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Goldfields DAMA Program

Goldfields DAMA Program Unlock sponsored employment opportunities and long-term migration pathways in the Goldfields–Esperance region of Western Australia. The Goldfields DAMA supports local employers facing labour shortages and provides skilled workers with visa options and PR pathways through Home Affairs.

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Goldfields DAMA

Supports employers in the Goldfields–Esperance region facing critical labour shortages.

Regions Covered: Kalgoorlie–Boulder, Coolgardie, Kambalda, Leonora, Laverton, Esperance, Norseman, Ravensthorpe and surrounding towns.

PR pathways Available through Subclass 186 (from 482) or 191 (from 494).

No points test required.

Concessions Available (occupation-dependent):

Age concessions (usually up to 55 years)

Reduced English requirements

TSMIT concessions where AMSR is demonstrated

Qualification/experience flexibility

Access to occupations not available under standard programs

Family inclusion: Spouses and dependent children can be included.

Administered by: Administered by: Eastern Goldfields Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKCCI) No endorsement fee currently applies.

Client discussing visa options including Subclass 189 Visa and skilled migration Australia pathways

Goldfields DAMA Program Overview

The Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) allows businesses in the Goldfields–Esperance region to sponsor overseas workers for occupations that are difficult to fill locally.

The DAMA provides access to:

More occupations than standard visa programs

Lower English language requirements

Age concessions

TSMIT (salary) concessions

PR pathways via Subclass 186 or 191

Skill and qualification flexibility (occupation dependent)

Goldfields DAMA is designed to support key industries such as mining, construction, trades, hospitality, logistics, agriculture, and community services.

Eligibility

For Employers

To participate in the Goldfields DAMA, employers must:

Operate in the Goldfields–Esperance region

Demonstrate genuine labour shortages

Conduct local recruitment efforts

Offer market-rate salaries (or approved concessions)

Have a clean compliance history

Apply for endorsement through EKCCI

For Skilled Workers

Applicants must:

Have the skills, qualifications, or experience required

Meet English requirements (or approved concession)

Meet health and character criteria

Receive a full-time job offer from an EKCCI-endorsed employer

Commit to working and living in the Goldfields region

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

1
Identify the Role
Check the occupation against the Goldfields DAMA Occupation List and confirm required concessions.
2
Apply for EKCCI Endorsement
Submit business documents, labour market testing, and concession requests to EKCCI.
3
Apply for a Labour Agreement
Once endorsed, apply to Home Affairs for a Goldfields DAMA Labour Agreement.
4
Lodge the Nomination
After the Labour Agreement is approved, submit the nomination for the worker.
5
Support the Worker’s Visa
Provide documents for the 482 or 494 visa application.

Skilled Workers

Secure a Job Offer Receive a full-time job offer from a Goldfields DAMA-endorsed employer.
Gather Documents Prepare skills evidence, qualifications, English results, and identity documents.
Lodge Your Visa Application Apply for the 482 or 494 visa after the employer lodges the nomination.
Work in the Approved Role Work in the nominated occupation and location full-time.
Transition to PR Apply for PR via Subclass 186 (from 482) or 191 (from 494), depending on your pathway.

Visa Subclass Pathways

Visa Subclass Stay PR Pathway Key Features
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa 1–4 years Subclass 186 Occupation concessions available
Lower English & TSMIT concessions
(occupation-dependent)
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Regional Visa 5 years Subclass 191 (after 3 years) Must live and work in the Goldfields region
PR after 3 years (income + residence criteria)
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Permanent residency Direct PR DAMA concessions may apply for eligible occupations

Visa Fees & Charges

EKCCI - Fees
EKCCI EKCCI does not charge endorsement fees for most DAMA assessments.

Employer Charges (Home Affairs)
Sponsorship (482)AUD 420
Nomination (482)AUD 330
Nomination (494)AUD 330
Nomination (186)AUD 540

Visa Turnover < $10m Turnover ≥ $10m Notes
Subclass 482 AUD 1,200 / visa year AUD 1,800 / visa year Per visa year
Subclass 494 AUD 3,000 AUD 5,000 One-off
Subclass 186 AUD 3,000 AUD 5,000 One-off

Visa Application Charges (approximate, as at 1 July 2025)

Visa Subclass Primary (AUD) Adult ≥18 (AUD) Child <18 (AUD) Notes
Subclass 186 AUD 4,910 AUD 2,455 AUD 1,230 Fixed
Subclass 482 (SID) AUD 3,210 AUD 3,210 AUD 805 Short-term Income Threshold Concession (SID)
Subclass 494 AUD 4,910 AUD 2,455 AUD 1,230 Fixed

Visa Application Charges (VAC)

Category Item Fee (AUD)
Skilled Workers Subclass 482 AUD 1,980–3,060
Skilled Workers Subclass 494 AUD 4,640
Skilled Workers Subclass 186 AUD 4,910
Family Members Adult dependent AUD 2,455
Family Members Child dependent AUD 1,230

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

Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid ​​

Applying directly to Home Affairs without EKCCI endorsement

Using another region’s DAMA occupation list

Weak labour market testing

Incorrect salary evidence (AMSR vs TSMIT)

Not requesting concessions properly

Tips for Strong Application

Provide detailed recruitment evidence

Ensure employment contracts meet regional market rates

Highlight why the role cannot be filled locally

Submit complete documents upfront

Choose a migration agent experienced in DAMA programs

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Usually 2–6 weeks, depending on business complexity.
No — but it provides clear pathways through 186 or 191.
No — concessions are occupation-specific.
Yes, dependents can be included in the visa application.
Some occupations require it; others accept experience.

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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.