Regional Certification Agencies (RCAs)

Before an employer nomination can be approved under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) – Direct Entry stream, the nomination must be assessed by a Regional Certification Agency (RCA).

Regional Certification Agencies are approved organisations authorised to provide advice to the Department of Home Affairs on whether a nominated position meets regional labour market requirements.

Only nominations supported by a positive RCA assessment can proceed for certain regional employer-sponsored visas.

What does a Regional Certification Agency do?

An RCA assesses whether:

• the position is genuine and ongoing

• the role cannot reasonably be filled by an Australian citizen or permanent resident

• the employment conditions meet Australian workplace standards

• the role aligns with regional workforce needs

RCAs do not grant visas. Their role is advisory and mandatory for specified visa streams.

When is RCA advice required?

RCA assessment is required for:

• Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

• Certain Direct Entry employer-sponsored nominations in regional Australia

Each Australian state and territory has its own designated RCA.

What employers must demonstrate

1. Genuine Need for the Position

The employer must clearly explain:

• why the position is required on an ongoing basis

• whether the role is newly created or replacing a previous employee

• how the position contributes to business operations and growth

Supporting evidence may include:

• business activity statements or financial reports

• evidence of increased workload or expansion

• records showing staff shortages or overtime requirements

• historical recruitment attempts

2. Position Available to be Filled Locally

Employers must show they have made genuine efforts to recruit locally by providing:

• details of advertising conducted in Australia

• dates, duration, and platforms used for recruitment

• number of applications received

• reasons Australian applicants were not suitable

Advertising must generally have been conducted within the previous 12 months and for a minimum of two weeks.

3. Employment Terms and Conditions

The nominated position must offer:

• market salary rates consistent with Australian standards

• employment conditions comparable to Australian workers

• a genuine full-time position, unless otherwise permitted

Evidence may include:

• employment contracts

• payslips for comparable roles

• enterprise agreements or awards

• salary benchmarking data

Employment Contract Requirements

The employment contract must:

• be on employer letterhead

• clearly identify the employer and nominee

• specify position title, duties, salary, and hours

• comply with Australian workplace laws

• be signed and dated by relevant parties

The nominated occupation must align with the ANZSCO occupation used in the nomination.

Important Notes

• RCA approval is not a visa decision

• A positive RCA assessment does not guarantee visa approval

• Incomplete or poorly documented submissions often result in delays or refusal

• Each state or territory applies its own assessment criteria

How Visa Aid can assist

Visa Aid supports employers by:

• assessing whether RCA advice is required

• preparing compliant nomination documentation

• coordinating RCA submissions with state authorities

• ensuring alignment with Department of Home Affairs requirements

Proper preparation at the RCA stage significantly reduces the risk of nomination refusal.