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 Dardanup (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:
✅ You work in an eligible occupation listed under the 2025 South West DAMA agreement
✅ You receive a job offer from an approved employer in the region
✅ Your employer applies for endorsement from the Shire of Dardanup, the designated area representative (DAR)
✅ You meet visa health and character requirements
✅ 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 |
🔗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:
✅ 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.
✅ 2. English Language Concession
Lower English test scores are acceptable for some occupations.
✅ 3. Age Concession
Some occupations allow skilled workers up to 55 years old.
✅ 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
