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Build Your Future in the Pilbara with the DAMA Program

The Pilbara DAMA enables employers in Karratha, Port Hedland, and East Pilbara to sponsor overseas workers in shortage industries. It offers concessions on age, English, and salary, with clear permanent residency pathways through Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas.

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Pilbara DAMA

Covers Karratha, Port Hedland, East Pilbara.

PR pathways after 2–3 years

No points test required.

Concessions Avaiable:

Age up to 55 years

Reduced English scores accepted.

Salary concession: below CSIT if AMSR is met.

Family inclusion: Spouse and children can be included.

Endorsement managed by RDA Pilbara (Designated Area Representative).

Endorsement fee: AUD 350 per position (non-refundable).

Pilbara DAMA Program Overview

The Pilbara DAMA is tailored for one of Australia’s most resource-rich regions, helping employers address labour shortages. 

Administered by: RDA Pilbara.

Regions covered: Karratha, Port Hedland, East Pilbara.

Industries targeted: mining, oil & gas, agribusiness, healthcare, construction, trades, and hospitality.

Purpose: Provide overseas recruitment options for employers unable to fill positions locally.

👉 Example: A resources company in Port Hedland can sponsor heavy diesel fitters with salary concessions, supporting PR after 2–3 years.

Eligibility

For Employers

Employers must:

Must be legally operating in the Pilbara for 12+ months.

Demonstrate Labour Market Testing (LMT).

Apply for endorsement via RDA Pilbara (fee applies).

Lodge a labour agreement with Home Affairs once endorsed .

Must comply with sponsorship and workplace obligations.

👉 Example: A construction firm in Karratha applies for endorsement to sponsor carpenters where locals cannot be sourced. 

For Skilled Workers

Workers must:

Occupation must be on the Pilbara DAMA occupation list.

Must demonstrate relevant qualifications, skills, and work experience.

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 hospitality manager in East Pilbara can access English concessions and later apply for PR via 186. 

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

1
Confirm role is on the Pilbara DAMA list.
2
Apply for endorsement via RDA Pilbara (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 Pilbara employer.
Confirm applicable concessions.
Lodge visa application (482, 494, or 186).
Provide documents (passport, qualifications, health + police checks).
Await decision (average 6–12 months).

Visa Subclass Pathways

Visa Duration PR Pathway Key Features
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa 1–4 years (5 for HK/BNO) Subclass 186 after 2 years Age / English / salary concessions
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Up to 5 years Subclass 191 after 3 years regional work Designed for long-term regional settlement
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Permanent Direct PR (labour agreement stream) Employer-sponsored, no points test

👉 Example: A mining tradesperson in Port Hedland may begin on a 494 and transition to PR via 191 after 3 years.

Visa Fees & Charges

RDA Pilbara - Fees
RDA PilbarasAUD 350 per position (non-refundable)

Employer Charges (Home Affairs)
Standard business 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

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

Endorsement fee = AUD 350
Sponsorship + nomination = AUD 750
SAF levy = AUD 2,400
Visa fee ≈ AUD 2,645 (primary applicant)
➡ AApprox. AUD 6,145 total before health/police checks.

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

Primary AUD 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.

👉 Must be declared in application or added later as subsequent entrants. 

❓Frequently Asked Questions

A regional migration agreement allowing Pilbara employers to sponsor overseas workers with tailored concessions.

Karratha, Port Hedland, and East Pilbara.

RDA Pilbara is the Designated Area Representative (DAR)

Yes — AUD 350 per position (non-refundable).. 

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, oil & gas, trades, agribusiness, hospitality, healthcare, and construction.

You cannot apply under Pilbara DAMA; other visa options may be explored.

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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.