🌏 DAMA Visa Categories

Regional Skilled Migration Solutions

The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a special migration pathway that allows employers in regional areas to sponsor overseas workers for occupations not covered under standard skilled migration programs. DAMAs help address critical labour shortages in specific regions by providing flexible visa options and concessions. At Edvise Matrix, we assist skilled workers and employers to access DAMA pathways, making regional migration and workforce solutions achievable.

🎯 Overview of DAMA Visas

DAMA agreements operate under the existing Employer-Sponsored Visa Framework, with tailored concessions for skills, experience, age, and English language


✔️ Provides pathways to temporary and permanent residency for workers in approved occupations
✔️ Each DAMA is negotiated between the Australian Government and regional authorities, focusing on local workforce needs

 

DAMA pathways typically use the following visa categories:

 

Visa TypePurpose
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (494)Temporary visa for regional employment with pathway to PR via Subclass 191
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (482)Short to medium-term work visas for critical occupations in regional areas
Employer Nomination Scheme (186) (in some DAMAs)Direct permanent residency for eligible DAMA occupations

 

General Requirements for DAMA Visa Applicants

 

✔️ A valid job offer from an employer in a designated DAMA region
✔️ Employer must hold a valid Labour Agreement under the DAMA
✔️ Meet skills, qualifications, and work experience requirements for the nominated occupation (concessions may apply)
✔️ English language requirements (reduced levels may apply under DAMA)
✔️ Health and character requirements must be met
✔️ For PR pathways, workers must meet residency and employment conditions

 

📍 Current DAMA Regions in Australia (Examples)

 

✔️ Northern Territory DAMA
✔️ Far North Queensland DAMA
✔️ South Australian Regional DAMAs
✔️ Western Australia Goldfields DAMA
✔️ Orana Region (NSW) DAMA
✔️ Other designated regional areas based on workforce shortages

DAMA availability and eligible occupations vary by region.

 

🎯 How Edvise Matrix Can Help

 

We support skilled workers and regional employers by:

✔️ Assessing eligibility under available DAMAs
✔️ Assisting with Labour Agreement and sponsorship processes
✔️ Preparing high-quality visa applications with required documentation
✔️ Guiding workers on regional pathways to permanent residency

Regional Australia offers exciting work and migration opportunities. Let Edvise Matrix help you access DAMA visa solutions tailored to your skills and Australia’s regional workforce needs.

Contact us today to explore your DAMA migration options.