Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) covers Perth
The Federal Government has acted swiftly following the Minister of Immigration & Citizenship’s announcement on 19 July 2011 that Perth would be designated a regional area for the purposes of the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).
The enabling legislation has been passed and the change came into effect on 12 September 2011.
Perth employers can now sponsor skilled workers for permanent residency with lower benchmarks for English language skills and qualification levels. Additionally, there can be an exemption from the lower thresholds, and in relation to the age of the applicant, if exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. An added advantage is that RSMS applications are currently given the highest processing priority by the Dept of Immigration & Citizenship, with current processing times around three months.
RSMS covers most of Australia
With the inclusion of Perth in the RSMS, most of Australia is now eligible under Scheme. Entirely covered are Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. New South Wales is included with the exception of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. Victoria is included save the Melbourne metropolitan area. Only the greater Brisbane area and the Gold Coast are excluded in Queensland. This means that employers in cities like Perth, Darwin, Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart can access the same concessions are employers based in less populated areas.
General Skilled Migration (GSM) change
An allied change has been made to include Perth as a designated area for the purposes of GSM Subclass 475 and 487 for sponsorship by an eligible relative.
Further details about RSMS benefits for employers and skilled workers can be found in other news articles
