DAMA: The Road to PR

Are you trying to find a method to move to Australia permanently? DAMA might offer a remedy.

But it’s not as simple as skilled immigration. Additionally, you must be open to working in specified regional locations.

However, DAMA does have a significant advantage. Some applicants covered by this agreement may be entitled for benefits that would make it simpler for them to apply for a work visa.

Describe DAMA.

DAMA is not a subclass of visa. It is a contract signed by a regional, state, or territorial body and the Australian Government.

The local government may propose and sponsor skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers for particular occupations under the DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement).

Furthermore, because DAMA agreements support each regional area’s unique circumstances and labor market needs, DAMA occupations are more diverse than those available through standard skilled visa programs.

Why should you think about DAMA?

There are three reasons why you should think about DAMA if you want to live and work in Australia:

1. DAMA is a route to permanent residency.

You will apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa under DAMA (Subclass 482). If you meet the qualifying criteria, you can then apply for PR via the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186). Typically, you’d need to have worked in your field for two to four years.

2. DAMA careers are diverse.

DAMAs cover additional vocations not on the skilled occupation lists of the Subclass 482 visa since the Australian Government and local authorities negotiate them to meet regional manpower shortages.

3. lower admission standards than those of traditional migration programs

Conventional visa restrictions are frequently relaxed under DAMA agreements. To make it simpler to be eligible for a work visa under DAMA, these may include concessions to age, salary, work experience, or English language proficiency requirements.

Here are a few instances of DAMAs that are currently in effect:

How do you apply for a DAMA work visa?

To apply for a DAMA Subclass 482 visa, you must be nominated and sponsored by an endorsed employer in a DAMA regional area.

1. Employer specifications

To be able to nominate and sponsor overseas workers, the employer must:

Enter into an individual labor agreement in accordance with the terms of the applicable DAMA.

Make an effort to hire qualified and experienced Australians before hiring candidates from other countries.

Meet salary and job requirements

2. Requirements for Visa Applicants

You must meet the following requirements:

Be nominated in an occupation on the DAMA skilled occupation list.

Get a formal job offer from your employer, and your salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), unless a concession is in place.

Unless a waiver is in place, meet the English language requirements.

Have the qualifications and experience required to work in the occupations you’ve chosen.

How many DAMAs exist?

DAMAs are in place in six of Australia’s states and territories:

1. The state of South Australia

Adelaide (61 occupations) (61 occupations)

Regional South Australia (190 occupations)

2. Western Australia is a state in Australia.

Kimberley East (109 occupations)

Pilbara (66 occupations) (66 occupations)

South and west (56 occupations)

The gold mines (125 occupations)

3. Queensland

Northern Queensland (168 occupations)

Townsville (195 occupations) (195 occupations)

4. Victoria

The Goulburn Valley (56 occupations)

Excellent South Coast (38 occupations)

5. Territory of the Northern Territory

DAMA for the Northern Territory (124 occupations)

6. The state of New South Wales

Orana (65 occupations) (65 occupations)

Get help with your DAMA application.

The main benefit of DAMA is that it is a path to PR, and you may be eligible even if you are over the age of 50.

However, you should not wait until you are 50 to begin a DAMA visa application. Do it right now!