Migrating to Australia is a dream for many, seeking better job opportunities and a higher quality of life.
One option that’s making migration easier for skilled workers is the 482 DAMA visa. A special visa stream designed to help fill labour shortages in Australia.
It can be your golden ticket to living and working in Australia. But understanding itsrequirements and eligibility rules is too straining for a layman.
That’s where Modern Migration Australia steps in. We understand the stress of the visa journey because we’ve been through it ourselves. Our team of DAMA visa migration agents helps people like you through the process.
From employer sponsorship to permanent residency pathways. Making your migration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Let’s start our guide to 482 DAMA visa requirements.
What is DAMA?
The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a special visa program. Its subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) is designed to fulfil labour shortages. Providing regional areas in Australia with skilled overseas workers.
Unlike general skilled migration visas. DAMA allows employers to sponsor workers for specific jobs not listed on the national record. So, a broader range of occupations can be accessed.
Specific concessions of DAMA include:
- Lower English language requirements
- Higher age limits
- Lower salary thresholds
- Pathways to permanent residency
This agreement lets the businesses continue to grow while providing more migration opportunities.
How to Apply for 482 DAMA Visa?
With a standard temporary skill shortage visa (subclass 482). You can work in Australia for up to 4 years for your sponsor. (Or 5 years if you are a Hong Kong passport holder).
Several steps are required to be taken before applying for it. We have prepared a simplified version for your understanding.
1. Employer Endorsement
Before applying for the 482 DAMA visa. Your employer first gets an endorsement from their regional Designated Area Representative (DAR).
This endorsement confirms that:
- The employer is operating legally in the designated area.
- The business genuinely needs to hire overseas workers.
- There are no suitable local workers available.
Without this endorsement, employers cannot sponsor workers under the DAMA agreement.
2. Labour Agreement
Once the endorsement is granted. The employer needs to apply for a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the employer can sponsor overseas workers.
3. Nomination Process
After securing the Labour Agreement. The employer nominates the overseas worker for a specific occupation under the DAMA visa occupation list. The applicant must be qualified and skilled enough for that occupation.
4. Visa Application
Finally, the nominated worker submits their 482 DAMA visa application. Providing documents to prove they meet all DAMA visa requirements.
Learn More at DAMA Visa Australia | Your Complete Guide
Now, moving towards the details of visa requirements.
General 482 DAMA Visa Requirements
Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify for the 482 DAMA visa.
| Requirement | Description |
| Job Offer | Must have a valid job offer from an approved employer in the designated area. |
| Acceptable Salary Limit | Salary offered to you must meet the standard TSMIT limit. For 482 visa applicants, the minimum salary is $53,900 per year. |
| Skills and Experience | Must have the relevant qualifications and work experience for the nominated occupation. |
| English Language | Must meet the English language requirements with an IELTS score not lower than 4.5. |
| Health and Character | Must pass the medical examinations and possess adequate health insurance. |
| Clear Record | Must not be involved in any violent or disruptive activities, implying harm to the Australian community. |
| Work Experience | At least 12 months of full-time work experience in the last 5 years. |
Source: Australian Government Immigration & Citizenship
Each DAMA region may have additional requirements. So, it’s essential to check the exact criteria for your area.
DAMA Visa Age Limit
Like most skilled migration visas. The 482 class of DAMA visa accepts the applicants who are 45 years or less.(It can be extended up to 55 years in some agreements).
Additionally, DAMAs of specific regions provide age concessions for applicants. Expanding opportunities for experienced workers. So, they can contribute their skills to Australia’s regional workforce.
DAMA Visa Occupation List | Where You Can Apply?
Every DAMA agreement has its occupation list based on the local region’s labour shortages. These lists include both skilled and semi-skilled occupations. That are not available under other migration programs.
Some common occupations on the DAMA visa occupation list include:
- Aged Care Workers
- Childcare Workers
- Chefs and Cooks
- Motor Mechanics
- Disability Support Workers
- Hospitality Managers
- Bus Drivers
- Bookkeepers
- Retail Managers
However, you can’t apply for any of the occupations without the cooperation of employer. Let’s discuss his role in detail,
Role of Employers in DAMA Visa
Employers play a vital role in the DAMA process. As they are the ones who initiate the entire application. Their responsibilities include:
- Providing endorsement to prove the legal operation of their business.
- Proving there are no local workers available for the position.
- Offering the job to applicant via proper work contract.
- Offering fair wages that meet the minimum salary threshold.
- Providing proper working conditions as per Australian employment laws.
- Supporting the worker’s visa application.
Without an employer’s support, you cannot apply for the 482 DAMA visa.
Specific Regions Covered by DAMA
Currently, 13 DAMA regions are working across Australia. You can only apply for the regions listed below for subclass 482 (skills in demand).
- Adelaide City, 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
Each region has unique eligibility requirements and occupation lists. You will need guidance from trusted DAMA visa migration agents for the specifics of the procedure.
482 DAMA Visa Processing Time
The 482 DAMA visa processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the region.
On average:
- Labour Agreement Approval: 2-3 months
- Employer Nomination: 1-2 months
- Visa Application: 4-6 months
We will again recommend working with a trusted DAMA visa migration agents. As they can help you avoid unnecessary delays and speed up your process.
DAMA Visa Cost & Financial Requirements
The cost of the 482 DAMA visa also varies according to the demands of your application. However, you should keep a minimum of 3,115.00 AUD in mind.
It includes:
| Type of Cost | Amount |
| Visa Application | From AUD 2,770 |
| Employer Nomination | AUD 540 |
| Health Checks | AUD 300-500 |
| English Test | AUD 330 |
Some regions offer concessions for specific applicants under DAMA agreements.
482 DAMA Visa to PR | How Can It Lead to Residency?
One of the biggest reasons to apply for the 482 DAMA visa is that it can lead to permanent residency (PR). (subjected to the relevant criteria and availability).
After working under the 482 DAMA visa for 3 years. Applicants can be eligible to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa. That can lead to permanent residency (PR) in Australia.
However, you should consult the experts for further guidance on the process. So, your chances of success can be maximised.
Searching for Experienced DAMA visa migration agents in WA?
Get Expert Help for Your 482 DAMA Visa from Modern Migration Australia
Modern Migration Australia is here to guide you every step of the way.
With years of experience in Australian migration services. We know how to handle the DAMA visa requirements smoothly, saving you time and stress.
We offer:
- Personalised consultations
- Visa applications and documentation services
- Employer sponsorship guidance
- Appeals and waiver support
Let us manage the process on your behalf and deliver on every promise we make.