Dreaming of working and settling in Australia but can’t find the right visa?
Many skilled workers face this issue. Experiencing roadblocks like narrow occupation lists and strict eligibility requirements. Australia’s DAMA visa program offers a game-changing solution.
The Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) allow regional employers to sponsor overseas workers. So, they can apply for occupations overlooked in other skilled migration programs.
But how do you know if your job qualifies?
Let’s go through the DAMA visa occupation list in detail. Exploring the options and discovering the opportunities for you. So, you can easily apply for a job you qualify for.
At Modern Migration Australia, we make sense of the complex DAMA process. If you’re a skilled worker looking for new opportunities. Our expert DAMA visa migration agents will guide you through every step. So, you can easily secure your future in Australia.
Let’s get started.
DAMA Visa Occupations: Who Can Apply?
Many regional areas across the country are facing serious labour shortages. The Australian government has introduced the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) to address this issue.
The DAMA visa allows employers in regional areas to sponsor overseas workers. Hiring them for high-demand occupations not included in traditional skilled visa programs.
The DAMA visa occupation list includes a broad range of skilled and semi-skilled occupations. This list is based on local labour demands. So that, regional businesses can fill critical job vacancies with qualified workers from overseas.
Features of DAMA Visa Occupations
- Covers a wider range of occupations than standard skilled migration programs
- Offers concessions, such as lower salary thresholds and English language requirements
- Provides a pathway to permanent residency for certain occupations
- Allows businesses in regional areas to access overseas talent easily
How Occupations Vary with DAMA Visa Type
The DAMA visa is available under two primary visa subclasses:
- Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
Each visa type has its own set of occupation requirements and eligibility criteria.
(✓) 494 DAMA Visa Requirements for Occupations
The 494 DAMA visa is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia on a pathway to permanent residency. Key requirements include:
- A valid job offer from an employer in a DAMA region
- At least three years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Skills assessment in the relevant occupation (if required)
- English language proficiency, although some concessions apply under DAMA
- A salary meeting DAMA concessions (if applicable)
This visa allows workers to stay in Australia for up to five years. And also provides a direct pathway to permanent residency after three years.
(✓) 482 DAMA Visa Requirements for Occupations
The 482 DAMA visa is a temporary work visa that enables employers to fill urgent skill shortages when local workers are unavailable. Requirements include:
- A valid job offer from a DAMA-approved employer
- Relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Meeting the English language and salary requirements, with some DAMA concessions available
- A commitment to work in a DAMA region for the duration of the visa
While this visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Applicants can transit to the 494 visa or other PR pathway after gaining work experience.
DAMA Visa Occupation List for Different Regions
The DAMA visa occupation list varies across different regions. Depending on the labour shortages identified in each area.
If we talk precisely about Western Australia. It has its own governing body suggesting a specific list of occupations. Let’s get you through it.
The Western Australia DAMA Occupation List
The Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement (WA DAMA) offers a comprehensive list of occupations across various industries, facilitating businesses in regional WA to sponsor skilled overseas workers. Below is a detailed breakdown of the occupations grouped by relevant fields:
(✓) Engineering and Technical Services
- Aeronautical Engineer (ANZSCO 233911)
- Agricultural Engineer (ANZSCO 233912)
- Biomedical Engineer (ANZSCO 233913)
- Chemical Engineer (ANZSCO 233111)
- Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233211)
- Electrical Engineer (ANZSCO 233311)
- Electronics Engineer (ANZSCO 233411)
- Environmental Engineer (ANZSCO 233915)
- Industrial Engineer (ANZSCO 233511)
- Mechanical Engineer (ANZSCO 233512)
- Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) (ANZSCO 233611)
- Petroleum Engineer (ANZSCO 233612)
- Structural Engineer (ANZSCO 233214)
- Telecommunications Engineer (ANZSCO 263311)
- Telecommunications Network Engineer (ANZSCO 263312)
(✓) Health and Social Care
- Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO 423111)
- Anaesthetic Technician (ANZSCO 311211)
- Community Worker (ANZSCO 411711)
- Dental Technician (ANZSCO 411213)
- Dietitian (ANZSCO 251111)
- Enrolled Nurse (ANZSCO 411411)
- Medical Laboratory Technician (ANZSCO 311213)
- Nursing Support Worker (ANZSCO 423312)
- Personal Care Assistant (ANZSCO 423313)
- Physiotherapist (ANZSCO 252511)
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (ANZSCO 254412)
- Registered Nurse (Medical) (ANZSCO 254418)
- Social Worker (ANZSCO 272511)
(✓) Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- ICT Business Analyst (ANZSCO 261111)
- ICT Security Specialist (ANZSCO 262112)
- Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313)
- Systems Analyst (ANZSCO 261112)
- Web Developer (ANZSCO 261212)
(✓) Hospitality and Tourism
- Bar Attendant Supervisor (ANZSCO 431111)
- Barista (ANZSCO 431112)
- Chef (ANZSCO 351311)
- Cook (ANZSCO 351411)
- Hotel or Motel Manager (ANZSCO 141311)
- Hotel Service Manager (ANZSCO 431411)
- Pastrycook (ANZSCO 351112)
- Waiter Supervisor (ANZSCO 431511)
(✓) Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Agricultural and Agritech Technician (ANZSCO 311111)
- Beef Cattle Farm Worker (ANZSCO 841511)
- Dairy Cattle Farm Worker (ANZSCO 841512)
- Dairy Products Maker (ANZSCO 831114)
- Fruit or Nut Farm Worker (ANZSCO 841211)
- Fruit or Nut Picker (ANZSCO 841212)
- Mixed Crop Farmer (ANZSCO 121216)
- Mushroom Picker (ANZSCO 841217)
- Vegetable Farm Worker (ANZSCO 841214)
- Vegetable Picker (ANZSCO 841215)
(✓) Construction and Trades
- Carpenter (ANZSCO 331212)
- Electrician (General) (ANZSCO 341111)
- Scaffolder (ANZSCO 821712)
(✓) Transport and Logistics
- Delivery Driver (ANZSCO 732111)
- Truck Driver (General) (ANZSCO 733111)
(✓) Automotive
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO 321212)
- Motor Mechanic (General) (ANZSCO 321211)
(✓) Retail and Supervision
- Retail Manager (General) (ANZSCO 142111)
- Retail Supervisor (ANZSCO 621511)
(✓) Plant Operations
- Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) (ANZSCO 721211)
- Loader Operator (ANZSCO 721216)
The WA DAMA allows businesses to sponsor skilled workers with lower eligibility requirements. As compared to standard employer-sponsored visas. Let’s discuss the regions that come under WA DAMA management.
Regions Included Under the WA DAMA:
(✓) South West DAMA
The South West DAMA focuses on jobs in agriculture, viticulture, and hospitality. Common occupations covered under this DAMA include:
- Dairy farm worker
- Winemaker
- Fruit and nut grower
- Chef
Click for Complete South West DAMA Occupations List
(✓) Pilbara DAMA
The Pilbara DAMA supports occupations primarily in the mining and resources sector. Eligible roles include:
- Heavy diesel mechanic
- Mining engineer
- Geologist
- Boilermaker
Find Complete Pilbara DAMA Occupation List Here
(✓) Kalgoorlie DAMA (Goldfields DAMA)
Kalgoorlie, part of the Goldfields DAMA, is another mining-intensive region with significant skill shortages. Key occupations are:
- Automotive electrician
- Mechanical engineer
- Aged care worker
- Metal fabricator
Find Complete Kalgoorlie DAMA Occupation List
(✓) Esperance DAMA
The Esperance DAMA supports businesses in regional WA by filling workforce shortages in agriculture, tourism, and construction. Although specific occupations vary, common roles include:
- Farmhand
- Carpenter
- Hospitality manager
Want to Apply for a DAMA Visa?
Let Modern Migration Australia Help You Pick from DAMA Occupation List
At Modern Migration Australia, we specialise in DAMA visa applications and employer sponsorships. Our team of experienced DAMA visa migration agents will assist you in:
- Assessing your eligibility and finding the best DAMA visa option
- Guiding you through sponsorship and documentation requirements
- Preparing your application to improve your chances of success
- Providing expert advice on regional occupation lists and concessions
Don’t navigate the migration process alone. let our experts handle it for you.
Contact Modern Migration Australia Today
Know More About Our Visa Services
and take the first step toward your Australian dream!