Regional Skilled Migration
Regional Development Australia Riverina (RDA Riverina) is making an important contribution to the Riverina NSW region’s economy through its skilled migration programs. 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 can potentially provide an opportunity for a quality lifestyle in a peaceful yet dynamic regional Australian community.
There are several regional visa options that can assist employers and prospective employees. To learn more about regional migration options check the Department of Home Affairs Immigration and Citizenship website.
Visa Options
The right visa will depend of the circumstances of the business and potential employee. To learn more about potential visa options check the Home Affair Regional Visas page.
Employer Sponsorship
If you cannot find a local worker (an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident) you may wish to sponsor a skilled overseas worker. To learn more about sponsoring and becoming a sponsor check the Home Affairs primer on sponsoring overseas workers.
What Role Does RDA Riverina Play?
RDA Riverina 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 the Riverina under the RDA Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)
Please do not attend the RDA Riverina office to make enquiries. If you need assistance you should contact info@rdariverina.org.au.
Enquiries
For enquiries, please contact RDA Riverina at info@rdariverina.org.au
Please note: It is not the role of RDA Riverina to provide migration advice. If you require migration advice or assistance with your visa application, you can use a migration agent registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
Settlement & employment Assistance
At RDA Riverina we want to welcome migrants who are relocating to our region. We invite you to contact us when your visa is granted and you know your arrival dates.
Jobs Riverina Murray is our free employment website featuring jobs from across the Riverina and Murray regions.
If you are a skilled migrant who would like to connect with employers across the Riverina and Murray, sign up for a free profile at www.jobsriverinamurray.com.au today to find jobs in our region.
Upload your resume and create an AirCV - employers looking for your skills will be able to find you!
If you need individual assistance in finding employment in our region please contact us at info@rdariverina.org.au to see how we can help.
Image Credit - Tiki Paton
Image Credit - The Last Run - Jamie Blair
Skilled Migration News
Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)
The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP has signed off on the approved variation request for the RDA Orana DAMA to include four new RDA regions, including the Riverina, more occupations and numerous concessions. Find out more here: rdariverina.org.au/dama.
Subclass 491
Please be advised that due to changes in the 2023-2024 491 visa program all 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.
Find out more about the Subclass 491
skilled.migration@investment.nsw.gov.au
Phone
+61 2 4908 4898
Monday to Friday
10am to 12:30pm (Sydney time)
Subclass 489
Have you recently been granted a Subclass 489 visa?
Federal Government
A Migration Strategy for Australia
Australia now has a strategy for its migration system.
The Government’s Migration Strategy was released on 11 December 2023 and outlines a new vision for Australia’s migration system, with a policy roadmap containing 8 key actions and over 25 new policy commitments and areas for future reform. The Migration Strategy builds on the findings of the first comprehensive review of the migration system in a generation, the 2023 Review of the Migration System (the Parkinson Review), and also the Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia’s Visa System (the Nixon Review).
More information on the Government’s Migration Strategy can be found here: Migration Strategy (homeaffairs.gov.au)
Labour Market Testing
Removal of the Labour Market Testing (LMT) Requirement to Advertise on the Workforce Australia Website.
On 11 December 2023, Migration (LIN 18/036: Period, manner and evidence of labour market testing) Instrument 2018 has been updated to remove the requirement for employers to advertise on the Workforce Australia website. This change will apply to subclass 482 and 494 nomination applications and will allow employers greater flexibility in relation to how they undertake LMT.
For more information, visit: Labour market testing.
Information for Visa Holders and Migrant Workers
Visa Holders and Migrant Workers - Workplace Rights and Entitlements
Workplace laws in Australia generally apply equally to all workers employed in Australia. Visa holders and migrant workers have the same workplace entitlements and protections as all other employees in Australia, regardless of their migration status. The Fair Work Ombudsman created a fact sheet on workplace rights and entitlements for visa holders and migrant workers. Download the fact sheet here.
Extreme Hardship Support Program NSW - Australia Red Cross
The support is for temporary and provisional visa holders, as well as people who may not currently hold a valid visa, in extreme financial hardship. For more information on this service click here.
Respect at Work Legal Service
The Respect at Work Legal Service is a specialist state-wide service within Legal Aid NSW. They provide trauma-informed legal services to all types of workers (including casuals, contractors, volunteers, people on visas and people applying for jobs) who have experienced sexual harassment and/or discrimination in the workplace. They also provide community legal education to the public and community workers. For more information on this service click here.
NSW Health Care System Information Booklet
This booklet provides essential information about the public health care system in NSW and has been translated into 20 languages. Topics include: how to call an ambulance, what Medicare can be used for, how to get medications in Australia, and how to see a specialist. It also describes key health services in NSW, and much more. To download the booklet in your language click here.
NSW Department of Education - Temporary Residents Program
The Temporary Residents Program provides advice and support for the enrolment of temporary residents in NSW government schools. The program accepts enrolment in primary school and high school from Kindergarten to Year 12. For more information on this program click here.
Why choose the Riverina?
The Riverina extends from the foothills of the Snowy Mountains northwest through the Murrumbidgee River catchment area to the flat dry inland plains of Hay and Carrathool. It is full of natural wonders and outdoor experiences with expansive rivers, lakes and waterways and untouched National Parks and Reserves.
The Riverina is a dynamic region of Australia that boasts a diverse range of industries. You can find out more about the nature and extent of these industries within the RDA Riverina website.
Further information on the Riverina and job opportunities can also be found on the following websites:
