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Build Your Future in the South West with the DAMA Program

The South West DAMA allows employers across Bunbury, Busselton, Dardanup, Augusta-Margaret River, Manjimup, and surrounding areas to sponsor overseas workers. It provides age, English, and salary concessions, and offers permanent residency pathways through Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

South West DAMA

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.

South West DAMA Program Overview

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. 

Eligibility

For Employers

Employers must:

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. 

For Skilled Workers

Workers must:

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. 

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

1
Confirm occupation is on the South West DAMA list.
2
Apply for endorsement (pay DAR fee).
3
Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs.
4
Nominate eligible overseas workers.

Secure a job offer from an endorsed South West employer.

Skilled Workers

Secure a job offer from an endorsed South West employer.
Confirm concessions available.
Lodge visa application (482, 494, or 186).
Provide documents (skills, health, police checks).
Await decision (average 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 workDesigned for long-term regional settlement
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)PermanentDirect PR (labour agreement stream)Employer-sponsored, no points test

👉 Example: A carpenter in Manjimup may begin on a 494 and transition to PR via 191 after 3 years.

Visa Fees & Charges

South West DAR- Fees
South West DARAUD 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

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

👉 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).

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: School access + Medicare.

Older dependents: Allowed if financially dependent.

👉 Must be declared at application stage or apply later as subsequent entrants. 

Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid ​​

Employers applying directly to DHA instead of the Shire of Dardanup.

Applicants assuming concessions are automatic.

Incomplete Labour Market Testing evidence.

Tips for Strong Application

Always confirm the South West DAMA occupation list.

Budget for endorsement + SAF levy + visa fees.

Allow time for endorsement + labour agreement approvals.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Subclass 482, 494, and 186 (labour agreement streams).

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

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.