DAMA Visa South West WA
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Overview – What is the South-West WA DAMA?
The South-West Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) came into effect in January 2022. It was updated in August 2024 with a broader list of in-demand occupations. It is structured to support regional businesses that are struggling with local skill shortages.
It does so by offering the following:-
- Access to broader occupation lists
- Visa concessions not available under standard employer-sponsored programs
Eligibility and Process for South-West Western Australia DAMA
- It is applicable to businesses in approved local government areas including Bunbury, Busselton, Dardanup, Manjimup, and others.
- Employers must apply for endorsement through the Shire of Dardnup (Designated Area Representative).
- Only occupations that are listed under the South-West DAMA Occupation List can be nominated.
- Employers must show genuine efforts to recruit locally before applying.
Who Can Apply for a DAMA Visa in South West WA?
You may be eligible to apply if:
âś… You work in an eligible occupation listed under the 2025 South West DAMA agreement
âś… You receive a job offer from an approved employer in the region
âś… Your employer applies for endorsement from the Shire of Dardanup, the designated area representative (DAR)
âś… You meet visa health and character requirements
âś… You’re ready to live and work in regional WA
DAMA Occupations in Demand – 2025 (Sample)
The South West DAMA covers a wide range of occupations that are currently in demand in the region. Below are just a few:
Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Possible Concessions |
Aged or Disabled Carer | 423111 | PR Pathway, English |
Chef | 351311 | TSMIT, English |
Early Childhood Educator | 421111 | English, Age |
Fitter (General) | 323211 | PR Pathway |
Motor Mechanic | 321211 | TSMIT, English |
đź”—To view the complete list of eligible occupations and available concessions, you can refer to the South-West WA DAMA Occupation List.
DAMA Visa Concessions Available
Under South West DAMA, qualified applicants may benefit from:
âś… 1. Salary (TSMIT) Concession
Businesses can offer up to 10% below the standard salary threshold ($76,515 in 2025), if a valid business case is submitted.
âś… 2. English Language Concession
Lower English test scores are acceptable for some occupations.
âś… 3. Age Concession
Some occupations allow skilled workers up to 55 years old.
âś… 4. Pathway to Permanent Residency
Eligible workers may transition from a temporary visa (e.g., subclass 482 or 494) to permanent residency via subclass 186.
How to Apply for South West WA DAMA Visa
Here’s the basic process:
- Check the 2025 Occupation List for eligibility
- Secure a job offer from an eligible South-West WA employer
- Employer applies for endorsement via the Shire of Dardanup
- Apply for the relevant visa subclass (482, 494, or 186)
- Begin your regional employment and later transition to permanent residency
Are you ready to secure your SW Western Australia DAMA Visa?
Allow us at Visa Empire to guide you through every step along the way; right from eligibility checks to application success.
Start your migration journey today with our trusted migration experts right here at Visa Empire.