Build Your Future in South Australia with the DAMA Program

Q: What is the SA DAMA program?

It’s an agreement between SA and the Commonwealth allowing employers to sponsor workers with concessions unavailable in standard visas.

Q: Which areas are covered?

Adelaide metro (Tech & Innovation DAMA) and the entire state (Regional Workforce DAMA).

Q: What visas are available?

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

Q: What concessions apply?

Salary (10% below CSIT), English, and age up to 55 for selected roles.

Q: What is the PR pathway?

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

Q: Do I need to pass the points test?

No, DAMA visas are employer-sponsored.

Q: What industries are targeted?

Aged care, agribusiness, hospitality, construction, healthcare, and technology.

Q: Are there SA Government fees?

No, endorsement and DAMA applications are free.

The South Australia DAMA covers the Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement and the South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement. It allows employers to sponsor overseas workers for Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas with concessions on age, English, and salary — providing pathways to permanent residency. .

📖 Book A Free Consultation

South Australia DAMA

Two DAMAs in South Australia: Adelaide City Tech & Innovation and Regional Workforce Agreement.

PR pathways after 2–3 years

No points test required.

Concessions Avaiable:

Age up to 55 years

Reduced English thresholds.

Lower salary thresholds (10% below CSIT for some roles).

Family inclusion: can be included with full rights.

Endorsement from the South Australian Government (Skilled & Business Migration) is required before nomination.

SA DAMA Program Overview

The South Australia DAMA agreements are designed to tackle skill shortages across both metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Adelaide City Technology & Innovation Advancement Agreement: covers the Adelaide metro, targeting ICT, defence, high-tech, and innovation roles.

South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement: covers the entire state, including Riverland, Murraylands, Limestone Coast, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, Outback, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Kangaroo Island.

👉 Together, these agreements give SA employers access to a broader range of overseas workers in industries like aged care, agribusiness, hospitality, construction, and healthcare.

Eligibility

For Employers

Employers must:

Must be legally established and operating in South Australia for at least 12 months.

Show Labour Market Testing (LMT) to prove no suitable Australian worker is available.

Apply for endorsement from Skilled & Business Migration SA.

Once endorsed, apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs.

Employers must comply with workplace laws and sponsorship obligations.

👉 Example: A winery in the Barossa Valley that cannot recruit local cellar hands applies for SA endorsement, then nominates under DAMA once approved.

For Skilled Workers

Workers must:

Must hold an occupation on the SA DAMA list.

Provide evidence of relevant skills and work experience.

Must meet health and character requirements.

Concessions available:

Age: up to 55 years.

English: lower test scores accepted for eligible occupations.

Salary: up to 10% below the CSIT (if AMSR is also met).

👉 Example: A chef in Mount Gambier may qualify with reduced English requirements and transition to PR after 2–3 years.

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

Confirm the occupation is on the SA DAMA list.

Apply for endorsement through Skilled & Business Migration SA.

Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs.

Nominate the overseas worker under the DAMA labour agreement.

Skilled Workers

Secure a job offer from an endorsed SA employer

Confirm which concessions apply.

Lodge visa application (482, 494, or 186labour agreement stream).

Submit documents: passport, skills assessment (if required), English test, 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 up to 50–55, English concessions, lower salary threshold
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional	Up to 5 years	Subclass 191 after 3 years regional work	Broader occupation coverage, targeted for regional SA
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)	Permanent	Direct PR (labour agreement stream)	Employer-sponsored, concessions available

👉 Example: An agronomist on a 494 in the Riverland can transition to a Subclass 191 after 3 years of work in regional SA.

Visa Fees & Charges

South Australia Government – Fees
Endorsement application	AUD 0
Skills verification	AUD 0
✔️ No fees are charged by the SA Government for DAMA endorsement

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

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

Applicant	Fee (AUD)
Primary	4,910
Dependent ≥18	2,455
Dependent <18	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.

👉Family must be included in the initial application or may need to apply later as a subsequent entrant.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SA DAMA program?

It’s an agreement between SA and the Commonwealth allowing employers to sponsor workers with concessions unavailable in standard visas.

Which areas are covered?

Adelaide metro (Tech & Innovation DAMA) and the entire state (Regional Workforce DAMA).

What visas are available?

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

What concessions apply?

Salary (10% below CSIT), English, and age up to 55 for selected roles.

What is the PR pathway?

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

Do I need to pass the points test?

No, DAMA visas are employer-sponsored.

What industries are targeted?

Aged care, agribusiness, hospitality, construction, healthcare, and technology.

Are there SA Government fees?

No, endorsement and DAMA applications are free.

📞 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.

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.