DAMA Visa Australia | Your Complete Guide to the Designated Area Migration Agreement

Are you looking to live and work in regional Australia? The DAMA visa can be your perfect pathway. This special visa program helps regional employers sponsor skilled overseas workers when they struggle to find local talent.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

Let’s begin.

What is a DAMA Visa?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a special arrangement between the Australian Government and a state, territory, or regional authority to address local labour shortages. It allows regional areas to sponsor more overseas workers than standard skilled migration programs.

DAMA visa operates under a flexible, agreement-based framework. It helps regions tailor migration policies to meet their specific economic and workforce needs. Each DAMA is managed by a Designated Area Representative (DAR) and includes concessions on skills, age, salary, and English language requirements. This makes it easier for employers to fill critical job vacancies.

How Does the DAMA Visa Work?

A DAMA operates under a two-tier system:

1. Head Agreement (First Tier):

A five-year agreement between the Australian Government and a Designated Area Representative (DAR) (e.g., state governments, regional authorities, Chambers of Commerce, or Shire Councils). It sets out approved occupations, terms, and concessions for skilled visa eligibility.

2. Labour Agreements (Second Tier):

Individual businesses in the designated area can apply for a DAMA labour agreement under the head agreement’s terms.

These agreements allow businesses to sponsor overseas workers in eligible occupations with specific concessions (e.g., lower skill levels, age limits, salary, and English language requirements).

Once a DAMA head agreement is established, businesses can apply for their own DAMA labour agreement under the conditions set in the head agreement.

Why Choose a DAMA Visa? Key Benefits Explained

If you’re struggling to qualify for standard skilled visas, a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) visa could be the perfect alternative. Designed to address labor shortages in regional Australia, DAMA visas offer flexibility, concessions, and a clear pathway to permanent residency.

Here’s why you should consider applying for one:

1. Lower Skill & Experience Requirements

Some DAMA occupations allow workers with less formal qualifications to apply. Thus, making it easier to qualify compared to standard skilled migration programs.

2. Higher Age Limit Concessions

Most Australian skilled visas have an age cap of 45 years. But DAMA visas extend this limit to 50 or even 55 years, depending on the agreement.

3. A Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

Many DAMA agreements include a structured pathway to PR. This allows visa holders to apply for residency after meeting the work and visa requirements.

4. Expanded Occupation Lists

DAMA agreements cover a wider range of job roles. Including semi-skilled and lower-skilled occupations that are not typically available under standard employer-sponsored visas.

5. English Language Concessions

Applicants may qualify for a DAMA visa even if their English proficiency is lower than the usual requirements for standard skilled migration visas.

6. Labour Market Flexibility for Employers

DAMA visas help regional businesses struggling with skill shortages by allowing them to sponsor overseas workers when local talent is unavailable.

7. More Sponsorship Opportunities

Under a DAMA visa, employers can sponsor workers for roles that are not on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) which increases hiring flexibility.

8. Regional-Specific Visa

DAMA visas are only available in approved regional areas, ensuring that migration benefits are directed to locations facing workforce shortages.

9. Lower Entry Requirements

Many DAMA agreements offer concessions on English levels, salary, and age limits, making it easier for workers to qualify compared to standard skilled visas.

10. Five-Year Agreement for Employers

DAMA agreements operate under a five-year framework, giving businesses long-term access to skilled workers while reducing administrative burdens.

DAMA Visa Eligibility & Requirements

To apply for a DAMA visa, both employers and applicants must meet specific requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant DAMA agreement for their region.

1. Employer & Sponsorship Requirements

Employers in DAMA-designated regions must meet strict conditions before sponsoring a skilled worker:

• The business must have a labour agreement under the relevant DAMA region.
• The nominated occupation must be listed in the approved labour agreement.
• The employer must prove that they cannot find an Australian worker for the role.
• The number of nominations approved for the occupation must be within the annual cap set in the agreement.
• The business must comply with the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) unless a salary concession is available.

2. Applicant Requirements

To qualify for a DAMA visa, you must:

• Have a Job Offer from a Sponsored Employer – You must be nominated by an employer who has an approved DAMA labour agreement.
• Meet English Language Requirements – Standard Subclass 482 (TSS) visa English requirements apply unless the DAMA agreement provides concessions. Some DAMA regions allow lower English scores, such as an IELTS 5.0 overall (with no band lower than 4.5).
• Receive a Minimum Salary – Employers must offer a salary that meets the TSMIT threshold (or the reduced threshold under DAMA). Some DAMA agreements allow a minimum salary of $48,510 per year, while the standard 482 visa requires $53,900.
• Meet Skill & Experience Requirements – You must have the qualifications and work experience necessary for the nominated occupation. Some DAMA agreements allow lower qualification levels compared to standard skilled visas.

Are There Any Concessions?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of the DAMA visa is the flexibility in requirements. Depending on the DAMA region, you may receive concessions on:

• English language levels
• Age limit (some allow up to 50-55 years)
• Salary threshold (lower than the standard TSMIT)
• Skills and work experience

Since each DAMA agreement has different concessions, it’s important to check the requirements of your specific region before applying.

How to Apply for a DAMA Visa | 3 Steps in DAMA Application Process

To apply for a DAMA visa, follow these steps:

Step #1: Employer Becomes an Approved Sponsor: The employer must be located in a designated DAMA region and obtain approval from the government.

Step #2: Nominate a Position & Get Labour Agreement: The employer nominates a position and applies for a DAMA labour agreement under the regional DAMA terms.

Step #3: Employee Applies for a Visa: Once the job is nominated, the employee (you) can apply for a DAMA work visa under the nominated occupation.

DAMA Visa Regional Areas in Australia

The DAMA program is available in multiple regions across Australia. There are currently 13 active DAMAs in place. Each region has its own set of eligible occupations and specific requirements.

Below is a list of DAMA regions along with their Designated Area Representative (DAR), who provides information on eligibility, application processes, and covered locations:

Each region has specific skill shortages, and the DAMA occupation list varies by location.

Need help with your DAMA Visa Application?

Consults with Modern Migration Australia: Your DAMA Visa Experts

The DAMA visa is a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. With flexible requirements, PR pathways, and employer sponsorship benefits, it’s an excellent alternative to standard skilled visas.

But navigating the DAMA visa process can be tricky. That’s where Modern Migration Australia comes in. Our expert DAMA Visa Migration Agents will guide you through every step, ensuring you secure the best visa option for your future.

Contact us today to simplify your visa journey!

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FAQs About DAMA Visa

❓ Can a DAMA Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes, many DAMA agreements offer a pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific criteria.

❓ Who can apply for DAMA?

Only employers operating in a designated regional area can apply for endorsement to enter into a DAMA labor agreement. Individuals cannot directly apply for a DAMA. 

❓ What is the age limit for DAMA Visa?

The age limit for a DAMA visa varies depending on the specific DAMA agreement in each region. However, many DAMA visas offer age concessions, allowing applicants up to 50 or even 55 years old, compared to the standard skilled visa age limit of 45 years.

❓ Do I need to meet the standard English language requirements for DAMA Visa?

When applying for a DAMA visa, you generally need to meet the standard English language requirements. But depending on the specific DAMA region and your occupation, there may be concessions allowing for a lower English level than the standard which is at least an IELTS score of 5.0 overall with no band below 4.5.

❓ What visas can you apply for under DAMA?

DAMA provides pathways for three major skilled visa programs:

1. Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
2. Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
3. Subclass 186 – Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) Visa (Permanent Residency)

❓ How do I qualify for a DAMA 494 visa?

You need at least 3 years of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation, typically, within the last 5 years. The experience doesn’t have to be continuous.

❓ Can I apply for a DAMA visa without a sponsor?

No, you need an employer in a DAMA-designated region to sponsor you.

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