DAMA Visa Australia: What You Need to Know
The Designated Area Migration Agreement – DAMA Visa Australia is a specialised employer-sponsored visa. It is designed to address skill shortages in regional Australia. It allows employers in specific designated regions to sponsor skilled overseas workers. However this is under customised visa conditions. Below, we explain the key requirements, benefits, and process for securing a DAMA visa in Australia.
🔍 What is a DAMA Visa?
A DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) is a special arrangement between the Australian Government and regional authorities. It allows employers to sponsor workers in certain occupations. These are occupations that are not typically included in standard skilled migration lists.
DAMA Visa Australia agreements provide:
✔ Access to a broader range of occupations not available under standard skilled visas.
✔ Concessions on skills, experience, and salary requirements.
✔ A pathway to permanent residency under certain conditions.
✔ Support for regional businesses to fill skill shortages.
🔗 See the full Visa Information Hub for related employer-sponsored visas
📌 How the DAMA Visa Works
The DAMA program operates under the Subclass 482 TSS Visa. It also operates under the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa. Each DAMA agreement is unique and tailored to a specific regional area.
Employers must: ✔ Be located within a designated DAMA region.
✔ Demonstrate labour market shortages and the need for overseas workers.
✔ Apply for DAMA endorsement before nominating workers.
🔗 Find out more about 482 Visa Employer Sponsorship
📌 Steps to Apply for a DAMA Visa
1️⃣ Employer Applies for DAMA Endorsement
- The employer must apply for DAMA approval through their regional authority.
- They must prove that local workers are unavailable to fill the role.
2️⃣ Labour Agreement is Established
- If approved, the employer enters into a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
- This agreement allows them to sponsor skilled workers under DAMA conditions.
3️⃣ Employer Nominates You for a DAMA Visa
- The employer lodges a nomination application for the worker under the DAMA scheme.
- The job must be in an approved DAMA occupation.
4️⃣ Worker Submits Their Visa Application
- The visa applicant must provide skills, work experience, and English test results (if required).
- Health and character documents must be submitted.
5️⃣ Processing and Decision
- Visa processing times vary based on the occupation and regional DAMA terms.
- Once granted, workers can live and work in regional Australia under the DAMA scheme.
🔗 Explore the Visa Information Hub for more employer-sponsored pathways
💡 Benefits of a DAMA Visa
✔ Access to more occupations than standard skilled migration lists.
✔ Reduced work experience and English language requirements.
✔ Salary concessions for employers where justified.
✔ Potential pathway to permanent residency through the ENS 186 Visa.
✔ Encourages skilled migration to regional Australia.
🔗 Learn more about 186 Visa: Permanent Residency Through Sponsorship
📞 Need Expert Help with a DAMA Visa?
The DAMA visa program offers skilled workers a unique opportunity to live and work in regional Australia. If you’re considering a DAMA visa, book a consultation with Simon Mander. Simon is a Registered Migration Agent with 22+ years of experience.
📌 Related Resources:
- Visa Information Hub
- 482 Visa: How to Get Employer Sponsorship
- 186 Visa: Permanent Residency Through Sponsorship
📌 Bookmark this page for updates on DAMA visa opportunities!