Where is the Orana Region?

RDA Orana region covers a significant area of NSW and is the largest single region in the state. The Orana region includes thirteen (13) Local Government Areas: Dubbo Regional (Dubbo & Wellington), Narromine, Gilgandra, Mid-Western Regional (Mudgee & Gulgong), Warrumbungle (Coonabarabran, Coolah and Dunedoo), Coonamble, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Cobar, Bogan (Nyngan) and Warren.

Dubbo is the major town with a population of over 40,000 and a diverse range of industry and services.

The second largest town is Mudgee in the Mid-Western Regional Council area.

If my occupation is not on the list, can I still be sponsored by RDA Orana?

In regards to the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489), your nominated occupation must be on the Orana Skilled Occupation List. Off-list nominations are not available at the time.

When will the Orana Skilled Occupation list change?

Unfortunately the Orana Skilled Occupation List is likely to change without notice. This is out of our control.

Two key factors may influence a change to the Orana Skilled Occupation List.

the first is internal to RDA Orana. We regularly research workforce needs in the Orana region. The Skills in Demand list will be updated as needed, in line with any changes to regional skill needs.

The second is external to our organisation. RDA Orana must comply with any caps or suspensions issued by either the NSW or Australian Governments.

Do I need to be invited to apply for state sponsorship?

No

Please apply as per the instructions listed.

How long will it take to get my visa?

RDA Orana does not grant visas. If your nomination for state sponsorship through RDA Orana is successful you will be invited by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to apply for a visa.

If you have questions about the visa application process please contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

My current visa is about to expire, can you speed up the assessment for my application?

We do not prioritise applications. We do this to ensure we are treating each application fairly.

We are unable to provide advice on visa issues. if you need further advice please contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection or your migration agents.

How long do I have to move to the region after my visa is granted?

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has advised that once you have been greanted your 489 visa on-shore applications for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) should relocate to a regional area within 3 months.

RDA Orana expects all its Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) nominees to relocate to the region as soon as practical (within approximately 3 months) after being granted their visa.

If requested, a nominee who fails to commence living in a regional area immediately after being granted the 489 visa must be able to provide evidence to justify the delay. failure to provide such evidence may result in a finding that the nominee has breached the condition of their Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).