Obtaining RCB certification for RSMS visa
Our newsletter <Vol.209> covered the requirements and process for RSMS visa application. We also introduced the new changes for employer sponsored visa in <Vol.212>.Today, we are going to explain the first stage of RSMS visa application in details. For those who did not read these newsletters, all our past newsletters can be found in our Newsletter Archives.
As we explained previously, RSMS visa application involves three stages. That is; RCB certification of the employer nomination, Employer nomination and Nominee (applicant)'s visa application.
If you decide to apply for a RSMS visa, first, the nomination needs to be certified by a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) before your employer lodges the certified nomination to DIAC.
Although RCB assess the nomination against the general requirements set out by DIAC, each RCB has its own criteria. Therefore, the application fee, processing time and required documents vary depending on the RCB. There are over 50 RCBs nationwide. You need to check the requirements of the relevant RCB for your employer's business.
General Requirements for obtaining Certification
Although each RCB has slightly different requirements, generally speaking, your employer needs to meet the following criteria by providing relevant documents.
- Evidence that the business is actively and lawfully operating in regional or low population growth area of Australia
- Evidence of the need for a paid employee (full-time basis for at least 2 years)
- Evidence that the business requires a person with diploma level qualifications or higher (unless the appointment is exceptional)
Some RCBs also require the evidence that the position cannot be filled from the local labour market unless the position is on the State Migration Plan Occupations List. These documents include a statement from employer or results of recent labour market testing.
Requirements for Start-up Business
Some of you may have friends or family who are starting new business in a regional area. Again, it depends on each RCB; however, quite a few of them can provide certification to new business. Start-up business refer to people who are planning and preparing their business in the near future or those who have just started operating their business.
They require additional documents such as detailed business plan, evidence of funds/ capital investment and lease agreements. Once they are satisfied with them, they can certify the employer's nomination.
