Regional certification agencies
Regional certification agencies, also known as Regional Certifying Bodies (RCBs), play a crucial role in the immigration process for certain skilled migration visas in Australia. These agencies assess and certify the genuine need for skilled
workers in regional areas, which is a requirement for some visa applications.
Here are some key points about regional certification agencies in Australia:
- Role: RCBs assess and certify employer nominations for certain skilled migration visas, particularly those that require employment in regional areas. Their role is to ensure that the positions being nominated genuinely
contribute to the economic development of regional Australia and that there is a genuine need for skilled workers in those areas.
- Designated Areas: RCBs operate in designated regional areas of Australia, which are defined as any area of Australia excluding Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Perth. These areas include regional cities,
towns, and rural areas across the country.
- Certification Process: Employers seeking to nominate skilled workers for certain visas, such as the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), may need to obtain certification from an RCB
to demonstrate the genuine need for the nominated positions in regional areas. The certification process typically involves submitting evidence of the business operations, the need for skilled workers, and compliance with relevant
employment laws and regulations.
- RCB Listings: The Department of Home Affairs maintains a list of designated RCBs on its website. Employers can refer to this list to identify the relevant RCB for their nominated position and obtain information about
the certification process.
- Types of Certifications: RCBs may provide certifications for various visa programs, including the subclass 494 visa and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) before its replacement by the
subclass 494 visa.
- Changes and Updates: The requirements and processes related to regional certification may change over time in response to government policies and priorities. Employers and visa applicants should regularly check the
Department of Home Affairs website for updates and changes to regional certification requirements.
Overall, regional certification agencies play a crucial role in facilitating skilled migration to regional areas of Australia by assessing the genuine need for skilled workers and ensuring compliance with relevant immigration regulations.