A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is an agreement between the Australian Government and a regional area that lets local employers sponsor overseas workers for occupations and concessions not available in the standard skilled visa program.
✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: subclass 494, Migration SA.
How a DAMA works
A regional representative, usually a state or territory government body, negotiates a head agreement with the Australian Government. Employers in that region apply to the representative for endorsement, then enter into their own labour agreement. Workers are sponsored under the Labour Agreement streams of the 482, 494 or 186 visas.
Possible concessions
- Occupations that are not on the standard skilled occupation lists
- Age concessions for permanent residence (in some agreements up to 55)
- Reduced English language requirements for certain occupations
- Salary concessions below the standard income threshold
- Clearer pathways to permanent residence for eligible workers
DAMAs in South Australia
South Australia has two DAMAs: the Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement, and the South Australian Regional Areas DAMA. They have been extended to 31 January 2027. Other DAMAs operate in regions such as the Northern Territory, Far North Queensland, Goldfields and Pilbara in WA, the Orana region of NSW, Great South Coast and Goulburn Valley in Victoria, and East Kimberley. Read our South Australia skilled migration guide for more detail.
Steps for employers and workers
1. Employer endorsement
The employer applies to the DAMA representative, showing genuine need and labour market testing.
2. Labour agreement
With endorsement, the employer requests a labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
3. Nomination and visa
The employer nominates the worker, and the worker applies for the 482, 494 or 186 Labour Agreement stream.
How Study Mate Migration helps
Eligibility check
We review your age, occupation, qualifications, English, work history and visa history against the current criteria.
Strategy
We compare this visa with other pathways so you choose the option with the best chance of success.
Documents
You get a tailored checklist, and we review every document before anything is lodged.
Lodgement and follow-up
We lodge through ImmiAccount, respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated until a decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a DAMA myself?
No. A DAMA is employer-driven. You need an employer in the DAMA region that is endorsed and has a labour agreement.
Does a DAMA lead to PR?
Many DAMAs include a pathway to permanent residence through the 186 Labour Agreement stream after a set period of work, subject to the agreement terms.
Are DAMA occupations the same everywhere?
No. Each DAMA has its own list of occupations and concessions based on local shortages.
How can Study Mate help employers?
We help employers check eligibility, prepare endorsement and labour agreement requests, and lodge nominations and visas for their workers.
Related visas and guides
Talk to a registered migration agent
Study Mate Migration is led by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help clients across Australia and overseas from our office in Adelaide, South Australia.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Visa costs are approximate and vary with your circumstances, number of applicants and government changes; extra costs such as skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates also apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with us for a current quote before you apply.
