DAMA sponsorship refers to visa sponsorship provided under a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) between the Australian Government and a specific regional authority.
DAMAs allow regional employers to sponsor overseas workers for occupations that may not be available under standard skilled migration programs.
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What Is DAMA Sponsorship?
DAMA sponsorship operates under a formal labour agreement tailored to the needs of a specific region. It provides flexibility in occupation lists, English language requirements, and age concessions compared to standard employer-sponsored visas.
Each DAMA is negotiated individually between the Commonwealth Government and a regional representative body.
How DAMA Sponsorship Works
- Step 1: Employer obtains endorsement from the regional authority
- Step 2: Employer enters into a labour agreement with the Government
- Step 3: Employer nominates overseas worker
- Step 4: Worker applies for visa under Labour Agreement stream
The visa commonly used under the sponsorship is the Subclass 482 or Subclass 494 Labour Agreement stream.
Eligibility Requirements for Employers
Employers seeking DAMA sponsorship must:
- Operate in a designated DAMA region
- Demonstrate genuine labour shortages
- Meet labour market testing requirements
- Offer full-time positions
- Meet minimum salary thresholds
- Comply with Australian workplace laws
Regional endorsement is mandatory before entering into a DAMA labour agreement.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
Workers applying under DAMA sponsorship generally must:
- Be nominated for an approved occupation under the DAMA agreement
- Have relevant qualifications and work experience
- Meet English language requirements (which may include concessions)
- Meet health and character standards
Some DAMAs provide age concessions for permanent residency pathways.
Benefits of DAMA Sponsorship
- Access to broader occupation lists
- Possible age and English concessions
- Regional employment opportunities
- Potential pathway to permanent residency
DAMA agreements are designed to address local workforce shortages.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Depending on the specific DAMA agreement, workers may transition to permanent residency through Subclass 186 or Subclass 191 pathways after meeting residency and employment requirements.
Regions With Active DAMAs
Various regions across Australia operate DAMA programs. Each agreement outlines eligible occupations and specific concessions.
Applicants should review the regional authority’s official website for up-to-date occupation lists.
Costs Involved
- Sponsorship application fee
- Nomination application fee
- Skilling Australians Fund levy
- Visa application charge
- Skills assessment fees
Employers are responsible for certain sponsorship-related charges.
Common Challenges
- Limited occupation availability per region
- Meeting salary thresholds
- Regional endorsement requirements
- Compliance obligations
Accurate documentation and adherence to agreement terms are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DAMA sponsorship permanent?
No. It generally begins with a temporary visa under a labour agreement, with possible pathways to permanent residency.
Do all regions offer DAMA?
No. Only designated regions with approved agreements participate.
Can family members be included?
Yes. Eligible dependents may accompany the primary visa holder.
Final Thoughts
DAMA sponsorship provides regional employers with flexible options to address labour shortages while offering overseas workers potential migration pathways. Understanding region-specific agreements is critical before applying.