Pilbara DAMA 2025: Simplified WA Visa for Skilled Workers

So, you’re eyeing a move to the wild, red landscapes of Pilbara, WA?

Dreaming of a solid job, an adventure-packed lifestyle, and the chance to make Australia your home? Well, mate, you’re in the right place! But before you pack your bags, there’s an important thing to sort out. Your visa.

Western Australia Pilbara DAMA is the simplest & flexible pathway for you. It helps many skilled overseas workers get sponsored in Pilbara’s booming industries.

Don’t know how it works? No worries!

Modern Migration Australia has your back. We know the ins and outs of the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). If you’re applying for a DAMA visa or need assistance with employer sponsorship.

We’re here to guide you every step of your journey to Pilbara.

Let’s start.

What is the Western Australia Pilbara DAMA?

Okay, first things first.

DAMA stands for Designated Area Migration Agreement. That is a labour agreement established between the Australian Government and regional authorities. In this case, the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Pilbara.

Unlike standard skilled migration programs, which have strict occupation lists and eligibility requirements. The Pilbara DAMA offers a more flexible approach by providing:

• Additional occupations
• Concessions on visa criteria
• Pathways to permanent residency

This agreement helps support economic growth in the region. As it sponsors skilled overseas workers for positions that cannot be filled locally. So, all businesses can access the workforce they need.

Visa Categories Available in Pilbara DAMA

If you are an overseas worker looking to apply for the Western Australia Pilbara DAMA. The following visa options are available for you:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

• Allows skilled workers to work for an approved employer in the Pilbara, WA for up to four years.
• Certain occupations on the Pilbara DAMA Occupation List have pathways to permanent residency.

For Details: 482 DAMA Visa Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa (Subclass 494)

• A five-year visa that allows skilled workers to work in regional Australia.
• Offers a direct pathway to permanent residency after three years.

Details at: How to Apply for Skilled Employer Sponsored 494 DAMA Visa?

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

• Permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have been nominated by an employer in the Pilbara region.

Let’s measure the boundaries of these arrangements.

Areas Included in the Pilbara WA DAMA

The Pilbara region is one of Western Australia’s most economically significant areas. Known for its mining, energy, and resource industries.

The Pilbara DAMA applies to businesses operating in the following local government areas. Remember that once sponsored under DAMA pathway. The applicant must live within his designated region.

Employers within these regions who struggle to find skilled Australian workers can apply for DAMA sponsorship. And hire overseas employees for eligible occupations.

Pilbara DAMA Occupation List

The Pilbara DAMA Occupation List includes a broad range of roles across different industries. The list is designed to address skills shortages in the region. Particularly in the mining, construction, health, and hospitality sectors.

Some of the hot-ticket jobs covered under the Pilbara DAMA include:

1. Trades and Technical Roles

• Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO 321212)
• Metal Fabricator (ANZSCO 322311)
• Electrician (ANZSCO 341111)

2. Healthcare and Aged Care

• Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 254499)
• Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO 423111)

3. Hospitality and Tourism

• Chef (ANZSCO 351311)
• Accommodation and Hospitality Manager (ANZSCO 141999)

Also Read: DAMA Visa Occupation List: Find Regional Job Opportunities

RDA Pilbara also include some non-ANZSCO occupations such as:

• 070499 Bar Attendant (Supervisor) (Skill Level 4)
• 070499 Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner (Skill Level 1)

Check the full Pilbara DAMA occupation list here. Or seek expert advice from Modern Migration Australia to help you find the role of your choice.

Concerned about your eligibility? Read on.

Who is Eligible to Apply Under This Scheme?

To apply for a visa under the Pilbara DAMA, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be sponsored by a DAR approved Pilbara employer within the above-mentioned regions.
• Get nominated for an occupation listed on the Pilbara DAMA Occupation List. (with proof that there is no local workforce available for it).
• Meet the experience and qualification requirements for the occupation.
• Satisfy English language, age, and salary threshold requirements.

Sounds too demanding? Let’s go through the concessions you can avail.

Concessions Available Under Pilbara DAMA

To make it easier for skilled workers to qualify. The Pilbara DAMA provides key concessions, including:

1. Age Concessions

Standard employer-sponsored visas usually have an age limit of 45 years. Under the Pilbara DAMA, age concessions are available for certain occupations. Allowing applicants to be older than 45 years.

2. English Language Concessions

Some occupations of South West DAMA have lower English language requirements compared to standard. This benefits workers who have the required skills but struggle in English language.

3. Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Concessions

The standard TSMIT is $70,000 per year. Under the Pilbara DAMA, certain salary concessions can apply. Allowing employers to offer salaries that align with regional market rates.

Now let’s move toward the visa procedure.

Process of Applying for Pilbara DAMA

Applying for the Pilbara, WA DAMA isn’t something you can do overnight. But it’s totally achievable if you follow the right steps.

1. Labour Market Testing (LMT)

The employer must prove they have tried to recruit Australian citizens or permanent residents before seeking to hire overseas workers. It involves the proof of job advertisement on LinkedIn, business website or print media.

2. Endorsement Application

Employers must apply to RDA Pilbara to get endorsed under the DAMA. And submit the supporting evidence and documentation. Note that this endorsement is valid only for 12 months after approval.

3. Labour Agreement Request

Once endorsed, the employer must submit a labour agreement request to the Department of Home Affairs. Employer will need an Immi Account to lodge this application.

4. Visa Nomination

The employer nominates an overseas worker, who meets the education & skills level required for the respective job. This must be done within 12 months of endorsement approval.

5. Visa Application

The nominated overseas worker then applies for the appropriate DAMA visa. Along with the relevant evidence like health exam, police clearance & English language proficiency.

Read More at: DAMA Visa Australia | Your Complete Guide to the Designated Area Migration Agreement

Pro Tip:

This process needs precision & expertise. So, working with an expert migration agency (like Modern Migration Australia) can make the journey way smoother.

Fees & Charges of the Process

Applying for a visa under the Pilbara DAMA involves various costs, including:

• Employer Fees: Costs for endorsement, labour agreements, and nomination. Employers also must contribute to workforce training in Australia called “Skilling Australians Fund Levy”. Find out cost of sponsoring here.
• RDA Pilbara Processing Fee: Current processing fee of RDA Pilbara for 2025 is 350 AUD plus GST. It is non-refundable amount that must be paid along with application. Get more details here.
• Visa Application Charges: Additional fees & charges must be paid to Australian home affairs along the process. These depend on the visa type and applicant’s circumstances. Find the details here.

Summary

The Pilbara DAMA is a great opportunity for skilled overseas workers need to settle in Australia. It is also helpful for businesses in Pilbara, Western Australia in need of workforce.

It provides a flexible migration pathway than standard visa process. Offering additional occupations, visa concessions, and pathways to permanent residency. If you’re looking to work in the Pilbara, WA. Or if you’re an employer there struggling to find skilled workers, the DAMA can be the perfect solution for you.

Looking for expert guidance on applying for a Pilbara DAMA visa?

Let Modern Migration Australia Help You Get Western Australia Pilbara DAMA

At Modern Migration Australia, we assist skilled workers and businesses with DAMA sponsorships, visa applications, and appeals.

You can avail:

• Expert DAMA Migration Agents – Who knows the process inside out.
• Stress-Free Applications – Handling all the paperwork so you don’t have to.
• Personalised Guidance – Because every case is different.

Navigate the process of Pilbara DAMA smoothly and successfully.

Contact Us Today

Explore Our Visa Services