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Build Your Future in Far North Queensland with the DAMA Program

The FNQ DAMA allows employers in Cairns, Tablelands, Port Douglas, Atherton, Cooktown and surrounding areas to sponsor overseas workers in critical industries. It offers concessions on age, English, and salary thresholds, plus direct pathways to permanent residency through Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

Far North Queensland DAMA

Covers Cairns, Port Douglas, Atherton, Tablelands, and Cooktown.

PR pathways after 2–3 years of regional work

No points test required.

Concessions Avaiable:

Age up to 55 years

Reduced English requirements for some occupations.

Salary concession: below CSIT if AMSR is met.

Family inclusion: can be included

Endorsement required from the Cairns Chamber of Commerce (DAMA Designated Area Representative).

Endorsement fee:Endorsement fee: AUD $885 (members) / $985 (non-members) per position.

FNQ DAMA Program Overview

The FNQ DAMA was introduced to support industries in Far North Queensland struggling with ongoing skill shortages. 

Administered by: Cairns Chamber of Commerce.

Regions covered: Cairns, Port Douglas, Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown, Cape York, and Torres Strait.

Industries targeted: hospitality & tourism, agribusiness, healthcare, construction, mining services, and trades.

Purpose: Provide employers with access to overseas workers in occupations not available through standard programs, supported by tailored concessions.

👉 Example: A hospitality group in Port Douglas can sponsor chefs and restaurant managers with lower English requirements, then support them for PR after 2 years. 

Eligibility

For Employers

Employers must:

Must be operating in FNQ for at least 12 months.

Prove Labour Market Testing (LMT) for the nominated role.

Apply for endorsement through the Cairns Chamber of Commerce (fees apply).

Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs after endorsement.

Meet sponsorship obligations under Australian law.

👉 Example: An agribusiness in Atherton that can’t recruit local farm managers applies for endorsement, then nominates overseas workers once approved. 

For Skilled Workers

Workers must:

Occupation must be on the FNQ DAMA occupation list.

Have relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience.

Must meet health and character requirements.

Concessions available:

Age: up to 55 years.

English: lower IELTS or equivalent accepted

Salary: up to 10–15% below CSIT if AMSR is met.

👉 Example: A registered nurse in Cairns may qualify with reduced English test scores and apply for PR after 2 years on a 482. 

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

1
Confirm the role is on the FNQ DAMA list.
2
Apply for endorsement via Cairns Chamber of Commerce (pay endorsement fee).
3
Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs.
4
Nominate eligible workers under the labour agreement.

Skilled Workers

Secure a job offer from an endorsed FNQ employer.
Secure a job offer from an endorsed FNQ employer.
Lodge visa application (482, 494, or 186 labour agreement stream).
Await visa decision (average 6–12 months).
Await decision — processing usually 6–12 months.

Visa Subclass Pathways

VisaDurationPR PathwayKey Features
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa1–4 years (5 for HK/BNO)Subclass 186 after 2 yearsAge / English / salary concessions
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored RegionalUp to 5 yearsSubclass 191 after 3 years regional workFocused on regional settlement in FNQ
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)PermanentDirect PR (labour agreement stream)Employer-sponsored, no points test

👉 Example: A chef in Cairns may start on a 482, then be nominated for PR via 186 after 2 years.

Visa Fees & Charges

Cairns Chamber of Commerce– Endorsement Fees
MembersAUD 885 per position
Non-membersAUD 985 per position

Employer Charges (Home Affairs)
Standard business sponsorship (482)AUD 420
Nomination (482)AUD 330
Nomination (494)AUD 330
Nomination (186)AUD 540

VisaTurnover < $10mTurnover ≥ $10mNotes
482AUD 1,200 / visa yearAUD 1,800 / visa yearPer visa year
494AUD 3,000AUD 5,000One-off
186AUD 3,000AUD 5,000One-off

Visa Application Charges (VAC)

Visa SubclassPrimary (AUD)Adult ≥18 (AUD)Child <18 (AUD)Notes
Subclass 1864,9102,4551,230Fixed
Subclass 4821,980–3,235990–1,615500–810Stream dependent
Subclass 494See Visa Pricing TableView table

👉 Example (small FNQ employer sponsoring a 482 hospitality worker for 2 years, turnover <$10m):

Endorsement fee = AUD 985
Sponsorship + nomination = AUD 750
SAF levy = AUD 2,400
Visa fee ≈ AUD 2,645 (primary applicant)
➡ A Approx. AUD 6,780 total before health/police checks.

Subclass 494: Refer to DHA Visa Pricing Table (indexed annually).

PrimaryAUD 4,910
Dependent over 18 AUD 2,455
Dependent Under 18 AUD 1,230

💡 Use the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator for current charges.

Family Members You Can Include

Family Members

Spouse or De Facto Partner: Full work rights in Australia

Dependent Children under 18: Access to schooling and Medicare.

Older dependents: May be included if financially dependent.

👉 Family members must be declared when lodging the application or apply later as subsequent entrants. 

Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid ​​

Employers forgetting the endorsement step through Cairns Chamber (cannot apply directly to DHA).

Confusing endorsement fees with visa application charges.

Assuming concessions apply automatically — they depend on occupation.

Tips for Strong Application

Check the FNQ DAMA occupation list for current roles.

Budget for both endorsement fees and federal visa costs.

Plan early: endorsement + labour agreement steps may take months before visa lodgement.

⚠️ Download This Checklist to Avoid Visa Mistakes

❓Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a migration agreement allowing FNQ employers to sponsor overseas workers with concessions on age, English, and salary.

Cairns, Port Douglas, Atherton, Cooktown, Cape York, and Torres Strait. 

Subclass 482, 494, and 186 via labour agreement streams.

482 → 186 after 2 years; 494 → 191 after 3 years.

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR).

Yes — AUD 885 (members) / 985 (non-members) per position.

No — DAMA visas are employer-sponsored.

Hospitality, tourism, agribusiness, healthcare, mining, and trades.

You cannot apply under FNQ DAMA; other migration options may be available.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.