Looking to live and work in regional Western Australia? The Kalgoorlie DAMA could be your golden ticket.
Officially part of the Designated Area Migration Agreement, this regional visa program helps skilled overseas workers fill job shortages in the Goldfields region. If you’re exploring regional skilled migration options or you’re an employer seeking reliable talent, the DAMA program in Kalgoorlie is definitely worth considering.
At Modern Migration Australia, we’re here to guide you through every step of this exciting journey. Let’s explore what the Goldfields DAMA is all about, why it’s a game-changer, and how we can help you secure a dama work visa.
Kalgoorlie DAMA | An Overview of Goldfields Regional Migration Agreement
The Kalgoorlie DAMA, also known as the Goldfields DAMA, is a five-year labour agreement between the Australian Government and eight local government authorities in Western Australia’s Goldfields region.
First introduced in March 2019 and extended until 4 April 2026, the DAMA is designed to help local employers fill critical job shortages by sponsoring skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.
But here’s what makes the Kalgoorlie DAMA stand out from standard visa options—it’s more flexible. It gives employers the power to sponsor workers for roles that don’t typically appear on national skilled occupation lists. That means more opportunities for skilled migrants to live and work in the thriving Goldfields region.
The Goldfields area isn’t just about mining (though that’s a big part of it). It’s also home to booming industries like healthcare, hospitality, construction, and childcare. This DAMA agreement allows employers in these sectors to address serious skill shortages and keep their businesses growing, while offering migrants a chance to build a career and lifestyle in a welcoming community.
Who’s Covered by the Goldfields DAMA?
This regional agreement includes the following areas:
- City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
- Shire of Coolgardie
- Shire of Dundas
- Shire of Esperance
- Shire of Laverton
- Shire of Leonora
- Shire of Menzies
- Shire of Ravensthorpe
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR), managing applications and supporting local businesses throughout the process. Whether you’re an employer or a skilled worker, there’s a solid support system in place to guide you.
Want to see if your job qualifies? Check the Goldfields DAMA occupation list through the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder or contact our team at Modern Migration Australia for expert guidance.
How Does the Dama Program in Kalgoorlie Work?
The Goldfields DAMA Overview is simple but involves a few key steps. Here’s how it goes:
1. Employer Endorsement – Start Here
The first step kicks off with local employers. If a business in the Goldfields region wants to sponsor overseas workers, they’ll need to get approval—called an “endorsement”—from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. This local council acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR) and handles all endorsement requests.
To get this endorsement, employers must prove they’ve made a genuine effort to hire Australians first. This usually means advertising the job for at least four weeks (that’s called Labour Market Testing) and showing there’s a real skills shortage.
Here’s what’s needed:
- Fill out the Sponsor’s Request for Endorsement form
- If a migration agent is helping, include the signed Form 956
- Attach all supporting documents listed in the Sponsor Checklist
- Make sure your Labour Market Testing proof meets the requirements
If everything’s in order, this stage usually takes around 10 business days.
2. Apply for a Labour Agreement – Going Official
Once the employer is endorsed, they’ll receive the go-ahead from the Goldfields DAR. With that endorsement in hand, they can then apply online for a Goldfields DAMA Labour Agreement through the Department of Home Affairs (via their ImmiAccount).
This step is handled directly by the federal government, so the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder steps back at this stage. The Department of Home Affairs will assess the application based on its guidelines and processing times.
The good news? There’s no fee to request a Labour Agreement!
Once approved, the employer has 12 months to nominate a skilled worker under the terms of the agreement.
3. Nominate the Right Overseas Worker
After the Labour Agreement is approved, the employer can nominate specific overseas candidates for jobs listed in the agreement. These must match the roles and quotas outlined in the Labour Agreement.
At this point, the employer will need to pay Department of Home Affairs fees. Once the nomination is submitted, they’ll get a Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which the nominated worker will need to lodge their visa application.
4. Visa Application – The Final Step
Now it’s the migrant’s turn. Using the TRN, the nominated individual can apply for their visa. This includes providing documents, police checks, medical exams, and any other personal requirements.
Once everything’s submitted and approved, the visa can be granted—and the skilled worker can get started!
Keep in mind: While the Labour Agreement is valid for five years, employer endorsements for specific roles only last 12 months. If you want to bring in more workers or fill new roles, you’ll need to reapply through a Deed of Variation each year.
Need help navigating these steps? Our visa services team at Modern Migration Australia makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Kalgoorlie DAMA Visa Requirements | Who Can Apply?
Thinking about applying for the Kalgoorlie DAMA Visa? Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor skilled workers or an employee aiming to work in regional Western Australia, there are specific requirements you’ll need to meet. Let’s break it down simply:
1. For Business
If you’re a business owner operating in the Goldfields region, you may be able to access the Kalgoorlie DAMA — but only if you meet these key conditions:
- Your business must be legally registered in Australia and have a physical presence in one of the eight local government areas that make up the Goldfields DAMA region.
- You need to show that you’ve been actively and lawfully running your business in the area for at least 12 months.
- Your business must be financially stable — you’ll be asked to submit your latest financial statements.
- Before applying, you must complete Labour Market Testing (LMT). This means proving that you’ve tried to hire locally first and couldn’t find a suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident for the role.
- The position you’re offering must be listed on the current Goldfields DAMA occupation list, and the job must be based within the Goldfields region — fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) or drive-in-drive-out (DIDO) roles aren’t eligible.
- You must offer fair wages and working conditions, equivalent to what you’d offer an Australian worker in a similar role.
- Your business must have a clean record with Australian workplace laws — if there’s been any adverse information, you’ll need to declare it.
2. For Employees
If you’re a skilled overseas worker hoping to move to Kalgoorlie through the DAMA, here’s what you need to know:
- You can’t apply for a DAMA visa on your own — it must be through an approved employer who’s part of the program.
- Your occupation must be on the approved Kalgoorlie DAMA occupation list.
- You’ll typically need at least 2 years of relevant work experience for a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS 482) visa, or 3 years for a permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS 186) visa. However, there are exceptions if Immigration considers it reasonable.
- Your English skills must meet the level outlined in the Labour Agreement for your job.
- You’ll also need to have the right qualifications and experience for the role, along with valid health insurance for your stay.
- In some occupations, a positive skills assessment may be required — for example, Retail Managers.
Employers need to meet all program requirements, and employees must be qualified and experienced for the role. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or how to get started, our team at Modern Migration Australia is here to help! We can assess your case and connect you with the right opportunities.
Unsure about your eligibility? Our consultation services can assess your situation and connect you with approved employers.
Costs and Processing Times
Processing times for the dama work visa aren’t publicly listed but typically range from 1 to 6 months, depending on the complexity and completeness of your application.
Factors like the visa type (SID 482, SESR 494, or ENS 186) and the accuracy of your documents can affect timelines.
Wondering about DAMA visa costs? Fees vary based on visa type, number of applicants, and additional requirements like skills assessments or English tests. For a personalised quote tailored to your situation, contact us today. We’ll provide clear guidance to help you plan your skilled migration journey with confidence.
Concessions in the Goldfields DAMA
The Goldfields DAMA offers a range of flexible concessions to make skilled migration easier for workers and employers. These perks, tailored to the region’s needs, help you qualify for a dama work visa even if you don’t meet standard visa requirements. Here’s what you can expect, based on the latest updates from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder:
- Unique Occupations
The Goldfields DAMA includes six occupations not listed in the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupation (ANZSCO), coded as 070499. These are Asphalt Technician, Process Technician, Rope Access Technician, Sound and Light Technician, Bar Attendant Supervisor, and Waiter Supervisor. This means you can apply for roles exclusive to the dama program in Kalgoorlie that aren’t available through other visa streams.
- Skills and Experience Flexibility
- For ANZSCO Skill Levels 1–3 occupations (e.g., engineers, nurses) on standard skilled occupation lists, you need at least one year of full-time relevant work experience for the SID 482 visa or two years for the SESR 494 or ENS 186 visas. If the occupation isn’t on these lists, a skills assessment by a relevant authority (e.g., VETASSESS) is required, along with one year (SID) or two years (SESR/ENS) of experience.
- For Skill Level 4 occupations (e.g., semi-skilled roles), you need an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate II or III (or equivalent) or one year of relevant work experience, plus one year (SID) or two years (SESR/ENS) of full-time experience. A skills assessment is mandatory.
- For Skill Level 5 occupations, similar requirements apply, with a focus on one or two years of experience depending on the visa. Non-ANZSCO roles (like the six unique occupations) require an AQF Certificate III or IV (or equivalent) or three years of work experience for Skill Level 3, or an AQF Certificate II or III (or one year of experience) for Skill Level 4, plus the standard experience requirements.
- Work experience must be relevant, at the required skill level, and completed within the last five years. Part-time work (minimum 20 hours per week) counts on a pro-rata basis, and skills assessments ensure your qualifications match Australian standards.
- English Language Concessions
Some occupations qualify for relaxed English requirements. For SID 482 and SESR 494 visas, an overall IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent, e.g., TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic) is sufficient, with no minimum band score unless licensing requires more. For ENS 186, an IELTS 5.0 with no band below 4.0 (or equivalent) is accepted. Employers must justify these concessions, ensuring workplace safety for workers with lower English proficiency.
- Income Threshold Concessions
The standard Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)/Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is $73,150. The Goldfields DAMA offers two concession types for certain occupations:
- Type 1: Earnings can be 90% of TSMIT/CSIT (around $65,835), including guaranteed overtime consistent with industry standards and National Employment Standards.
- Type 2: Earnings must meet TSMIT/CSIT, but up to 10% can include non-monetary benefits (e.g., food, accommodation) that support living costs, are quantifiable, and match terms for Australian workers. Guaranteed overtime is also allowed.
Employers must provide evidence to the DAR to justify these concessions, ensuring wages align with Australian workplace laws and are no less than what an Australian would earn in the same role.
- Age Concessions
Higher age limits for permanent residency make the Goldfields DAMA more inclusive:
- Up to 55 years for skill level 1–4 occupations (e.g., engineers, managers).
- Up to 50 years for skill level 5 occupations e.g., semi-skilled roles).
Want to know which concessions apply to your role? Check the full concessions table at the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder or reach out to our visa services team for personalized advice.
Feeling stuck with the DAMA visa process or tired of confusing migration rules?
Contact Modern Migration Australia: Kalgoorlie DAMA Visa Experts Who Make Migration Easy
Navigating Australia’s migration system can be tough, especially when you’re dealing with strict visa requirements, endless paperwork, or the stress of meeting employer or skills criteria. Whether you’re an employer struggling with talent shortages or a skilled worker unsure where to start, Modern Migration Australia is here to help.
Our experienced migration agents handle everything, from employer sponsorship and DAMA visa applications to appeals and skill assessments.
Don’t wait to seize this opportunity!
Book your DAMA VISA consultation now
Facing a visa rejection or cancellation? Our visa appeals and waivers experts craft strategies to keep your Kalgoorlie DAMA on track as well.