Covers Bunbury, Busselton, Augusta-Margaret River, Manjimup, Dardanup, and more.
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: Spouse and children can be included. .
Endorsement managed by the Shire of Dardanup.
Endorsement fee: AUD $290 per nomination.
The South West DAMA helps employers fill long-term workforce shortages in one of WA’s fastest-growing regions.
Administered by: Shire of Dardanup (Designated Area Representative).
Regions covered: Bunbury, Busselton, Augusta-Margaret River, Manjimup, Dardanup, and surrounding LGAs.
Industries targeted: aged care, healthcare, agribusiness, hospitality, tourism, and construction.
Purpose: Give employers access to skilled and semi-skilled workers under concessions not available through standard migration.
👉 Example: A winery in Margaret River may sponsor hospitality staff on reduced English requirements, leading to PR after 2 years.
Operating in South West WA for 12+ months.
Must provide Labour Market Testing (LMT). .
Apply for endorsement with the Shire of Dardanup (fee applies).
After apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs.
Must meet sponsorship obligations.
👉 Example: A hospital in Bunbury unable to fill nursing roles locally applies for endorsement and then nominates overseas candidates.
Occupation must be on the South West DAMA occupation list.
Must show relevant skills, qualifications, 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 chef in Busselton may access concessions and later apply for PR via Subclass 186.
Secure a job offer from an endorsed South West employer.
| 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 |
| South West DAR- Fees | |
|---|---|
| South West DAR | AUD 290 per nomination |
| 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 (South West café sponsoring a 482 cook for 2 years, turnover <$10m):
| Endorsement fee = AUD 290 |
| Sponsorship + nomination = AUD 750 |
| SAF levy = AUD 2,400 |
| Visa fee ≈ AUD 2,645 (primary applicant) |
| ➡ Approx. AUD 6,085 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 at application stage or apply later as subsequent entrants.
A migration agreement allowing employers in South West WA to sponsor overseas workers with concessions.
Bunbury, Busselton, Augusta-Margaret River, Manjimup, Dardanup, and nearby shires.
The Shire of Dardanup acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR).
Yes — AUD 290 per nomination.
No, DAMA visas are employer-sponsored.
Agribusiness, aged care, healthcare, trades, hospitality, tourism, and construction.
You cannot apply under South West DAMA; consider Skilled Migration or other employer-sponsored visas.
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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.
