RSMS Temporary Work Visas

The Commonwealth Government, in consultation with the Government of South Australia has introduced a number of specific migration programs designed to increase the number of skilled migrants settling in South Australia.

The Government of South Australia actively promotes these schemes to attract people whose skills will expand those already available in the State and contribute to South Australia’s economic growth and development.  The RSMS is one of these schemes

What is RSMS?

The RSMS assists employers in South Australia who have been unable to fill a skilled position in their business from the local labour market. 

How does the RSMS work?

RSMS is a two stage process involving
1) nomination and 2) visa application.

When SAPOL have identified suitable applicants to fill current vacancies, they will nominate them by lodging a nomination form with Immigration SA, the regional certifying body for South Australia. 

The person that is being nominated generally should be under 45 years of age, have functional English skills, have qualifications equivalent to Diploma level in Australia and be a currently serving police officer with at least three years experience as a paid Police Officer.

However, if the person does not meet these requirements, consideration may be given with regard to age, English skills and formal qualifications if it can be demonstrated that the position is ‘exceptional’ and can only be filled by that person.

Stage 1)           The nomination process

Immigration SA is required to certify that the vacancy cannot be filled from the local labour market, is available for two years, requires relevant qualifications and is in accordance with Australian standard award wages and conditions.  Immigration SA also certifies that the employer has a two year employment contract with the nominee.  Following certification, the nomination is considered by the Adelaide DIAC office, where a final decision is made on the nomination.

Stage 2  The Visa Application

If you are nominated by an employer under the RSMS and Immigration SA certifies the application and the Adelaide Office of DIAC approves the nomination, then you will be eligible to lodge an application under the RSMS.  The employer  will notify the nominee of the RSMS nomination approval.  You are advised to lodge your visa application after you are informed of this. 

The lodgement address for visa applications is:

By Post;
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Adelaide Business Centre
GPO Box 2399
Adelaide  SA  5001

By Courier;
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Adelaide Business Centre
Level 4 West
55 Currie Street
Adelaide  SA  5000

You will be required to meet all the criteria relevant to the grant of an RSMS visa before DIAC Adelaide office will be able to approve your application for migrant entry.

Please note that applications must be lodged within 6 months of the approval of the nomination.  You should ensure that the application is accurately completed and that you provide all the necessary supporting documentation requested.  If you do not this will delay processing times of the visa application

Visa Cancellation Provisions

Cancellation provisions may apply for visas applied for and granted after 01 July 2001 in the following circumstances :

• Where the visa was granted within Australia and the visa holder does not commence work with the employer within six months of the visa being granted; or
• Where the visa was granted outside of Australia and the visa holder does not commence work with the employer within six months of entering Australia; or

If the employee does commence work, a visa may be cancelled where the Minister is not satisfied that the employee has made a genuine effort to complete the period of employment provided for under the required two year contract.

Living and Working in South Australia

Immigration SA advises that you read the FactSheets available from the following weblinks about Living and Working in South Australia.

Immigration SA has put together a set of factsheets for Police Recruits which you may find helpful. CLICK HERE to download the factsheets.

http://www.immigration.sa.gov.au/site/lifestyle_index.php

http://www.immigration.sa.gov.au/site/services_rsms_meetgreet.php

Further Information
Robyn Hansen     Manager – Regional Migration
E-mail:              robyn.hansen@state.sa.gov.au