Introduction

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) enables regional employers to employ skilled overseas nationals to fill genuine, full time positions where it can be shown that these positions cannot be filled from within the local labour market.

The whole of the Northern Territory is considered regional for the purposes of RSMS.

There are three RSMS streams, the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the Agreement stream and the Direct Entry stream. Each of these streams has different eligibility criteria, requirements and application processes.

The Northern Territory (NT) Department of Business (Workforce Growth NT / Skilled Migration Unit) has been appointed by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) as the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) for all RSMS Direct Entry stream nominations by NT employers.

• Temporary Residence Transition stream
  This streamlined visa pathway enables regional employers to nominate an overseas skilled worker for permanent residence if that worker:
  • is currently on a Subclass 457 visa working for the nominating employer, and
  • has held a Subclass 457 visa and worked for the nominating employer in the nominated occupation (or a very closely related occupation) for two (2) years.

NT RCB assessment is not required for RSMS nominations under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

• Agreement stream
  This is a permanent residence visa pathway for applicants whose employer holds a labour agreement for the occupation in which they are being nominated. Applicants applying under this stream will need to meet the skills and experience, English language proficiency, age and other requirements in the applicable labour agreement.
  
  NT RCB assessment is not required for RSMS nominations under the Agreement stream.
  
  For detailed information about this visa, eligibility criteria and the DIBP processes visit Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.Direct Entry stream
  This is a permanent residence visa pathway that enables a regional employer to sponsor a skilled overseas worker directly from overseas or an overseas national who is in Australia but is not eligible to be sponsored under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
  
  NT RCB assessment is required for RSMS nominations under the Direct Entry stream.
  
  For detailed information about this pathway and the DIBP criteria and processes visit Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.

• Direct Entry stream
  This is a permanent residence visa pathway that enables a regional employer to sponsor a skilled overseas worker directly from overseas or an overseas national who is in Australia but is not eligible to be sponsored under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
  
  NT RCB assessment is required for RSMS nominations under the Direct Entry stream.
  
  For detailed information about this pathway and the DIBP criteria and processes visit Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.