Designated Area Migration
Agreements (DAMA) – Australia
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DAMA Visa Australia: Eligibility, Job List, Requirements & Processing Time Explained
Helping Skilled Workers and Employers Connect Across Regional Australia
The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and regional, state, or territory authorities. It allows employers in designated regions to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill locally.
Unlike standard visa programs, DAMA offers more flexibility with age limits, English requirements, and occupation lists. It is designed to address labour shortages in specific areas and support regional economic development.
What is a DAMA?
A DAMA is a five-year agreement tailored to a specific region’s workforce needs. It offers access to a broader range of occupations. It may also offer concessions on the following:
- Age
- 186 DAMA visa English requirements
- Minimum salary
- Skills experience
Employers must first seek endorsement from their local Designated Area Representative (DAR) before lodging a labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. This structure enables businesses to sponsor workers under several DAMA visa subclass options. Those include the following:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) – Subclass 494
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186
Why Choose a DAMA Visa?
Regional industries like agriculture, aged care, hospitality, and construction frequently face workforce shortages. The DAMA visa for Australia aims to bridge these gaps with:
- Region-specific occupation lists
- Visa and wage concessions
- Pathways to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 visa
Key Features
Now let’s have a look at some salient features of a DAMA visa:-
- Region-specific agreements
- Access to DAMA jobs and DAMA jobs in Australia through employer sponsorship
- Concessions on English, age, and salary
- Long-term PR options for eligible workers
- Streamlined processing timelines
Current DAMA Regions in Australia
Currently, there are 13 active DAMA regions. Each region has its own DAMA visa job list and criteria. Let’s have a look at them:-
Who Can Apply?
For Employers
Businesses operating in DAMA regions can apply to sponsor overseas workers if they cannot fill roles locally. Employers must first get DAR endorsement before lodging a DAMA visa application.
For Skilled Workers
If your skills match a role on the region’s DAMA visa job list, you can apply for sponsorship through an approved employer. Visa subclasses vary based on eligibility and region.
Steps to Apply Under DAMA
- Check Region and Occupation
You can refer to the local DAMA visa job list. - DAR Endorsement
The employer seeks endorsement from the Designated Area Representative.
- Labour Agreement
The employer submits a request to the Department of Home Affairs - Visa Application
The employee applies under a suitable DAMA visa subclass (e.g. Subclass 482, 494, or 186).
DAMA Visa Processing Time
Visa approval depends on the stream:-
- Subclass 482 DAMA visa processing time: ~2–4 months
- Subclass 494 and 186: ~3–6 months (Actual DAMA visa processing time may vary based on occupation and case complexity)
Benefits of DAMA
DAMA visa offers the following benefits:-
- Access to DAMA jobs in Australia
- Lower 186 DAMA visa requirements
- Age and language concessions
How Visa Empire Can Help
Visa Empire offers expert assistance for both employers and skilled migrants navigating the DAMA visa for Australia. It includes the following:-
- Matching your profile to the right DAMA region
- Preparing DAR endorsement paperwork
- Supporting labour agreement applications
- Streamlining the DAMA visa how to apply process
Connecting you with DAMA visa sponsorship jobs in Australia
Visa Empire is indeed one of the leading visa agents in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Book a Consultation NOW to start your migration journey today with confidence.