What is a Regional Certifying Body (RCB)? Why is it Important for a SESR (SC494) Visa?

Thinking of applying for a regional visa, such as a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Subclass 494) Visa for employment? You may have heard of a requirement to obtain an endorsement from a Regional Certifying Body (RCB). But what exactly is RCB, and why is it important for the SC494 visa application?

What is a Regional Certifying Body (RCB)?

A Regional Certifying Body (RCB) is an authorised organisation designated by the Australian government to assess and verify regional employment and labour market needs. RCBs are responsible for reviewing and certifying employers’ nominations of overseas skilled workers for regional visas such as SC 494.

Why Is RCB Required for a Subclass 494 Visa?

The SESR (SC 494) visa is a regional employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. To successfully obtain this visa, your employer must obtain an employer nomination supported by an RCB.

The main reasons for RCB in the visa application process are:

The RCB assesses whether the nominated position addresses regional labour shortages and whether employing an overseas worker can address them.
Without an RCB’s certification, employer nomination for the SESR SC494 visa cannot continue. This step is mandatory for all employers to meet regional employment needs.
The RCB ensures employers comply with regional employment and average market salary rates.

How Does the RCB Process Work?

The employer applies to the relevant RCB to be certified for the nominated position.
RCB assesses the employer's application by reviewing the job role, salary level, regional labour market conditions, and the need for an overseas worker.
If the RCB approves, they will issue a certification, allowing the employer to proceed with the nomination process under the Subclass 494 visa.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

The Regional Certifying Body (RCB) is one of the key steps in applying for an SESR (SC494) visa. If you are concerned about meeting the visa requirements, consider getting professional advice from one of our immigration lawyers at Agape Henry Crux. The team works with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

Client Testimonials

….we call it Support Network

As navigating through the immigration law process may be difficult, our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails and meetings in person.

These are their stories…

Success Stories for Work Visas