December 18, 2023

DAMA Visa Guide: Key Insights and FAQs for Applicants

Understanding DAMA: Simplified

DAMA stands for Designated Area Migration Agreement. It’s a special agreement between the Australian Government and certain regions in Australia. This agreement lets these areas bring overseas workers to fill jobs that locals can’t fill. It’s not a visa itself, but a pathway to apply for a visa.

A DAMA is set up as a two-level system focusing on a specific regional area. The first level is a main agreement that lasts five years with the area’s representative. The second level is made up of individual work agreements with employers, which are based on the terms of the main agreement for that area.

These individual DAMA work agreements are between the Australian Government and approved employers or businesses in the designated area. They usually last for five years and involve visa programs like the subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS), subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional), and subclass 186 Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS).

ALSO READ: Australia Immigration and Migration Services

Why Choose the DAMA Visa Route?

Choosing the DAMA visa route is smart for several reasons. First, it can offer more flexible requirements compared to standard visa options. This means it might be easier to qualify under DAMA. Plus, it targets specific job shortages in certain areas, so if your skills match, it’s a great opportunity.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply for DAMA?

DAMA is open to both employers and employees in designated areas. Employers need to be approved to sponsor workers. Employees, on the other hand, should have skills and experience matching the nominated occupations. Each DAMA has its own list of eligible occupations.

Steps in the DAMA Application Process

To apply under DAMA, follow these steps:

Employer becomes an approved sponsor: They need to be located in a designated area and approved by the government.
Nominate a position and get labor agreement: The employer nominates a job and gets a labor agreement under DAMA.
Employee applies for a visa: Once the job is nominated, you, as the employee, can apply for a visa under the nominated occupation.

DAMA: A Gateway to Permanent Residency?

Yes, DAMA can be a pathway to permanent residency (PR). Some DAMAs allow for a transition to PR after working in a designated area for a certain period. However, this depends on the specific DAMA and the visa you hold, so always check the details.

DAMA Benefits for International Students

For international students, DAMA is a great opportunity. It can offer a pathway to stay in Australia after your studies, especially if you have skills needed in a designated area. It can also provide a smoother transition from student visa to work visa.

ALSO READ: Employer-Sponsored Visa

Current DAMA Locations

Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA: Skilled & Business Migration
East Kimberley, WA: East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Far North Queensland, QLD: Cairns Chamber of Commerce,
Goulburn Valley, VIC: Goulburn Valley
Great South Coast, VIC: Warrnambool City Council
Northern Territory, NT: Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement
Orana, NSW: Regional Development Australia – Orana, NSW
Pilbara, WA: RDA Pilbara
South Australia Regional, SA: Skilled & Business Migration
South West, WA: Shire of Dardanup
The Goldfields, WA: City of Kalgoorlie Boulder
Townsville, QLD: Townsville Enterprise Limited

Above Content Source: Immigration Home affairs

Top 10 FAQs About DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement)

What is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)? DAMA is an agreement between the Australian Government and specific regions, allowing those areas to sponsor foreign workers for jobs not filled locally.

Who is eligible for a DAMA visa? Both employers and employees in designated areas can participate. Employers must be approved sponsors, and employees should have skills matching the nominated occupations.

How does the DAMA visa process work? First, an employer in a designated area becomes an approved sponsor. They then nominate a position and obtain a labor agreement under DAMA, after which the employee can apply for a visa.

Can DAMA lead to permanent residency in Australia? Yes, some DAMA agreements offer pathways to permanent residency after a specified period of working in the designated area.

What are the benefits of DAMA for international students? DAMA can provide international students with opportunities to stay in Australia post-studies, especially if they have skills needed in designated areas.

Are there specific occupations eligible for DAMA? Yes, each DAMA has a unique list of eligible occupations based on local labor market needs.

Can all Australian regions access DAMA agreements? No, only specific regions with DAMA agreements can access this program. It’s designed to address particular labor shortages in these areas.

Is it easier to qualify for a visa under DAMA than other programs? DAMA often has more flexible requirements compared to standard visa options, potentially making it easier for some applicants to qualify.

How does one find the current list of active DAMAs and their locations? The current list of active DAMAs is available on the Australian Government’s immigration website or through immigration consultants.

Can an individual directly apply for a DAMA, or is employer sponsorship mandatory? Employer sponsorship is mandatory. Individuals cannot directly apply for a DAMA; they must be nominated by an approved employer in a designated area.