What Is a DAMA Visa?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is an employer-sponsored migration pathway that allows businesses in specific regional areas of Australia to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.
A DAMA is different from standard skilled migration programs because it provides regions with greater flexibility to address local labour shortages. Depending on the agreement, eligible occupations may have access to concessions on certain visa requirements, making it possible for some applicants who may not qualify under standard pathways to explore employer-sponsored options.
A DAMA operates through two levels:
1. DAMA Head Agreement
The Australian Government enters into a five-year agreement with a Designated Area Representative (DAR), which may include state governments, regional authorities, or other approved regional organisations.
This agreement outlines:
- Eligible occupations
- Available visa pathways
- Applicable concessions
- Requirements employers and applicants must meet
2. Individual DAMA Labour Agreement
Employers operating within the designated region can apply for an individual labour agreement under the DAMA framework.
This allows approved employers to sponsor overseas workers through visas such as:
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
Employers must demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to recruit Australian workers before accessing the DAMA pathway.
How Does a DAMA Visa Differ From a Standard Employer-Sponsored Visa?
A DAMA may provide additional flexibility compared to standard employer-sponsored pathways.
Depending on the specific DAMA agreement, concessions may be available for:
- Eligible occupations
- Work experience requirements
- English language requirements
- Salary requirements
- Age requirements
- Pathways to permanent residency
Each DAMA has its own occupation list and eligibility criteria, so applicants must meet the requirements of the specific region and occupation they are applying under.
Which Areas Have DAMA Agreements?
Currently, there are thirteen DAMA Agreements in place, below is a list of those DAMAs:
- Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA
- East Kimberley, WA
- Far North Queensland, QLD
- Goulburn Valley, VIC
- Great South Coast, VIC
- Northern Territory, NT
- Orana, NSW
- Pilbara, WA
- South Australia Regional, SA
- South West, WA
- The Goldfields, WA
- Townsville, QLD
- Western Australia
Please note that each area has its own DAMA conditions, occupation lists, and available concessions.
This means an occupation that is eligible in one region may not be available in another.
Examples of Occupations Available Through DAMA
Many DAMA agreements include occupations experiencing workforce shortages.
For example, some regions have included occupations such as:
Child Care Worker
Some DAMA agreements include childcare-related occupations, allowing eligible employers to sponsor overseas workers to help address shortages in regional communities.
Aged and Disabled Carers
Care sector occupations are also included in certain DAMA agreements due to ongoing workforce demand.
Eligibility requirements, including experience, qualifications, and English requirements, vary depending on the specific DAMA and occupation.
How Does the DAMA Visa Process Work?
The DAMA process is employer-driven, meaning an applicant must have an eligible employer willing to sponsor them.
The general process involves:
Step 1: Employer Completes Labour Market Testing
The employer must show they have attempted to recruit Australian citizens and permanent residents before sponsoring an overseas worker.
Step 2: Employer Applies for DAMA Endorsement
The employer must receive endorsement from the relevant Designated Area Representative (DAR).
Step 3: Employer Applies for a Labour Agreement
Once endorsement is approved, the employer can apply for a DAMA labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 4: Nomination and Visa Application
After the labour agreement is approved, the employer can nominate the position and the applicant can lodge their visa application.
The visa pathway will depend on the agreement and circumstances, commonly involving the Subclass 482 or Subclass 494 visa.
DAMA Visa Costs and Fees
The cost of applying through a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) can vary depending on the region, occupation, employer, and visa pathway. Generally, expenses are divided into three main stages: regional endorsement, employer nomination, and visa application fees.
Applicants should prepare for government charges, employer-related fees, and additional requirements such as health checks, police clearances, English testing, and skills assessments.
1. Designated Area Representative (DAR) Endorsement Fee
Before an employer can proceed with a DAMA labour agreement, they must first obtain endorsement from the relevant Designated Area Representative (DAR).
The endorsement fee depends on the specific region and generally ranges from approximately AUD 400 to AUD 1,000.
2. Visa Application Charges (VAC)
After the DAMA labour agreement and nomination are approved, the applicant can lodge their visa application.
Estimated Department of Home Affairs visa charges include:
- Primary applicant: From approximately AUD 9,795
- Additional applicant (18 years and over): Approximately AUD 4,890
- Additional applicant (under 18 years): Approximately AUD 2,445
Visa fees may change, so applicants should check the latest charges before applying.
3. Other Possible Costs
Depending on the application, additional costs may include:
- Employer sponsorship fee: Approximately AUD 420 (if the employer is not already an approved sponsor)
- Nomination fee: Approximately AUD 330 per nominated worker
- Skills assessment: Around AUD 300–AUD 1,000+, depending on the occupation and assessing authority
- Medical examinations and police checks: Approximately AUD 300–AUD 500
- English language test: Approximately AUD 350–AUD 400
The total cost will depend on your individual circumstances, the DAMA region, and whether additional applicants are included in the application. Always confirm the latest fees before lodging through the official Department of Home Affairs fee information.
Can DAMA Lead to Permanent Residency?
A DAMA can provide a pathway to permanent residency for eligible applicants.
Many DAMA pathways allow workers who meet the required conditions to transition to permanent employer-sponsored visas, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
However, eligibility depends on factors including:
- Occupation
- Employer requirements
- Visa history
- Work experience
- Qualification requirements
- DAMA conditions
Is DAMA Right for You?
A DAMA can be a valuable option for skilled workers who do not qualify under standard migration pathways or whose occupation is in demand in a regional area.
However, DAMA applications can be complex because requirements vary significantly between regions and occupations.
If you are considering a DAMA pathway, it is important to understand your eligibility and explore the most suitable visa option for your circumstances.
Need help understanding your DAMA options? Contact Pathway to Aus for personalised migration advice.
