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Last Updated 05 November 2026

Australia Subclass 187 Visa – Direct Entry Closed: Who Can Still Apply and What Replaced It

The Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa is now open only through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, for certain transitional Subclass 457 and 482 workers. The Direct Entry stream is permanently closed. New applicants seeking regional employer-sponsored permanent residence should use the Subclass 494 visa, which leads to permanent residence through the Subclass 191.

Permanent residence for eligible transitional 457 and 482 workers in regional Australia
Live, work and study anywhere in Australia once granted
Access Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system
Sponsor eligible relatives for certain Australian visas
Travel to and from Australia freely for 5 years

Important: The Subclass 187 Direct Entry stream is permanently closed to new applications. It has been replaced by the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. Only the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream remains, and only for certain transitional workers who held a Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, or a medium-term Subclass 482 visa on or before 20 March 2019. Most current Subclass 482 holders should consider the Subclass 186 TRT stream or the Subclass 494 visa instead.

What Replaced the Subclass 187 Direct Entry Stream?

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa replaced the Subclass 187 Direct Entry stream. It is the current regional employer-sponsored option for new applicants.

The Subclass 494 is a 5-year provisional visa. You need a job offer from an approved employer in a designated regional area, a positive skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience. After holding the 494 for at least 3 years, living and working in a regional area and earning taxable income, you can apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa. The Subclass 191 has no points test and needs no sponsor.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187)

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia. It is now available only through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, for workers who meet the transitional rules.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) Streams

Direct Entry stream – permanently closed to new applications (replaced by the Subclass 494 visa)
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream – the only remaining stream, open only to eligible transitional Subclass 457 and 482 workers

Eligibility for Subclass 187 Visa

To apply through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, you must:

Be a transitional worker who held a Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, or a medium-term Subclass 482 visa on or before 20 March 2019
Currently hold a Subclass 457 or 482 visa, or a related Bridging visa A, B or C
Have worked full-time for your nominating employer in the nominated occupation, usually for at least 2 of the 3 years before nomination
Be nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area of Australia
Be under 45 years of age, or under 50 if you held or had applied for a Subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017 (some exemptions apply)
Have at least Competent English, unless an exemption applies
Hold any registration or licence your occupation needs in your state or territory
Meet health and character requirements and sign the Australian Values Statement
If you do not meet the transitional worker rules, you cannot apply for the Subclass 187. Consider the Subclass 186 TRT stream or the Subclass 494 visa instead.

Subclass 187 requirements

Evidence that you are a transitional Subclass 457 or 482 worker
Evidence of full-time work with your nominating employer in regional Australia, such as payslips, tax records and an employer reference
Be nominated by an Australian employer whose nomination was approved in the six months before you apply
A copy of your passport and national identity card
Documents proving any past or present relationships (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce documents, death certificates, etc.)
Police certificates from a country where you stayed for at least one year

Steps to Apply for Subclass 187 Visa

Step 1: Check whether you meet the transitional worker rules for the Subclass 187 TRT stream. If not, check the Subclass 186 TRT stream or the Subclass 494 visa.

Step 2: Confirm that you have worked full-time for your regional employer for the required period.

Step 3: Ask your employer to lodge a TRT nomination with the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 4: Gather your documents, including English test results, employment evidence and police certificates.

Step 5: Lodge your visa application in ImmiAccount within six months of the nomination being approved.

Step 6: Complete health checks and respond quickly to any requests from Home Affairs.

Step 7: Once granted, you become a permanent resident and can live and work anywhere in Australia.

Cost of Subclass 187 Visa

The Subclass 187 visa is now available only through the Temporary Residence Transition stream. The visa application charges are:

Applicant	Visa Fee (AUD)	Approx. in INR
Main applicant	AUD 6,140	₹ 4,15,000
Additional applicant (18 years and above)	AUD 3,070	₹ 2,07,500
Additional applicant (below 18 years)	AUD 1,535	₹ 1,03,800

Your employer also pays a nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Visa charges are reviewed every year, and new charges usually take effect on 1 July. INR amounts are approximate and change with exchange rates. Check the official Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.

Processing Time for Subclass 187

Processing times for the Subclass 187 TRT stream vary from case to case and change regularly. Complete applications, with an approved nomination, health checks and police certificates, are usually processed faster. Check the official Home Affairs Visa Processing Times guide for the latest estimate before you plan your timeline.

Subclass 187 TRT, Subclass 186 TRT or Subclass 494: Which Should You Apply For?

Your Situation	Visa to Consider
You held a 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, or a medium-term 482 visa on or before 20 March 2019, and work for a regional employer.	Subclass 187 – TRT stream
You hold a 482 visa and have worked for your sponsoring employer, in a regional or metropolitan area, for at least 2 years.	Subclass 186 – TRT stream
You are a new applicant with a job offer from an approved regional employer.	Subclass 494, followed by Subclass 191 after 3 years
You want regional permanent residence without employer sponsorship.	Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 with state nomination

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis has been providing unbiased and personalized immigration-related assistance for more than 25 years. Our team of experienced immigration experts is here to provide end-to-end support to help you migrate to Australia.

Our services include:

Free eligibility check through the Australia Immigration Points Calculator
Expert guidance/consultation for Australia Immigration
Coaching services: Expert PTE coaching, IELTS proficiency Coaching
Free career consultation: Book your slot today
Complete guidance for Australia PR visa
Resume marketing services to find related jobs in Australia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Subclass 187 visa still open?

Only partly. The Subclass 187 Direct Entry stream is permanently closed to new applications. The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream remains open, but only for transitional workers who held a Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, or a medium-term Subclass 482 visa on or before 20 March 2019. Most new applicants cannot apply for this visa.

What replaced the Subclass 187 Direct Entry stream?

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa replaced the Direct Entry stream. It is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by approved employers in designated regional areas. After at least 3 years on the 494, eligible holders can apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa.

Who can still apply for the Subclass 187 TRT stream?

You may be eligible if you are a transitional worker who held a Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, or a medium-term Subclass 482 visa on or before 20 March 2019. You must also have worked full-time for your regional nominating employer for the required period and meet the age, English, health and character requirements.

Who is a transitional worker for the Subclass 187 visa?

A transitional worker is someone who held a Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, or a medium-term Subclass 482 visa on or before 20 March 2019. You must also currently hold a 457, a 482 or a related bridging visa. If you do not meet this definition, you cannot apply for the Subclass 187 visa.

I hold a Subclass 482 visa. Can I apply for the Subclass 187?

Only if you meet the transitional worker rules. If your 482 visa was granted after 20 March 2019 and you never held a 457, you are generally not eligible. Instead, you may qualify for the Subclass 186 TRT stream after working for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years, including in regional areas.

What is the difference between the Subclass 187 and Subclass 186 TRT streams?

Both lead to permanent residence for workers already in Australia on an employer-sponsored visa. The Subclass 187 TRT stream is for transitional workers with regional employers only. The Subclass 186 TRT stream is open to most current 482 holders, in regional and metropolitan areas, and has broader eligibility.

How does the Subclass 494 differ from the old Subclass 187 Direct Entry stream?

The Subclass 187 Direct Entry stream granted permanent residence straight away. The Subclass 494 is a 5-year provisional visa. Holders must live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years before applying for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa. Both needed sponsorship from a regional employer.

What is the Subclass 494 to Subclass 191 pathway?

First, you obtain a Subclass 494 visa through sponsorship by an approved regional employer. Next, you live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years and earn taxable income. Then you apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa. The 191 has no points test and needs no sponsor or nomination.

What is the Subclass 187 visa fee?

The visa application charge is AUD 6,140 for the main applicant, AUD 3,070 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and AUD 1,535 for each child under 18. Your employer also pays a nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Check the official Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.

How long does the Subclass 187 TRT stream take to process?

Processing times vary by case and change regularly. Complete applications with an approved nomination, health checks and police certificates are usually processed faster. Check the official Home Affairs Visa Processing Times guide for the current estimate before you plan your move or make work commitments.

What is the age limit for the Subclass 187 TRT stream?

Most applicants must be under 45 when they apply. If you held, or had applied for, a Subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017, the limit is under 50. Some exemptions also apply, for example for certain high-income earners. Check which age rule applies to your visa history before applying.

What English level do I need for the Subclass 187 visa?

You generally need at least Competent English, for example an IELTS score of 6 in each component or an equivalent result in another accepted test. Exemptions apply in some cases, such as holders of certain passports or applicants who completed enough study in English. Check the current accepted tests and scores before you book.

How long must I work for my employer to qualify for the TRT stream?

You must have worked full-time for your nominating employer in the nominated occupation, usually for at least 2 of the 3 years before nomination. Some applicants may need a longer period, depending on their visa history. Your employment must have been in line with your visa conditions.

Does my employer need to be in a regional area?

Yes. The Subclass 187 is a regional visa, so your nominating employer must operate in a designated regional area. Regional areas cover all of Australia except Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne and Greater Brisbane. If your employer is in a major city, the Subclass 186 TRT stream may be the right option.

What are designated regional areas in Australia?

Designated regional areas include all of Australia except Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne and Greater Brisbane. Cities such as Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, the Gold Coast and Darwin count as regional, along with all regional towns and rural areas. Home Affairs publishes the full list of eligible postcodes.

Is the Subclass 187 a permanent visa?

Yes. Once granted, the Subclass 187 makes you a permanent resident of Australia. You can live, work and study anywhere in Australia, enrol in Medicare and travel freely for 5 years. After that, you need a Resident Return Visa or Australian citizenship to keep travelling in and out as a permanent resident.

Can I include my family in my Subclass 187 application?

Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your application. Each family member pays an additional visa charge and must meet health and character requirements. Once the visa is granted, your family members also become Australian permanent residents with the same rights to live, work and study.

Can I apply for Australian citizenship after the Subclass 187 visa?

Yes. You can usually apply for citizenship after living in Australia for 4 years on a valid visa, including at least 1 year as a permanent resident. You must also meet travel limits, pass the citizenship test and show good character. India does not allow dual citizenship, so you would give up Indian citizenship.

What happens if I apply for the Subclass 187 without being eligible?

Your application is likely to be refused, and the visa application charge is generally not refunded. A refusal also stays on your immigration record. Before applying, confirm that you meet the transitional worker rules. If you do not, consider the Subclass 186 TRT stream or the Subclass 494 visa instead.

How do I check whether a migration agent is registered?

In Australia, only registered migration agents or legal practitioners can give immigration assistance for a fee. Registered agents must follow a Code of Conduct. You can check an agent’s registration on the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) register at mara.gov.au, using their name or registration number.