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).
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
| RDA Pilbara - Fees | |
|---|---|
| RDA Pilbaras | AUD 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.
👉 Must be declared in application or added later as subsequent entrants.
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)..
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.
