Regional Skilled Migration
Regional Development Australia Southern NSW & ACT plays a key role in strengthening the regional economy by supporting employers through its Skilled Migration Programs. For skilled workers from overseas, these pathways to permanent residency offer the chance to build a fulfilling career while enjoying a high-quality lifestyle in a vibrant yet peaceful regional Australian community.
Various regional visa options are available to assist both employers and prospective employees. To explore these opportunities, visit the Department of Home Affairs Immigration and Citizenship website.
Employer sponsorship
EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP
If you’ve explored all options to hire a local worker (Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident) and have been unable to find a suitably qualified candidate, you may consider sponsoring a skilled overseas worker. To learn more about the sponsorship process, visit the Home Affairs webpage on sponsoring overseas workers.
OUR ROLE
RDA Southern NSW is currently involved in two sponsorship pathways:
Regional Certification under the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) - Employer Sponsored stream
Dama Officer for Southern NSW under the RDA Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)
Learn more about Visa 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) - Employer Sponsored Stream — RDA Southern NSW and ACT
Learn more about the DAMA - Designated Area Migration Agreement — RDA Southern NSW and ACT
VISA OPTIONS
The right visa will depend on the circumstances of the business and potential employee. RDASNA is unable to advise on the best options for your circumstances. If you require assistance in this area, please contact a registered migration agent or contact Home Affairs.
To learn more about potential visa options check the Home Affairs Regional Visas page.
Skilled Visa’s in Australia factsheet August 2024 Skilled+visas+in+Australia+v1.7.pdf
MIGRATION NEWS
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
For enquiries, please email migration@rdasna.org.au
RDA Southern NSW & ACT Office: 02 6190 2577
Please note: It is not the role of RDA Southern NSW & ACT to give migration advice. If you require migration advice or assistance with your visa application, please contact Home Affairs or a migration agent registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
Visa 491 Enquiries
As of July 2023, the RDA network no longer administers the Subclass 491 visa nominations. All nominations are now handled directly by the NSW Government.
For more information and to explore your options for applying for the 491 visa, please refer to the NSW Government website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-work-regional-visa-subclass-491