DAMA Visa Process in WA: Everything You Need to Know

Australia is known for its robust and flexible immigration policies. They cater equally well to both skilled migrants and employers facing labor shortages. One such innovative initiative is the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). It is a program particularly structured to assist in regional growth. It does so by enabling employers to sponsor overseas workers for roles that they struggle to fill locally.

If you’re an employer in Western Australia (WA) or a skilled worker who is planning to move there, understanding the DAMA Visa process is indeed quite crucial.

This blog will give you an overview of everything that you need to know about the DAMA Visa process in WA. It will be highlighting its eligibility, occupation lists, benefits as well as application steps.

What is a DAMA?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state, or territory authority. It permits employers in specific regions to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers under the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494), or Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

Unlike standard skilled migration programs, DAMAs are region-specific and offer greater flexibility. These agreements can include the following:

• A wider range of occupations, including those that are not on the standard skilled occupation lists
• Concessions for English language proficiency
• Lower salary thresholds
• Age limit flexibility (up to 55 years in many cases)

DAMA Agreements in Western Australia

In Western Australia, the active DAMA is the Goldfields DAMA. It is designed to attract and retain skilled labor in the regional town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and surrounding Goldfields areas.

Goldfields DAMA

This DAMA is tailored to assist the economic development of the region. It does so by addressing critical labor shortages in key industries including:-

• Mining and resources
• Construction
• Health and aged care
• Hospitality
• Transport and logistics

The agreement was signed between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder (acting as the Designated Area Representative – DAR) and the Australian Government.

Benefits of the DAMA Visa in WA

The DAMA in Western Australia brings numerous benefits to both employers and migrant workers.

For Employers:

• Access to a broader list of occupations
• Ability to sponsor overseas workers even if the role isn’t on national occupation lists
• Option to fill skill gaps where locals are not available
• Long-term support for business growth and sustainability

For Skilled Workers:

• Opportunities in regional Australia with a clear path to Permanent Residency
• English language and salary concessions
• Age flexibility for applicants over 45
• A chance to work in key Australian industries with high demand

Occupation List under WA DAMA

The Goldfields DAMA features a wide range of occupations that are not available under standard skilled migration programs. These include:

• Aged or Disabled Carer
• Chef and Cook
• Motor Mechanic
• Diesel Mechanic
• Childcare Worker
• Drillers Offsider
• Truck Driver
• Hairdresser
• Fitter and Turner
• Electrician

Each occupation may have its own set of concessions depending on the role and industry. It’s essential to check the most recent Goldfields DAMA Occupation List for updates and eligibility criteria.

DAMA Visa Process in WA: Step-by-Step Guide

The DAMA process in Western Australia involves multiple stages and coordination between various stakeholders. Here is its simplified breakdown:-

Step 1

Employer Identifies the Need

The employer must prove that the role cannot be filled by the local workforce. This usually involves the following:

• Demonstrating genuine labor shortages
• Advertising the position locally and nationally
• Documenting recruitment efforts

Step 2

Apply for Endorsement

Employers must seek endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR). In WA it is the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for the Goldfields DAMA.

Documents that are required may include:

• Business operation details
• Proof of genuine need for the position
• Financial viability of the business
• Labour Market Testing (LMT) evidence

Once approved, the DAR will issue an endorsement letter.

Step 3

Labour Agreement Request to Home Affairs

Once the endorsement is received, the employer must submit a Labour Agreement Request to the Department of Home Affairs.

This application involves:

• Filling out the agreement request form
• Attaching the endorsement letter
• Submitting supporting documents

Upon approval, the Labour Agreement is signed between the employer and the Australian Government.

Step 4

Nomination of the Overseas Worker

Now that the employer has a Labour Agreement in place, they can nominate the skilled worker for a visa.

Step 5

Visa Application by the Worker

Once nominated, the overseas worker can now apply for the appropriate visa. They must provide the following:

• Skills assessment (if required)
• Evidence of qualifications and experience
• English language proficiency (concessions may apply)
• Health and character documents

If all checks pass, the Department of Home Affairs will grant the visa.

Common Concessions Under WA DAMA

One of the standout features of DAMAs is the flexibility they provide. In WA, the Goldfields DAMA may provide the following concessions:

English Language Concession
Some occupations may require a lower IELTS score or alternate evidence of English skills.

Age Limit Concession
Applicants up to 55 years old may be eligible under certain occupations.

Salary Threshold Concession (TSMIT)
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) may be lower than the national standard. This depends on the occupation.Work Experience Concession
Reduced work experience requirements may apply in specific circumstances.

Who Can Apply Under the DAMA Visa in WA?

Employers

• Must be located in the designated DAMA region (e.g., Goldfields)
• Must demonstrate genuine and ongoing need for skilled workers
• Should prove their inability to fill the role locally
• Need to meet financial and legal business criteria

Skilled Workers

• Must have qualifications or experience relevant to the nominated occupation
• Need to meet visa-specific requirements
• Should pass health and character checks
• May benefit from English, age, or salary concessions

Permanent Residency Pathways

One of the most attractive parts of the DAMA program is the option for Permanent Residency (PR). Many DAMA roles offer a transition from subclass 482 or 494 to subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) after a few years of regional work.

This not only helps secure long-term residence in Australia but also supports economic and community development in regional WA.

Tips for a Smooth DAMA Application

• Start with a Free Assessment to check eligibility.
• Make sure employers prepare documentation thoroughly to avoid delays.
• Stay updated with changes to occupation lists and policy updates.
• Consult a registered migration agent to navigate the complexities of the DAMA process.
• You must apply early, as DAMA processing times may vary depending on caseload and visa subclass.

Final Thoughts

The DAMA Visa process in Western Australia presents a golden opportunity for both regional businesses and skilled foreign workers. With labor shortages impacting various industries, the Goldfields DAMA permits employers to source global talent and maintain business continuity.

At the same time, it provides migrants with a flexible, concession-rich pathway to work, settle, and eventually become permanent residents in Australia.

Are You Ready to Apply for a DAMA Visa in WA?

Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor skilled workers or an applicant seeking better career prospects in regional WA, Visa Empire is here to help.

Our expert migration agents can serve your best interests in the following matters:

• Guiding you through each step of the DAMA application
• Ensuring your documents are accurate and complete
• Maximizing your chances of success
  

Time to start your journey today with Visa Empire, a migration agent in Perth. We are going to be your most trusted partner for Australian migration!