How to Navigate RCB Approval for Australian Regional Employer Sponsorship

Australia has become one of the most attractive destinations for skilled migrants due to its high quality of life, strong economy, and clear immigration pathways. Among these is the Regional Employer Sponsored pathway, which provides opportunities for skilled foreign workers to be sponsored by employers located in designated regional areas. A key part of this process—and one that is often misunderstood—is obtaining Regional Certifying Body (RCB) approval.

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If you’re an employer aiming to sponsor a skilled worker under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), understanding the RCB process is absolutely crucial. If you’re a migrant being sponsored, knowing how this step works will help you prepare the right documents and avoid unnecessary delays.

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about RCB approval: what it is, why it’s important, who is involved, how to apply, and how to avoid common pitfalls. This guide is especially tailored for regional employers and prospective foreign employees aiming to successfully navigate Australia’s regional sponsorship pathways.

What Is RCB Approval?

RCB stands for Regional Certifying Body—an authority designated by the Australian Government to assess certain aspects of regional employer-sponsored visa nominations. Their main role is to ensure that job positions offered by regional employers to foreign workers are genuine and in line with local labor market needs.

RCBs operate in each state and territory, often through local government departments or industry-specific bodies. While they do not make visa decisions, they provide a critical advisory opinion to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), and their recommendation significantly impacts the outcome of a nomination.

RCB approval is a mandatory step in some regional employer sponsorship programs, especially for:

Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (historically, prior to changes in 2019)

Since 2019, the focus has shifted to the subclass 494 visa, making RCB certification a current requirement for new regional sponsorships.

Why Is RCB Approval Necessary?

The Australian Government wants to ensure that the employment of a foreign worker in a regional area is fair, necessary, and not disadvantaging local job seekers. The RCB serves as a local safeguard by reviewing nominations from the ground up.

Here’s why RCB approval is essential:

1. Genuineness of the Position

RCBs evaluate whether the nominated position is genuine and truly required for the business. This prevents misuse of sponsorship visas for roles that are not real or necessary.

2. Labor Market Conditions

They assess whether there are suitable Australian workers available to fill the role. If the job can be easily filled by a local, RCB approval may be denied.

3. Fair Salary and Conditions

RCBs verify that the offered salary and employment conditions meet market standards and are not exploitative.

4. Support for the Regional Workforce

It aligns with the broader strategy to stimulate regional economies and encourage population growth outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

In essence, the RCB’s endorsement validates the employer’s need for international talent in regional Australia.

Key Players Involved

Understanding who is involved in the RCB process helps clarify where responsibilities lie.

1. Regional Certifying Body (RCB)

Each state or territory has its own RCBs, often specific to regions (e.g., Northern Inland NSW, South West WA, Northern Territory). Their function is to assess the position, not the candidate.

2. The Employer

Responsible for submitting the nomination, employment contract, labor market evidence, and other supporting documentation.

3. The Prospective Employee

Although not directly involved in the RCB application, the worker must ensure they meet the skill and visa criteria. If the RCB approval is denied, their visa process cannot proceed.

4. Migration Agent or Lawyer (Optional)

Many employers and employees use migration professionals to navigate the complex paperwork and increase approval chances.

5. Department of Home Affairs (DHA)

The DHA makes the final visa decision, considering the RCB’s opinion as part of their broader assessment.

How the RCB Process Fits into the Subclass 494 Visa Application

The Subclass 494 visa has three main stages:

Sponsorship Approval – The business must be approved as a standard business sponsor.
Nomination – The employer nominates the foreign worker for a specific role.
Visa Application – The worker applies for the visa based on the nomination.

RCB approval is part of the nomination stage.

Here’s the sequence:

Employer gathers required documents.
Employer submits a nomination application to DHA.
Employer applies for RCB advice before or at the same time as submitting the nomination.
The RCB assesses and provides advice to DHA.
DHA considers RCB advice when deciding the nomination.

Eligibility Requirements for RCB Support

RCBs have their own criteria, but most assess the following:

1. Location

The business and the nominated position must be located in a designated regional area. These are defined by postcode and updated periodically.

2. Genuineness of the Role

The role must be full-time, ongoing for at least five years, and genuinely required for business operations.

3. Labour Market Testing (LMT)

RCBs require strong evidence that the employer advertised the position to Australians and no suitable candidates were found.

Acceptable evidence usually includes:

Job advertisements (on national job boards, industry websites, etc.)
Application responses
Interview records
Reasons why applicants were not suitable

4. Salary and Conditions

The offered salary must be at least equal to the market salary rate and comply with minimum wage laws. RCBs may request employment contracts, pay scales, or benchmarking data.

5. Business Viability

The business must be financially sound and actively operating. This may require submission of:

Business Activity Statements (BAS)
Financial reports
Business registration documents

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for RCB Approval

While the specifics can vary slightly by region, here’s a general overview of the RCB application process.

Step 1: Check the Relevant RCB for Your Region

Each RCB has unique requirements and forms. First, identify which RCB covers your region using postcode-based guidelines.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Common documents include:

Employment contract
Position description
Evidence of labor market testing
Business financials
Business registration details
Nomination application (or draft)

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

RCB application forms are usually found on the RCB’s website. Forms vary, so read instructions carefully.

Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees

Most RCBs charge an assessment fee, ranging from AUD $300 to $600. Applications are typically submitted online or via email.

Step 5: Wait for Assessment

RCB processing times vary. Some process applications in a week; others may take 4–6 weeks, depending on complexity and volume.

Step 6: Receive Outcome

You will receive a formal RCB advice letter, which either recommends approval or denies the nomination. This is then sent to the DHA.

What If RCB Advice Is Negative?

RCB advice is not legally binding but heavily influences DHA decisions. A negative recommendation doesn’t automatically mean rejection—but the Department may request additional evidence or refuse the nomination.

In case of a negative outcome:

Review the feedback carefully.
Rectify issues (e.g., redo labor market testing, adjust salary).
Consider withdrawing and reapplying.
Seek advice from a registered migration agent or lawyer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in RCB Applications

Even genuine employers can get caught out by administrative mistakes. Here are the top errors that lead to delays or rejections:

1. Insufficient Labor Market Testing

Failing to advertise for long enough, or not on accepted platforms, can trigger a denial.

2. Incorrect Job Descriptions

The nominated role must match one of the eligible occupations listed by DHA. Vague or mismatched job descriptions are red flags.

3. Inadequate Financial Evidence

A new or financially struggling business may have difficulty proving it can support a full-time employee.

4. Wrong RCB

Submitting to the wrong regional body or using outdated forms can lead to immediate rejection.

5. Missing or Incomplete Documents

RCBs are strict about documentation. If something is missing, your application may be refused without further correspondence.

Tips for a Successful RCB Approval

Here are some practical tips to boost your chances of getting positive RCB advice:

✅ Advertise Widely and Document Everything

Use reputable job boards (e.g., Seek, JobActive) and keep copies of all applications received and your interview notes.

✅ Provide a Strong Business Case

Include a cover letter or statement outlining:

Why the role is essential
Why no Australians could fill it
How the position supports business growth

✅ Benchmark the Salary Properly

Use salary comparison tools, industry awards, and previous hires to justify your pay offer.

✅ Double-Check Regional Eligibility

Ensure your business location qualifies as a regional area at the time of application.

✅ Maintain Consistency Across Applications

Details in your RCB form, nomination, and employment contract must match exactly—no contradictions.

After RCB Approval: What’s Next?

Once the RCB provides a positive recommendation:

Attach the RCB letter to your nomination application (if not already submitted).
Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to assess your nomination.
Upon successful nomination, the employee can proceed with the visa application.

RCB advice letters are generally valid for 12 months, but it’s best not to delay the next steps once you’ve secured the recommendation.

The Future of Regional Sponsorship and RCBs

With Australia’s ongoing focus on regional development, the role of RCBs is likely to remain crucial. Immigration policy continues to favor applicants who live and work in regional areas, with more visa points and permanent residency pathways available to them.

Employers in regional areas stand to benefit from this—but only if they fully understand and navigate the RCB process correctly.

Conclusion

Navigating the RCB approval process may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and documentation, it can be a smooth and rewarding journey. For employers, it represents a powerful tool to fill labor shortages with international talent. For skilled migrants, it’s a crucial gateway to building a life in regional Australia.

The key to success lies in attention to detail, authenticity, and regional engagement. Understand what your local RCB is looking for, follow their guidelines closely, and present a strong, well-supported case. In doing so, you increase the chances of not only securing visa approval but also laying the foundation for long-term contribution to Australia’s thriving regional communities.

Whether you’re a small business in rural Queensland or a tech firm in regional Victoria, the RCB process is your bridge to global talent—and possibly, someone’s future in Australia.