Northern Inland Regional Certifying Body

Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) is making an important contribution to the Northern Inland NSW region’s economy, through its skilled migration program. For employers who need a position filled and cannot do so with local labour, skilled migrant labour can be critical. For skilled workers from overseas, these pathways to permanent residency are an opportunity for a quality lifestyle in a quiet yet vibrant regional Australian community.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Employer Sponsored stream [visa sub-class 494]

The 494 visa requires that the sponsored migrant remain with the employer for at least three years, to be eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR).

A sponsored occupation must be skilled. According to the Department of Home Affairs, skilled occupations are those classified as level 1, 2 or 3 in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). This generally means occupations requiring a degree, diploma, trade certificate or certificate IV,  however a minimum level of expereince can be substitued for qualification in certain occupations (see the ANZSCO list online).

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Employer Sponsored stream involved the employer applying to an RCB and the Department of Home Affairs, plus the skilled migrant applying to the Department for their visa.

The same level of documentaton should also be supplied to Regional Development Australia Northern Inland as the Department. As a RCB, our assessment of employer data, combined with our local knowledge, means that the Department of Home Affairs has the benefit of local knowledge in order to make a determination regarding an employer nomination.

Ultimately, the RCB's advice is required to confirm that the pay and conditions that a skilled migrant is to receive are no less that an Australian would receive in the same position in the region. RDA Northern aims to be diligent and requires broader evidence before making a recommendation to the Department of Home Affairs.

Regional Development Australia Northern Inland is not permitted by legislation to advise. That is the role of a registered migration agent. Obviously, making an assessment and providing advice to the Department of Home Affairs would not have integrity if we were providing advice and instructions to those who apply for RCB assessment. However, we are prepared to assist by directing employers to the relevant information they need and answering questions about the process.

In relation to start-up businesses, RDANI requires a particularly sound case be put in respect to the genuine need for the position and nomination. If it is clear that a skilled migrant was required from the inception of a business, then why go ahead the business? How genuine could the efforts to fill the position locally really have been?  If a business is less than six months old, it is the responsibility of the nominating employer or their Registered Migration Agent to provide an addtionally strong argument for the nomination, supporting by documents mentioned above and more - a business plan and explanation about what led to the need for the position are good examples.

It is recommended that employers read as much information about this visa program as possible to understand what is involved and what thier to their obligations entail. The Immigration Department’s website is a good resource.

The employer may submit a request for RCB assessment before or after lodging the nomination application with the Department. However, the nomination must be approved before the 494 visa application is lodged.

The attached visa sub-class 494 is a pathway to permanent residency, with the visa having a five-year duration and only permitting recipients to live, work or study in a regional location.

RDA-Northern Inland is the Certifying Body for employer nominations for the region which encompasses the 12 Local Government Areas of Armidale Regional, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Uralla, Walcha, Tamworth, Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Moree, Gwydir and Inverell.

Employers wishing to submit a request for RCB assessment must supply supporting documents that demonstrate their business or organisation is financially viable, is a sound going concern, will be able to employ the nominee for up to five years, with a minumum of three. These documents are outlined via the above ‘checklist’ link but include:

• Completed Form 1404.
• Completed Form 956 (agents only)
• 2 years’ worth of financials (Profit / Loss) plus a letter from the accountant
• Signed copy of the contract between the employer and employee (referring to the min. three-year period)
• Copy of the business registration
• An organisational chart or list of employees and their positions (including if those positions are full-time, part-time, or casual - if applicable)
• Copy of bank transfer / deposit receipt for the RCB certification. The Fee is non-refundable (except for special circumstances). This fee must be paid in advance, as it is the service and not the outcome that is being paid for.

Post Codes | Suburb | Regional RCB 
Application Fee

Skilled Regional State Nominated (491 visa) : AUD $800.00
Employer Nomination (RSMS): AUD $770.00

We can accept payment for your certification fee by either:

• Direct Deposit
• Credit Card via PayPal
• Bank Cheque, Personal Cheque or Australia Post Money Order

Please ensure that you include a copy of your payment receipt with your application submission so we can identify your payment.

Paying by Direct Deposit

Our bank account details are as below. This can be completed either through your online banking or by going into a branch of the Commonwealth Bank near you. Please state the name that the applicaiton is for in the detail for the deposit.

Bank:	The Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Account Name:	Regional Development Australia - Northern Inland
BSB:	062501
Account No:	10383622

Swift Code (BIC) for international deposits: CTBAAU2S

Contact Details

Postal Address: 

Attn: Gary Fry

RDA - Northern Inland
PO Box 72

Armidale NSW 2350

Note: If sending by courier, you must use our street address:
143 Marsh Street
Armidale  NSW  2350

ALSO, please include the phone number [61 02 6771 0700].

Phone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]