DAMA Visa Employer Sponsorship – Secure Skilled Workers in Regional Areas
The DAMA Visa Employer Sponsorship allows businesses in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled overseas workers under special agreements. This Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) offers flexibility in skill levels, age limits, and English proficiency. As a result, it provides a practical solution for regional employers experiencing labor shortages.
Learn more about employer-sponsored visas →
What is the DAMA Visa?
The DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) Visa is a customized migration program that helps regional businesses sponsor workers under more adaptable conditions than standard employer-sponsored visas. Regional authorities negotiate DAMA agreements with the Australian Government to meet specific skill shortages.
For the latest government information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
How DAMA Agreements Work
Each DAMA agreement applies to a specific regional area and allows employers to sponsor workers with the following advantages:
🔹 Lower Skill Level Requirements – Certain DAMA occupations do not require the same qualification levels as standard employer-sponsored visas.
🔹 Age Concessions – Some agreements extend the sponsorship eligibility beyond the usual age limit of 45 for permanent residency.
🔹 English Language Concessions – A reduced English proficiency requirement is allowed under certain DAMA agreements.
🔹 Permanent Residency Pathways – Many DAMA visas include a clear path to permanent residency after meeting work and stay conditions.
Employer Requirements for the DAMA Visa
Employers must fulfill specific criteria to sponsor a worker under the DAMA Visa Employer Sponsorship, including:
✅ Operating in a DAMA-Approved Region – The business must be located within an area covered by an active DAMA agreement.
✅ Demonstrating a Genuine Need for Skilled Workers – Employers need to provide evidence that local Australian workers cannot fill the role.
✅ Obtaining Endorsement from the Regional Authority – Before lodging a nomination, businesses must secure approval from their DAMA-designated authority.
✅ Meeting Salary and Work Conditions – Employers must comply with Fair Work Australia laws and provide market salary rates.
Worker Requirements for the DAMA Visa
To qualify for the DAMA Visa Employer Sponsorship, workers must:
🔹 Hold a Valid Employer Sponsorship – The nomination must come from a business approved under a DAMA agreement. 🔹 Meet Occupational and Experience Requirements – Some DAMA occupations have lower qualification or experience requirements compared to standard skilled visas. 🔹 Satisfy English Language Criteria – Some DAMA agreements allow for lower English proficiency levels. 🔹 Pass Health & Character Assessments – All applicants must meet Australian immigration health and character standards.
For additional workplace regulations, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
DAMA Visa Application Process
1️⃣ Employer Applies for DAMA Endorsement – Businesses must first obtain approval from their region’s DAMA-designated authority.
2️⃣ Employer Submits a Nomination Application – Once endorsed, the employer lodges a nomination application to sponsor the skilled worker.
3️⃣ Worker Submits a DAMA Visa Application – The worker provides supporting documents and applies for the visa.
4️⃣ Processing & Approval – If successful, the worker receives a DAMA visa, often with pathways to permanent residency.
How We Assist Employers with the DAMA Visa
The DAMA Visa Employer Sponsorship process involves several steps. Our team provides expert guidance in:
✔ DAMA Endorsement Applications – Assisting businesses in obtaining regional endorsement approval.
✔ Nomination & Visa Application Support – Managing all aspects of the DAMA Visa process.
✔ Labour Market Testing Compliance – Ensuring businesses meet government recruitment requirements.
✔ Pathways to Permanent Residency – Helping businesses plan for long-term workforce retention.
Get Expert Assistance for DAMA Visa Employer Sponsorship
We have assisted numerous regional Australian businesses in accessing skilled workers through the DAMA Visa Employer Sponsorship program. Let us help you secure the right talent while ensuring full compliance.
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