Skilled Migration
2025 Webinars
The Business Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network will be delivering a series of free webinars in October, November and December, including a session on skilled visas for employers, visas for the agriculture sector, hiring Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) holders and the benefits of hiring Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) holders.
Monday 27 October- Employing overseas workers: visa options & cyber security
The session will cover skilled visa options for employing overseas workers in Australia and practical cyber security steps all businesses can take to help secure their business.
Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October- Agriculture sector webinars
These sessions are open to any agriculture business or organisation who would like information on visa options for employing an overseas worker. This webinar series will deliver information sessions covering both high to highly skilled occupations and semi and low skilled occupations.
Tuesday 11 November- Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) employer information webinar
The BIRO network invites employers to attend a webinar to learn more about the PEV and how you can hire PEV holders.
Tuesday 9 December- Temporary Graduate Visa webinar for employers
Employers are invited to attend a free webinar to learn about the benefits of hiring a Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) holder, including understanding how a TGV holder can stay in Australia between 18 months and 3 years and work for your business without requiring sponsorship and without work restrictions.
Regional Skilled Migration
Regional Development Australia Riverina (RDA Riverina) is making an important contribution to the Riverina NSW region’s economy through its skilled migration programs. For employers who need a position filled and cannot do so with local labour, skilled migrant labour can be critical. For skilled workers from overseas, these pathways to permanent residency can potentially provide an opportunity for a quality lifestyle in a peaceful yet dynamic regional Australian community.
There are several regional visa options that can assist employers and prospective employees. To learn more about regional migration options check the Department of Home Affairs Immigration and Citizenship website.
Visa Options
The right visa will depend of the circumstances of the business and potential employee. To learn more about potential visa options check the Home Affairs Regional Visas page.
Employer Sponsorship
If you cannot find a local worker (an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident) you may wish to sponsor a skilled overseas worker. To learn more about sponsoring and becoming a sponsor check the Home Affairs primer on sponsoring overseas workers.
How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor Someone?
There are costs associated with becoming a sponsor. To learn more about these costs you can read through the information provided by Home Affairs
What Role Does RDA Riverina Play?
RDA Riverina is currently involved in two sponsorship pathways:
Regional Certification under the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) - Employer Sponsored stream
Dama Officer for the Riverina under the RDA Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)
RDA Riverina are not currently able to assist people seeking independent or employer sponsored visas. We currently only work with businesses seeking to sponsor workers.
Please do not attend the RDA Riverina office to make enquiries. If you need assistance you should contact info@rdariverina.org.au.
Need more help?
RDA Riverina are not able to provide migration advice. If you require migration advice or assistance with your visa application, you may wish to speak with a migration agent. You can fin out more about choosing a migration agent at the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
You can also find out more about who can and cannot legally provide migration advice here: https://www.mara.gov.au/get-help-with-a-visa/helpers-not-registered
Enquiries
General Enquiries
For enquiries, please contact RDA Riverina at info@rdariverina.org.au
Please note: It is not the role of RDA Riverina to provide migration advice. If you require migration advice or assistance with your visa application, you can use a migration agent registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
Subclass 491 Enquiries
Please be advised that due to changes in the 491 visa program all applications will be assessed directly by the NSW Government.
Please refer to the NSW Government website https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-work-regional-visa-subclass-491 for further information.
Email: skilled.migration@investment.nsw.gov.au
Phone: +61 2 4908 4898 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 12:30pm (Sydney time))
Image Credit - Tiki Paton
Image Credit - The Last Run - Jamie Blair
Why choose the Riverina?
The Riverina extends from the foothills of the Snowy Mountains northwest through the Murrumbidgee River catchment area to the flat dry inland plains of Hay and Carrathool. It is full of natural wonders and outdoor experiences with expansive rivers, lakes and waterways and untouched National Parks and Reserves.
The Riverina is a dynamic region of Australia that boasts a diverse range of industries. You can find out more about the nature and extent of these industries within the RDA Riverina website.
Further information on the Riverina and job opportunities can also be found on the following websites:
