Australia’s regions are booming again, but many paddocks, mine sites and hospital wards are still short a few good people. Post-COVID recovery has collided with record vacancies, prompting landmark migration moves: Western Australia switched on a state wide DAMA in July 2024 to cover every postcode outside Perth, and the Northern Territory’s new NT DAMA III kicked off on 19 March 2025 with 1,500 spots a year and 325 eligible occupations
If you’re a regional employer desperate to keep the doors open, a skilled or semi-skilled worker aged 18-55 dreaming of life beyond the capitals, or an HR adviser / accountant hunting fresh visa options for clients, this guide is written for you. I’m Madalina “Maddie” Phillips (MARN 0957920), and I’ve helped hundreds unlock regional visas; here I’ll unpack exactly how DAMAs work in 2025, what’s changed, and practical steps to turn an opportunity into a visa – and ultimately, permanent residency.
What exactly is a DAMA?
A Designated-Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a two-part framework between the Australian Government and a regional community that’s experiencing talent shortages:
- Head (or “umbrella”) Agreement – negotiated by the local Designated Area Representative (DAR) with the Department of Home Affairs. Locks in the occupations, concessions and annual nomination caps for that region.
- Individual Labour Agreements – once the head deal is in place, each approved employer signs their own contract under it to sponsor overseas staff.
That structure is why a chef in Darwin can access a different English score or salary floor than a chef in Townsville even though both hold the same visa subclass.
How a DAMA differs from “standard” sponsorship
|
Requirement
|
Standard pathway (SID 482 / ENS 186 / SESR 494)
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Typical DAMA concession (varies by region & occupation)
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|---|---|---|
|
Occupation list
|
Must be on Core Skills (or legacy CSOL) list
|
Jobs not on any national list may be eligible (e.g. beauty therapist, truck driver)
|
|
Salary floor
|
TSMIT $73,150 (2024-25) → $76,515 from 1 July 2025
|
Up to 10 % discount on TSMIT where justified (so ≈ $68.8k after 1 July 2025)
|
|
English
|
IELTS 5.0 overall, ≥ 5.0 in each band (or equivalent)
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Some regions allow IELTS 4.5 overall / 4.0 each band for semi-skilled roles
|
|
Age at PR stage
|
Generally < 45 yrs for ENS 186 / SESR 494
|
Concessions up to 55 yrs (NT, SA, WA, Orana)
|
|
Skill levels
|
ANZSCO 1-3 (and a handful of 4)
|
ANZSCO 1-5, including semi-skilled positions (e.g. bar attendants, farm hands)
|
Why it matters: A DAMA doesn’t create a new visa – it customises existing visas (482, 494, 186) so regional businesses can bring in talent the standard rules would exclude.
Visas you’ll actually apply for
Because each DAMA spells out exactly which concessions apply to which occupations, your first job is to match the role and postcode to the right agreement. We’ll dig into that region-by-region in the next section, but keep this rule of thumb in mind:
No two DAMAs are identical – what’s generous in the NT might be strict in the Pilbara, and vice-versa.
|
Stage
|
Visa subclass
|
Quick take
|
|---|---|---|
|
Temporary entry
|
482 Skills-in-Demand (SID) – Labour-Agreement stream
|
Work for the sponsoring employer up to 4 years; pathway to PR
|
|
494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (SESR) – Labour-Agreement stream
|
5-year provisional visa tied to the region; PR after 3 years
|
|
|
Permanent residency
|
186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Labour-Agreement stream
|
Age and English concessions carry through if the Head Agreement allows
|
With that foundation sorted, let’s look at why 2025 is shaping up as the strongest year yet to choose the DAMA route and which regions have the most attractive terms.
Why choose the DAMA pathway in 2025?
Australia has never offered regional employers, or migrants, so many “sweet-spot” visa options in one package. Here’s why 2025 is the year to jump in.
1. A quicker, clearer road to PR
Every current DAMA is wired to the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) or the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (494) visa.
Stick with your sponsoring boss for two or three years (depending on the agreement) and you can lodge for permanent residency, even if you’re up to 55 years old in places like the NT, SA, Orana and WA.
2. Hundreds of new occupations just opened
- NT DAMA III expanded from 117 to 325 roles and 1,500 nomination places a year, valid to 2030
- WA’s state wide DAMA (live since 1 July 2024) lets any employer outside Perth tap into concessions once limited to Goldfields, Kimberley, Pilbara and South-West WA
- South Australia added 128 extra occupations across manufacturing, agritech and health in late 2024
To put it simply, roles that never hit the national skills lists, truck drivers, bar supervisors, aged care workers, are all on the table.
3. Concessions that beat the standard rules
|
Requirement
|
Standard rule (2025)
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Typical DAMA break-away
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|---|---|---|
|
Salary floor
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TSMIT jumps to AUD 76,515 on 1 July 2025
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Up to 10 % discount where the region can prove local wages are lower (≈ $68.8k).
|
|
English
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IELTS 5.0 overall / 5 in each band
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IELTS 4.5 overall or equivalent for many trade & semi-skilled roles (FNQ, Orana, SA)
|
|
Age at PR stage
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under 45 yrs
|
Concessions up to 55 yrs (NT, SA, Orana, WA)
|
|
Skill levels
|
Core Skills only
|
Access to ANZSCO 1-5 plus “out-of-list” jobs unique to each region
|
4. Lifestyle perks & local benefits
Beyond the visa itself, many regions add in extra benefits to sweeten the deal and get newcomers over the border:
- Payroll-tax rebates or exemptions for small businesses hiring under a WA DAMA (check latest WA Treasury circulars).
- Relocation payments of up to AUD 5,000 for workers moving into FNQ, Townsville or SA regions (limited grants; first-come, first-served).
- Regional housing subsidies and fast-tracked licensing in the NT for essential trades.
These incentives shift, so we’ll flag the latest offers and keep this page updated regularly (so bookmark it and check back later!).
All of that to say, DAMA lets employers fill their roster and gives migrants a realistic, time-boxed path to PR, often with softer English, higher age caps and lower salary floors than any metro sponsorship program. Next up, let’s see where you can use those advantages in 2025 and which regions are running the best DAMA offers.
2025 Snapshot: All Active DAMA Regions & Key Updates
Below is your “at-a-glance” overview for the 13 Designated Area Migration Agreements currently in force. Each mini profile links to additional information and occupation.
Note: Figures shown here are current to 21 May 2025. DARs review caps, concessions and occupation lists every year, so bookmark this page or join our email alerts for regular updates.
Northern Territory – NT DAMA III
- 325 occupations – biggest list in the program
1,500 nomination places p.a.; agreement runs to 30 June 2030 - IELTS concessions to 4.5, age to 55, up to 10% TSMIT discount
- Launched 19 Mar 2025 – employers must shift to the new online portal.
Far North Queensland (FNQ)
- New Version 7.0 occupation list effective 22 Mar 2025
- 181 roles from mango-farm hands to marine engineers; age 55 / IELTS 4.5 possible
- FNQ DAMA Occupation List
- DAR: Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
Townsville & North Queensland
- 2025 variation adds beauty therapists, retail supervisors, nurse managers
- 480 visa holders sponsored since the deal began in 2022; demand forecast: 20 000 extra workers in five years.
Orana, NSW
- 129 occupations across Dubbo, Mid-Western, Riverina & 10 other shires
- Permanent-residency pathway via ENS 186 after three years.
Adelaide City – Tech & Innovation (ACTIA)
- Covers CBD postcodes; tailored to defence, space and advanced-tech firms
- English can be as low as PTE 43 for select ICT roles, age cap 55.
South Australia Regional Workforce
- 128 new occupations added April 2024; nomination ceiling lifted to 2 000 a year
- Whole-of-state coverage outside Adelaide CBD; concessions mirror ACTIA.
Goulburn Valley, VIC
- Serves Shepparton, Campaspe & Moira LGAs; info roadshows held May 2025
- Up to 182 occupations; strong demand from food-processing and dairy.
Great South Coast, VIC
- Agreement extended to 2026, cap now 300 workers across >120 jobs
Ideal for health, hospitality and construction employers in Warrnambool & surrounds.
Pilbara, WA
- For mining & logistics heavyweights; processing fee AUD 350 (+GST) per nomination
- List spans ANZSCO 1-5 – yes, even bar attendants for FIFO camps.
East Kimberley, WA
- Covers Wyndham, Broome, Derby-West Kimberley & Halls Creek
- Focus on tourism, aviation and forestry, English and age concessions available.
Goldfields, WA
- Led by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder plus seven shires; strong trades focus
- Pathway to PR after three years on a 494 or two on a 482.
South West WA
- Annual report 2024 confirms continuation to mid-2026; mirrors new TSMIT $76,515 from 1 July 2025 with up to 10 % discount where approved.
Western Australia – State wide DAMA
- Activated 1 July 2024 to complement the four sub-regional deals
- Gives every regional LGA outside Perth access to concessions, ideal for SMEs that fall outside Pilbara/Goldfields.
How to use this snapshot
- 1 – Locate your desired region.
- 2 – Cross-check your occupation against the latest list for that region.
- 3 – Note any special concessions (age, English, salary).
- 4 – Book a call with me if you’re unsure which agreement fits best, we’ll map the quickest road to PR for you or your staff.
Next, let’s break down this year’s key policy changes, TSMIT increases, quota jumps and English requirement changes, so you can stay ahead of the compliance curve.
2024-25 policy updates employers & migrants must know
Australia’s migration settings have shifted faster in the past 18 months than in the previous decade. Below are the headline changes that affect every DAMA application lodged between now and mid-2026.
|
Change
|
Effective
|
Impact
|
Action item
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
NT DAMA III signed – 1 500 places p.a., 325 occupations
|
19 Mar 2025
|
Bigger list + higher quota until 2030
|
Employers: create a new online endorsement account and lodge early, before the quota resets on 1 July each year
|
|
TSMIT rises to AUD 76 515 (applies to all employer-sponsored nominations)
|
1 Jul 2025
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Higher salary floor for 482 SID, 494 and 186 nominations
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Update employment contracts or lodge before 30 Jun if the old salary band still fits
|
|
Skills-in-Demand (SID) visa replaces the old TSS 482
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7 Dec 2024
|
New three-stream 4-year visa; automatic pathway to PR; some LMT exemptions
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Make sure any draft nominations use the new SID forms and fee codes
|
|
SA Regional & Adelaide City DAMAs keep age 55 + English concessions; add 128 occupations
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Apr 2024
|
Easiest entry for trades and community-services roles
|
Check the fresh list—many Skill Level 4-5 jobs are now eligible
|
|
WA state-wide DAMA activated (outside Perth metro)
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1 Jul 2024
|
Opens concessions to every regional LGA; capacity for up to 10 000 workers a year
|
Submit an EOI through WA Migration Services if you’re outside the existing Pilbara/Goldfields/Kimberley/SW agreements
|
Why these updates matter
- Budget for the new salary floor. Any nomination lodged from 1 July 2025 must meet or beat AUD 76 515 (unless a valid DAMA discount applies).
- Move fast on NT DAMA III. The expanded list has triggered a spike in demand; first-in, first-served applies once the 1,500 annual cap is gone.
- Check the occupation list. From 7 December 2024 the Temporary Skill Shortage program was rebadged as the Skills-in-Demand (SID 482) visa. While the ANZSCO codes themselves did not change, Home Affairs released new Core/Specialist occupation lists; if your role no longer appears on the SID list, the nomination (and visa) can’t proceed. All online nomination and visa forms in ImmiAccount are now branded “Skills in Demand”, make sure you select the SID stream that matches your occupation.
- South Australia is the most forgiving on age and English. If you’re 50-plus or still polishing your IELTS score, Adelaide City or regional SA may be your quickest door in.
- WA goes big. Even micro-businesses in Margaret River or Kalgoorlie can now tap DAMA concessions without fitting into one of the four legacy sub-regional deals.
Keep these dates on your calendar, and remember that each Designated Area Representative (DAR) may adjust quotas or concession settings midyear. We monitor every update and will refresh this guide regularly so join our mailing list if you’d like to be kept in the loop.
Eligibility checklist – Employer vs Applicant
A DAMA is a little different from ordinary sponsorship rules, but both sides still have to tick the important boxes before Home Affairs will sign off. Use the lists below as your quick pre-screen; if you hit a red flag, reach out early so we can troubleshoot before fees are sunk.
For Employers
DAR endorsement first, ImmiAccount second
- Lawfully operating ≥ 12 months in the designated postcode(s); provide ASIC extract + recent BAS.
- Genuine local recruitment: at least two job ads (within the last 4 months) or evidence of industry shortage accepted by the DAR.
- Terms & salary meet or exceed AMSR and, after 1 July 2025, the new TSMIT AUD 76 515 (or the approved DAMA discount—usually up to 10 %).
- Clean compliance history: no Fair Work infringements, migration offences or outstanding ATO debts.
- Financial viability: last two years’ financials or an accountant’s letter if the business is new.
- Settlement support plan for overseas hires (accommodation help, orientation, community links).
- Endorsement letter from the Designated Area Representative (DAR) → attach to the online Labour-Agreement request in ImmiAccount.
Fast-track flow: Enquiry → DAR checklist & fee → Endorsement letter → Labour Agreement lodged → Nomination → Visa.
For Applicants
|
Criteria
|
Standard rule
|
Possible DAMA concession*
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Occupation
|
On Core Skills list
|
Out-of-list roles allowed (e.g. barista, truckie)
|
Must match the region’s Head Agreement
|
|
Qualifications / experience
|
ANZSCO skill level 1-3, 2-3 yrs exp
|
Skill levels 4-5 accepted; experience can outweigh formal study
|
Check regional appendix for each role
|
|
English
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IELTS 5.0 (or PTE 42) each band
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IELTS 4.5 overall / 4.0 each band (FNQ, SA, NT)
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Automatic if listed as “English concession”
|
|
Age at PR stage
|
< 45 yrs
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Up to 55 yrs (NT, SA, Orana, WA) —50 yrs for Skill Level 5 roles
|
|
|
Salary
|
≥ TSMIT 76 515 (from 1 Jul 2025)
|
Up to 10 % below TSMIT with DAR approval
|
Employer must still meet local AMSR
|
|
Skills assessment & licensing
|
Required if occupation is licensed (e.g. electrician)
|
Often waived or replaced by experience letter for some Level 4-5 jobs
|
Region-specific
|
|
Health & character
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Medical + AFP / overseas police clearances
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No concessions
|
Mandatory
|
*Concessions vary by region and occupation; your endorsement letter will indicate which ones apply.
Self-check before you lodge
- 1 – Match your occupation & postcode to the exact DAMA list (they are not interchangeable).
- 2 – Confirm English scores still meet concession bands (a single “5” in Reading can derail the visa).
- 3 – Calculate salary vs TSMIT early. Home Affairs rejects under salary nominations even if the DAR endorsed them.
- 4 – Gather police certs and medicals upfront, they often hold up final grants.
If either party falls short on any point above, get professional advice before you proceed. Fixing a refused Labour Agreement or visa application is slower and more expensive than doing it right the first time.
Step-by-Step Application Process Overview
A DAMA journey is really three linked applications — endorsement, nomination and visa — followed by a future permanent residency step.
Missing paperwork at any stage can bounce you back to square one, so treat each step like its own mini project.
|
Stage
|
Who drives it?
|
What happens
|
Key documents
|
Typical timing*
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 . Confirm occupation + region
|
Employer & applicant together
|
Match the job to the right DAMA list and postcode. Check if English, age or salary concessions are available.
|
Latest regional occupation list, position description, payroll data
|
1–2 days
|
|
2 . Secure DAR endorsement
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Employer → Designated Area Representative
|
Lodge an endorsement request with evidence of genuine recruitment and financial health. Pay the regional admin fee (AUD 300–600 depending on the DAR).
|
Job-ad screenshots, BAS/financials, settlement-plan template
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2–6 weeks (some NT & SA decisions in <10 days)
|
|
3 . Lodge Labour Agreement request
|
Employer → Home Affairs
|
Upload the DAR letter and draft contract in ImmiAccount under the Labour Agreement workflow. Home Affairs issues an e-Agreement to e-sign.
|
Endorsement letter, proposed concessions schedule, organisational chart
|
|
|
4 . Nomination application
|
Employer
|
Once the agreement is active, submit a nomination for each position, attaching contract, GTE statement and proof the salary meets AMSR or the approved discounted TSMIT.
|
Signed employment contract, AMSR evidence, skills assessment (if licensed trade)
|
1–4 weeks (decision-ready files fast-tracked)
|
|
5 . Visa application
|
Applicant
|
Lodge the Skills-in-Demand (SID 482) Labour-Agreement stream or SESR 494 visa, pay the DHA fee, upload medicals & police checks.
|
Passport, English test, PCCs, Form 80, health exam receipt
|
|
|
6 . Pathway to PR (ENS 186)
|
Employer & applicant
|
After 2–3 years (per the Head Agreement) apply for the permanent ENS 186 Labour-Agreement stream. Age & English concessions usually carry forward.
|
New employment reference, salary evidence, updated police checks
|
6–9 months
|
*Indicative Home Affairs medians as at 9 May 2025; regional backlogs and holiday peaks can stretch these numbers.
- Front load evidence. Home Affairs now refuses incomplete SID applications without requests for further info. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
- Lock the salary early. Contracts signed before 1 July 2025 can still use the old TSMIT if the nomination is lodged by 30 June; after that the new AUD 76 515 floor applies unless you have a written DAR discount.
- Batch nominations. Under NT DAMA III you can bundle multiple roles in one request, handy for large hospitality or mining intakes.
- Sync visa & nomination lodgement. File the SID/494 visa within 6 months of the nomination grant to avoid repaying fees.
Keep records for three (3) years. DARs and Home Affairs audit randomly; payroll and LMT evidence must be at hand until the worker reaches PR.
Follow these steps in order, keep documents “decision-ready”, and your DAMA pathway should unfold smoothly, often faster than metro sponsorships that lack dedicated DAR support. In the next section we’ll break down the costs and average processing times so you can budget upfront and avoid nasty surprises.
Costs & Processing Times (2025 Update)
Before you budget for a DAMA hire, remember you’re paying for three things: the regional endorsement, the federal nomination/visa charges and (often) professional fees. The table below shows the must-pay costs for one primary applicant lodged after 1 July 2025.
|
Stage
|
Payable to
|
Typical fee*
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
DAR endorsement
|
Designated-Area Representative (e.g. Migration NT, Cairns Chamber)
|
AUD 300–600 per request
|
FNQ guide confirms a credit-card authority for an endorsement fee is mandatory
|
|
Labour-Agreement request
|
Home Affairs
|
Nil
|
No charge to sign the 5-year agreement
|
|
Nomination (SID 482/494)
|
Home Affairs
|
AUD 330 each position
|
|
|
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
|
Home Affairs
|
AUD 1 200 p.a. (turnover < $10 m) or AUD 1 800 p.a. (≥ $10 m)
|
|
|
Visa application charge
|
Home Affairs
|
SID 482 from AUD 1 455SESR 494 AUD 4 640ENS 186 AUD 4 885
|
|
|
English test (IELTS/PTE)
|
Test provider
|
≈ AUD 420
|
Some roles may waive or lower bands under DAMA
|
|
Skills assessment / licensing
|
Assessing body
|
AUD 450 – 1 000+
|
Only for licensed trades & select Level 4–5 roles
|
|
Skills assessment / licensing
|
Private Agency / Migration Agent
|
AUD 3 000 – 5 500 full service
|
Costs vary with occupation complexity & number of family members
|
*All figures are in Australian dollars. Home Affairs revises visa/VAC charges on 1 July each year.
Average 2025 processing times (decision-ready files)
|
Application
|
Median time
|
Source & priority notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
SID 482 – Specialist Skills stream
|
7 business days
|
Fast-track if salary ≥ $135 k & occupation on Core list
|
|
SID 482 – Core Skills stream
|
21 business days
|
Most DAMA applicants fall here
|
|
SESR 494 – Labour-Agreement stream
|
5 months
|
Figures from March 2025 global medians
|
|
ENS 186 – Labour-Agreement stream (PR stage)
|
11 months
|
Permanent visa medians, March 2025
|
Reference: Immigration and citizenship Website and Visa Processing Times
These medians assume a decision-ready file, complete medicals, police checks, English test and skills assessment (if required) uploaded on day one. Incomplete lodgements routinely slide past the 6-month mark.
- Lock in contracts before 30 June if your agreed salary hovers near the TSMIT, remember it climbs to AUD 76 515 on 1 July 2025
- Batch nominations (NT & WA DAMAs allow bulk uploads) so you pay the DAR fee once.
- Use the Visa Pricing Estimator to model family add-ons and the ENS step before you commit
- Stay decision-ready, Home Affairs now refuses incomplete SID files without a second-chance request.
With costs and timelines clear, you can map your cash flow and onboarding plan with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change employers while on a DAMA-sponsored visa?
Yes, but the new business must first obtain its own DAR endorsement, DAMA labour agreement and nomination approval under the same (or another) occupation before you start work. Visa condition 8607 still applies to the new Skills-in-Demand (SID 482) visa: you have up to 180 days to find a new sponsor after leaving the previous one, otherwise your visa can be cancelled.
Do English language concessions also cover my partner and adult children?
No. DAMA concessions always apply only to the primary applicant.
Which DAMA lets me apply for PR at the highest age?
Four regions currently allow an age ceiling of 55 years at the ENS 186 (PR) stage:
- Northern Territory – NT DAMA III
- South Australia Regional Workforce & Adelaide City Tech
- Orana (NSW)
- Western Australia (state-wide, Pilbara, Goldfields, East Kimberley, South-West)
Most others cap you at 50, while standard sponsorship sits at 45.
How long until I can lodge for permanent residency?
If your Head Agreement includes an ENS pathway, you can generally lodge after two years on a SID 482 or three years on a SESR 494, provided you’ve met the salary, occupation and employer-continuity conditions. Some agreements (e.g. NT hospitality) require three years even on a 482, so read the occupation table carefully.
Is the old TSS 482 visa still valid?
For existing TSS holders, yes and they can keep their visas but transition rules to SID/ENS apply at renewal. No new TSS visas have been granted since 7 December 2024. All new employer-sponsored applications now fall under the Skills-in-Demand (SID 482) visa.
My occupation isn’t on any national skills list, can a DAMA still help?
Quite possibly. Each DAMA contains “out-of-list” roles unique to local demand—truck drivers, beauty therapists, even farm hands. Check the occupation table for your target region or ask us to run a custom search.
What happens if a region’s annual quota is used up?
DARs can’t approve any more endorsements that program year. You’ll either wait until 1 July when quotas reset, or pivot to another region’s DAMA if your employer’s postcode qualifies there. Keep an eye on NT and WA, which fill first.
Can I include study or part-time work on the side?
You can study without restriction, but all paid work must stay inside your nominated occupation and sponsoring employer. Breaching that exposes you (and your employer) to visa cancellation or civil penalties.
Do I need a new IELTS test for the ENS 186 stage?
Only if your Head Agreement doesn’t carry forward the English concession, or if your last test will be over 3 years old at lodgement.
What if my skills assessment says ‘not required’?
Some level 4–5 roles under a DAMA waive formal skills assessment in favour of employment references plus on-the-job training evidence. If the DAR letter or occupation list marks the assessment as “N/A”, upload your references instead—but make sure the role isn’t separately licensed (e.g., electricians), the licensed occupations are far more complex.
Still puzzled? Send through your question or if you’re looking for more in-depth support book a consultation call with me and we’ll walk through your specific scenario.
Helpful resources & official links
Bookmark these pages so you always have the latest occupation lists, endorsement forms and fee schedules at hand. When a Head Agreement issues an update, it lands on these sites first.
|
Purpose
|
Where to look
|
Why it matters
|
|---|---|---|
|
Program-wide rules, visa application forms & policy updates
|
One stop page for legislation, nomination/visa checklists and policy circulars (e.g. TSMIT notices).
|
|
|
Northern Territory – NT DAMA III
|
Download the full occupation table, see transition FAQs from DAMA II to III and start your endorsement application.
|
|
|
Far North Queensland (FNQ) DAMA
|
Endorsement fees, latest occupation/concession PDFs and domestic-recruitment templates.
|
|
|
Townsville & North Queensland DAMA
|
||
|
Orana, NSW DAMA
|
Employer eligibility guide, fee schedule and occupation/concession lists.
|
|
|
South Australia – Adelaide City Tech & Regional Workforce DAMAs
|
Searchable table with English/age/TSMIT concessions for 600+ roles.
|
|
|
Western Australia – State-wide + Pilbara / Goldfields / Kimberley / South-West DAMAs
|
Central landing page for all five WA agreements, endorsement e-forms and email contacts.
|
|
|
Government visa fees & SAF levy calculator
|
Check exact SID 482, SESR 494 and ENS 186 charges and index-linked family surcharges.
|
|
|
Processing-time dashboard
|
Track medians for SID, SESR and ENS Labour-Agreement streams to set onboarding expectations.
|
- Save PDFs offline. Occupation lists and concession tables sometimes vanish during mid-cycle revisions; keep a timestamped copy in your compliance folder.
- Subscribe to DAR newsletters. NT, WA and SA all push email alerts when quotas refill or lists change, often weeks before Home Affairs updates its site.
Check fee pages every 1 July. Visa Application Charges rise with CPI; the SAF levy hasn’t shifted since 2018.
Next steps – Plan your DAMA pathway with an expert
You now know where the jobs are, which concessions apply, and what it costs to get from a shortage-listed regional role to permanent residency in Australia. The only thing left is to line everything up, occupation codes, salaries, paperwork, so Home Affairs says “yes” the first time.
That’s where I step in.
For more than a decade I’ve lived and breathed regional sponsorships, ironing out the quirks that make each DAMA unique. Whether you’re:
- an employer who can’t afford another empty roster slot,
- a skilled or semi-skilled worker ready for life beyond the big cities, or
- an HR adviser or accountant scouting visa options for clients,
Let’s build a decision-ready strategy together.
No jargon, no pressure — just clear next steps. If we’re a good fit, I’ll map out costs, timelines and a document checklist tailored to your occupation and region.
Information correct as at 21 May 2025. Migration regulations change often; always seek personalised advice before you act. This article will be reviewed regularly — check the version dates and details in the footer for updates.