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Build Your Future in the Kimberley with the DAMA Program

The Kimberley DAMA allows employers in Broome, Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek, and Wyndham-East Kimberley to sponsor overseas workers in shortage industries. It offers concessions on age, English, and salary, plus direct PR pathways through Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

Kimberley DAMA

Covers Broome, Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek, Wyndham-East Kimberley.

PR pathways after 2–3 years

No points test required.

Concessions Avaiable:

Age up to 55 years

Reduced English requirements

Salary concession: below CSIT if AMSR is met.

Family inclusion: can be included.

Endorsement managed by Eastern Goldfields Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKCCI).

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

Kimberley DAMA Program Overview

The Kimberley DAMA is a key regional migration agreement supporting industries in one of WA’s most remote and diverse regions. 

Administered by: EKCCI (Designated Area Representative).

Regions covered: Broome, Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek, Wyndham-East Kimberley.

Industries targeted: mining, agribusiness, aged care, hospitality, construction, and trades.

Purpose: Help employers address skills shortages by offering concessions and clear PR pathways.

👉 Example: A pastoral station in Halls Creek can sponsor farm managers with lower English requirements, progressing to PR after 3 years. 

Eligibility

For Employers

Employers must:

Operating in Kimberley for at least 12 months.

Provide Labour Market Testing (LMT) evidence.

Apply for endorsement via EKCCI (fees apply).

Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs after endorsement.

Comply with sponsorship obligations (pay, training, workplace laws).

👉 Example: A construction company in Broome unable to find local electricians applies for endorsement, then nominates overseas workers through a labour agreement. 

For Skilled Workers

Workers must:

Occupation must be on the Kimberley DAMA occupation list.

Relevant skills, experience, and qualifications are required.

Must meet health and character requirements.

Concessions available:

Age: up to 55 years.

English: reduced IELTS/PTE scores accepted.

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

👉 Example: A chef in Broome can access English concessions and apply for PR via 186 after 2 years. 

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

1
Check the occupation is on the Kimberley DAMA list.
2
Apply for endorsement via EKCCI (pay fee).
3
Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs.
4
Nominate the overseas worker.

Skilled Workers

Secure a job offer from an endorsed Kimberley employer.
Confirm concessions available for your occupation.
Lodge visa application (482, 494, or 186).
Provide documents (skills, health, police checks).
Await decision (average 6–12 months).

Visa Subclass Pathways

VisaDurationPR PathwayKey Features
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa1–4 years (5 for HK/BNO)186 after 2 yearsAge/English/salary concessions
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored RegionalUp to 5 years191 after 3 years regional workRegional settlement pathway
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)PermanentDirect PR (labour agreement stream)Employer-sponsored, no points test

👉 Example: A mining services worker in Wyndham may start on a 494 and transition to PR via 191 after 3 years.

Visa Fees & Charges

EKCCI - Fees
MembersAUD 750 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
Subclass 482AUD 1,200 / visa yearAUD 1,800 / visa yearPer visa year
Subclass 494AUD 3,000AUD 5,000One-off
Subclass 186AUD 3,000AUD 5,000One-off

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

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

👉 Example (Kimberley hospitality employer sponsoring a 482 cook, turnover <$10m, 2-year visa :

Endorsement fee = AUD 985
Sponsorship + nomination = AUD 750
SAF levy = AUD 2,400
Visa fee ≈ AUD 2,645 (primary applicant)
➡ AApprox. 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: School access + Medicare.

Older dependents: Can be included if financially dependent.

👉 Family must be declared when applying or added later as subsequent entrants. 

Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid ​​

Employers applying directly to Home Affairs instead of EKCCI.

Confusing endorsement fees with federal visa charges.

Applicants assuming concessions apply automatically.

Tips for Strong Application

Always check the Kimberley DAMA occupation list.

Budget for both endorsement fees + SAF levy + VACs.

Allow time: endorsement + labour agreement stages can delay applications if not started early.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a regional migration program allowing Kimberley employers to sponsor overseas workers with concessions on age, English, and salary

Broome, Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek, Wyndham-East Kimberley

The Eastern Goldfields Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKCCI

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

Subclass 482, 494, and 186 via labour agreement streams.
482 → 186 after 2 years; 494 → 191 after 3 years.

No, DAMA visas are employer-sponsored.

Mining, agribusiness, aged care, construction, trades, and hospitality..

You cannot apply under Kimberley DAMA; alternative visas 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.