Regional Migration

Our 489 program has officially closed and we have ceased processing applications. Any applications received throughout our closure period will not be processed and will receive an email explaining that the application has been marked as unsuccessful.

The 489 program will be replaced by the 491 Visa Program. Applications for this will open later in the year. Please check the Department of Home Affairs for these dates.

RDA Southern Inland invites skilled migrants to apply for sponsorship to live and work in the Southern Inland region of NSW, under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).

The RSMS allows skilled migrants to fill employment vacancies where there are no local Australian applicants available. Employers in regional Australia can nominate skilled migrants to fill a full-time vacancy, when there is a genuine need for a paid employee.

RDA Southern Inland certify RSMS Visa applications (187) and also sponsor State Sponsored Migration (489) Visa applicants.

Before applying to RDA Southern Inland for sponsorship of the 489 Visa, you are advised to read the current Skilled Occupations List which lists the occupations, where there are skills shortages in the Southern Inland region. CLICK HERE to see the current Skilled Occupations List.

RDA Southern Inland has sponsored and certified many applicants for regional skilled migration. You can read about successful skilled migration to the region here.

Please note that appointments must be made in advance with the Regional Migration Officer. If you would like to make an appointment for any reason, please call 02 4822 6397.

For those interested in moving to the region or those who have received sponsorship in our region, check out our Welcome Pack below.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa

This visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who want to work in regional Australia. It involves a two-step process, firstly, nomination by an approved Australian employer and then an application under the nominated stream. RDASI certifies 187 applications under the Direct Entry Scheme.

The Direct Entry stream is for:

people who have been nominated by their employer under the Direct Entry stream
people who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia
temporary residents who do not qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

You can be in or outside Australia when you apply. If you are in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a bridging visa A, B or C.

Find out more about the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa here

State Sponsored Migration (489) Visa

The RSMS 489 Visa allows skilled workers to live and work in specified regional areas in Australia for up to four years and is a pathway to permanent residency.

You might be eligible to apply for this visa if invited. You must also have:

been nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency (RDASI is a certifying body) or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area
nominated an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupations list
a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
not yet turned 45 years of age
achieved the score specified in your letter of invitation based on the factors in the points test
at least competent English.

Find out more or submit an application for the State Sponsored Migration (489) Visa here.