Skilled Migration for the Northern Rivers
Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers (RDA NR) is making an important contribution to the Northern Rivers 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, this pathway to permanent residency can potentially provide an opportunity for a quality lifestyle in a quiet yet vibrant regional Australian community.
Under the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs, several regional visa options can assist employers and prospective employees. RDA Northern Rivers’ primary involvement is with the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).
Due to changes in the 2023-2024 491 visa program, RDA Northern Rivers is not processing 491 Visas. All 491 visa applications will be assessed directly by the NSW Government. Please refer to the NSW Government website https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-work-regional-visa-subclass-491 for further information.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
This visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker. The 494 Visa allows a nominee to:
- Live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years.
- Apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time of visa grant.
Under the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs, RDA NR performs the role of Regional Certifying Body for this visa, which entails providing advice to the Department about local labour market conditions and other relevant regional matters.
RDANR is the only RCB for the Northern Rivers region of NSW, which includes the following 7 Local Government Areas:
- Ballina
- Byron
- Clarence Valley
- Kyogle
- Lismore
- Richmond Valley
- Tweed
Please follow the links below for detailed skilled migration information assistance.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa sub-class 494
The Northern Rivers Region
If you are interested in relocating to this region, we encourage you to learn about it. Online information can be found on this website and also at https://livenorthernrivers.com.au/
NOTE: RDA Northern Rivers does not send messages by WhatsApp and will not contact you via SMS texts to your phone.
If you receive a text or WhatsApp message that looks like it is from RDA Northern Rivers please:
- be careful
- do not click on any links
- do not reply to a text, email or WhatsApp request for further information.
Please report any dubious contact to 02 6622 4011
