may be available, and advise on options, including engaging directly with the Department or exploring alternative pathways where appropriate.
Requests for Further Information
A request for further information from the Department is time-sensitive and must be responded to completely and accurately. Our lawyers prepare targeted responses addressing each requirement raised, organising supporting evidence in a format that directly addresses the Department's concerns.
Nomination or Sponsorship Issues
If your nominating employer has closed, withdrawn the nomination, or failed to meet sponsorship obligations since your application was lodged, your application may be affected. Our lawyers advise on the implications for your matter and the options available depending on your individual circumstances.
Health Requirement Concerns
If a health issue has arisen during the processing of your Subclass 187 application, our lawyers review the Department's concerns, assess the medical evidence, and advise on the available legal options. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve responding to Department requests, preparing supporting submissions, or considering alternative visa pathways where appropriate.
Character Issues and Criminal Records
A prior conviction does not automatically prevent Subclass 187 approval, but it must be managed carefully. Our Sydney migration lawyers prepare strong Section 501 character submissions, liaise with relevant authorities when needed, and present clear evidence with detailed legal arguments to maximise your prospects of a successful visa outcome.
Visa Refusals and ART Appeals
Some refused Subclass 187 applications may be reviewable at the Administrative Review Tribunal, depending on the applicant's circumstances, location, visa status, and the details of the refusal decision. Strict time limits apply, and missing the deadline in your refusal letter may remove your review rights. PromptLaw advises on refusals as a matter of urgency.
- Why CMI Legal
Why Sydney Clients Choose Our Team
Prompt response guarantee
We aim to respond to every enquiry on the same business day.
Sydney-based legal team
Experience with Department processes, Administrative Review Tribunal matters, and Sydney migration clients, not an offshore call centre.
Fixed and transparent legal fees
Confirmed in writing before you engage. No hourly billing surprises, just clear upfront pricing confirmed before we start work on your file.
MARA-registered lawyers only
Your matter is handled by MARA-registered migration agents and qualified migration lawyers throughout. No unregistered agents, no handoffs to junior staff.
Full-service law firm
If your matter touches property, commercial, employment, or other legal issues alongside migration, we handle it all within the same firm, with no referrals required.
Direct lawyer access
You receive direct access to an experienced migration lawyer handling your matter from start to finish.
- What Our Clients Say
Client Testimonials and Reviews
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- FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subclass 187 visa still open?
The Subclass 187 is closed to most new applicants. However, limited access may remain available for certain transitional 457 and 482 workers under the Temporary Residence Transition stream. Applications validly lodged before the closure date continue to be assessed by the Department under the rules that applied at the time of lodgement. Our lawyers can review your position and advise on whether any access remains available in your circumstances.
What replaced the Subclass 187 visa?
The general Subclass 187 pathway was replaced by the Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional Visa), which allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia with an approved employer for up to five years. The Subclass 494 provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 after meeting the relevant Subclass 191 residence, work, and income evidence requirements.
I lodged a Subclass 187 before the closure date. What happens now?
Your application remains valid and continues to be assessed by the Department under the rules in force at the time of lodgement. Processing times for remaining Subclass 187 applications can be lengthy. If your application has been waiting for an extended period, PromptLaw can review your file and advise on whether any action is available to progress your matter.
My nominating employer has closed since I lodged my Subclass 187, What are my options?
If your nominating employer has closed or withdrawn the nomination since you lodged your application, your matter may be affected. The options available depend on your individual circumstances, visa status, and the specific details of your application. Our lawyers assess your situation and advise on the available pathways, which may include alternative current visa options.
Can I apply for a different visa while my Subclass 187 is being processed?
This depends on your current visa status and the visa you are considering. Applying for another visa while a Subclass 187 is in processing can have implications for both applications. Our lawyers advise on your specific situation before you take any action that could affect your outstanding matter.
Can I Appeal a Refused Subclass 187 Visa?
Some refused Subclass 187 applications may be reviewable at the Administrative Review Tribunal, depending on the applicant’s circumstances, location, visa status, and the details of the refusal decision. Strict time limits apply. PromptLaw advises on refusals as a matter of urgency.
How much does a Subclass 187 lawyer cost in Sydney?
Our professional fees vary depending on the complexity of your matter, the stage of your application, and the nature of the work required. All fees are fixed and confirmed in writing before engagement, with no hourly billing. We provide a full fee breakdown during your initial consultation.
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