RCBs use local knowledge to provide advice to the Department of Home Affairs regarding positions nominated by eligible regional employers. 

To be able to assess the nominated position, the Geelong RCB needs to be satisfied that:

• the position and business are genuine
• the nominated position is in the Geelong RCB area
• the identified person would be paid at least the annual market salary rate for the occupation (RSMS and SESR)
• there is a genuine need for the identified person to be employed in the position, under the direct control of the nominator (RSMS)
• the position could not be filled by an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident who is living in, or would move to, the local area concerned (RSMS).

The advice provided by a Regional Certifying Body is intended to ensure nominations have been scrutinised by a third party who is familiar with local labour market conditions and who might be able to provide information on regional matters which the Department of Home Affairs may not be aware of.

*The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Direct Entry (DE) is now closed to new applications. The Geelong RCB will continue to assess RSMS applications that were lodged with the Department of Home Affairs before November 2019.

Provide a completed Form 596 (if applicable)

Including information on previous RCB applications.

Provide:

• Australian Business Number (ABN) Certificate
  You may also wish to include (as applicable):
  • ASIC certificate of company registration
  • Certificate of Registration of Business name
• a detailed organisation chart
• a cover letter outlining your business case for the need for an employer sponsored visa written and signed by employer.

We must be satisfied that the business is operating in and the nominated position is located in a designated regional area postcode.

Provide:

• current lease agreement or property ownership documents
• evidence demonstrating the business is operating in the region.

Including the nominated salary (salary excluding superannuation) and ANZSCO classification for the nominated position.

We must be satisfied the nominee would be paid at least the annual market salary rate for the occupation.

Provide:

• position description
• published copies of relevant job advertisements - this will assist us in understanding the position
• employment contract signed and dated by both parties - you may also wish to include a letter of offer or contract amendment

You must demonstrate the current Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the nominated occupation – that is what an equivalent Australian worker does earn or would earn working in the same occupation in the same location.

Provde:

• evidence demonstrating annual market salary rate
• a statement outlining how the nominated salary was determined - provide a statement detailing how the included evidence was used to determine the nominated salary in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the nominated role and in consideration of the nominee's qualifications skills and experience.

Additional requirements for an assessment of RSMS 197 Direct Entry nominations lodged with the Department of Home affairs before November 2019.

We must be satisfied that:

• there is a genuine need for the nominated position within the business and
• a skill vacancy exists that cannot be filled by an Australian Citizen or an Australian permanent resident who is living in or would move to the applicable regional area.

Provide:

• a skill vacancy statement and evidence supporting the need for the nominated position
• evidence demonstrating the position cannot be filled by an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

The nominee's details must match the information on their passport.

If applicable include the date the nominee commenced working in the business.

Provide:

• nominee's resume detailing relevant training qualifications and experience.

Consideration will be given to any other relevant material submitted with the application. You may wish to include:

• copy of lodged or draft application with the Department of Home Affairs
• letter of support from the accountant of your business.

• You must provide evidence to support all claims made in your application.
• The onus is on the business to provide sufficient information and evidence for the Geelong RCB to assess the employer’s nomination.
• It is at the employers (or their agents) discretion to provide as much information and evidence they believe necessary for an assessment of their nomination.
• The Geelong RCB may at its discretion ask you to provide more information to assist in the assessment process.
• Do not provide us with personal documents about the Nominee that are not related to the nominated position as this information is not relevant to this assessment process.
• Overseas migration should only be considered as a last resort and when all other options to attract Australian workers have been exhausted.
• Processing times for the Geelong RCB are dependent on caseload - applications are processed in order of receipt. 494 applicants should allow for 28 days.
• Regional Certifying Body Advice is valid for 3 months from the date of the completed Form 1404.
• If the RCB is not satisfied and advises the Department of Home Affairs and the employer to this effect, the RCB is under no obligation and will not enter into any correspondence or have any contact with the nominating organisation or their representative regarding the assessment.
• The Geelong Regional Certifying Body Assessment fee is non-refundable.
• If you resubmit a RCB Request for Assessment the assessment fee will again be applicable.
• If the applicant’s current visa is due to expire within the processing time, contact The Department of Home Affairs or a Migration Agent for advice.
• 494 Nominations can be lodged pending RCB advice.