skilled migration visa australia, 189 subclass visa australia - VisaAdvisor
Home » Employer-Sponsored Visas » DAMA » Orana NSW DAMA

Build Your Future in Orana NSW with the DAMA Program

The Orana NSW DAMA gives employers in Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange, and surrounding towns access to overseas workers in key shortage industries. It provides concessions on age, English, and salary, with permanent residency pathways via Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

Orana NSW DAMA

Covers major Orana towns including Dubbo, Bathurst, and Orange.

PR pathways after 2–3 years

No points test required.

Concessions available:

Age up to 55 years

Reduced English scores for certain occupations.

Salary concession: below CSIT where AMSR is met.

Family inclusion: can be included with work, study, and Medicare rights.

Employers require endorsement from Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana.

Orana NSW DAMA Program Overview

The Orana NSW DAMA is designed to address skill shortages across regional New South Wales. 

Administered by: RDA Orana.

Regions covered:Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee, Wellington, and surrounding areas.

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

Purpose: Provide concessions on English, salary, and age to help employers attract and retain skilled overseas workers in roles where Australians are not available

👉 Example: An aged care provider in Dubbo can sponsor overseas carers with reduced English requirements and progress them to PR after 3 years. 

Eligibility

For Employers

Employers must:

Legally established and operating in the Orana region for 12+ months.

Must demonstrate Labour Market Testing (LMT).

Obtain endorsement from RDA Orana.

Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs after endorsement.

Meet sponsorship obligations including fair pay and workplace law compliance.

👉 Example: A construction business in Bathurst unable to source local carpenters applies for RDA Orana endorsement, then nominates candidates through a labour agreement.

For Skilled Workers

Workers must:

Must have an occupation listed on the Orana DAMA occupation list.

Meet skills and experience requirements.

Must meet health and character requirements.

Concessions available:

Age: up to 55 years.

English: reduced test scores permitted.

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

👉 Example: A hospitality worker in Orange may qualify under Orana DAMA concessions and apply for PR via 186 after 2 years..

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

1
Confirm the occupation is on the Orana DAMA list.
2
Apply for endorsement with RDA Orana.
3
Lodge a labour agreement with Home Affairs.
4
Nominate workers under the agreement.

Skilled Workers

Secure a job offer from an endorsed Orana employer.

Confirm which concessions apply.
Lodge visa application (Subclass 482, 494, or 186 – labour agreement stream)
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 workStrong regional settlement focus
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)PermanentDirect PR (labour agreement stream)Employer-sponsored, no points test

👉 Example: A nurse in Dubbo may start on a 482, then transition to PR via 186 after 2 years.

Visa Fees & Charges

RDA Orana / NSW Government – Fees
EndorsementAUD 0
Skills verificationAUD 0
Labour agreement applicationAUD 0
Note: Migration does not charge fees for endorsement or agreements.

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 186AUD 4,910AUD 2,455AUD 1,230Fixed
Subclass 482 (SID)AUD 3,210AUD 3,210AUD 805Short-term Income Threshold Concession (SID)
Subclass 494AUD 4,910AUD 2,455AUD 1,230Fixed

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

Sponsorship + nomination = AUD 750
SAF levy = AUD 2,400
Visa fee ≈ AUD 2,645 (primary applicant)
➡ Approx. AUD 5,795 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: Can be included if financially dependent.

👉 Family must be declared at the time of application or apply later as subsequent entrants. 

Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid ​​

Employers forgetting to apply through RDA Orana rather than directly to Home Affairs.

Confusing DAMA concessions with NSW Skilled Migration (points-tested).

Applicants assuming age/English concessions are automatic — they depend on occupation.

Tips for Strong Application

Always check the Orana-specific occupation list before applying.

Engage early with RDA Orana to understand processing timelines.

Keep updated via Home Affairs’ Visa Pricing Estimator for the latest costs.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a migration agreement allowing employers in the Orana region to sponsor overseas workers with tailored concessions. 

Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee, Wellington, and surrounding Orana towns. .

Salary, age (up to 55), and English test concessions.

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

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

Yes — DAMA is employer-sponsored, not points-based.

No, endorsement and skills verification are free

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

📞 Book a Free Consultation with a Migration Expert

Speak directly with a MARA-registered migration agent and have your Skilled Visa strategy explained step-by-step — at no cost.

  • 100% Free
  • No Obligation
  • Confidential Advice
📖 Book a Free Consultation

Why Trust Visa Advisor?

Choosing the right migration partner can make all the difference. 

 Here’s why Visa Advisor is the trusted choice

Expert Guidance

MARA-registered agents with years of experience simplify your migration journey.

Transparent Pricing

Clear, upfront costs with no hidden fees—just honest advice.

Global Support

Flexible online and in-person consultations, wherever you are.

Smart Tools

Advanced visa finders and calculators to make decisions easier.

Proven Results

Trusted by clients for reliable, personalized migration support.

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.