DAMA

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Project Introduction

A designated area migration agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority. It provides access to more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program. DAMAs operate under an agreement-based framework, providing flexibility for regions to respond to their unique economic and labour market conditions.

How DAMA works

Employers in the designated areas in the DAMA agreement can sponsor overseas professional and technical talents to work in Australia through the framework agreement of DAMA, and solve the problem of occupation shortage in related industries in the designated fields. Overseas applicants can come to Australia to work under the sponsorship of the employer. After working for the employer for the required number of years, they can be sponsored by the employer approved by DAMA, and finally get the opportunity to apply for Australian permanent residence.

DAMA head agreements are between the Australian Government and a Designated Area Representative (usually regional bodies such as Chambers of Commerce, Regional Development Australia offices, or Shire Councils). They contain a range of occupations as well as agreed terms and concessions to skilled visa eligibility criteria, as negotiated between parties. Once a DAMA head agreement is established, businesses in the region may seek individual DAMA labour agreements under the head agreement terms and concessions.

How to apply for DAMA

Overseas applicants cannot apply for visas directly through the DAMA agreement. In fact, DAMA is an agreement signed by employers with recruitment needs in designated areas and the Australian government. After becoming a qualified employer, then is able to recruit corresponding professional and technical talents overseas under the DAMA agreement.

If overseas applicants want to come to Australia to work under the DAMA agreement and apply for a permanent residence visa in the future, they need to agree to work and live in the place where the sponsoring employer is located for at least 3 years.

Project Benefits

Free to enter and exit in Australia

Applicants can bring their spouse and dependent children to Australia to live, work and study

No EOI score required

Aged limit is up to 55 years old

More eligible occupations

Low Salary Threshold

DAMA regions

The Orana region DAMA

The Northern Territory DAMA

The Far North Queensland DAMA

The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA (Metro)

The South Australian Regional Workforce DAMA (Regional)

The Victoria’s Great South Coast DAMA

The Goldfields DAMA

Application Process

Preliminary assessment of individual situation and tailor-made plans

Sign a contract

Employers in the areas where the DAMA agreement is located apply for sponsorship authorization qualifications corresponding to remote areas

Remote area government review the application

After passing, the employer will receive a passing recommendation letter, which is equivalent to the employer's sponsorship qualification

Apply to USCIS to sponsor an employee through the DAMA agreement

Employers submit nominations for visa applicants after approval

Submit the applicant's visa application after the nomination is approved

Visa Approved