Covers Townsville, Burdekin, Hinchinbrook, Flinders, Richmond, McKinlay, Cloncurry, Mount Isa.
PR pathways after 2–3 years
No points test required.
Concessions Avaiable:
Age up to 55 years
Reduced English requirements for selected roles.
Salary concession: below CSIT if AMSR is met.
Family inclusion: can be included with full rights.
Endorsement managed by Townsville Enterprise Ltd (DAR).
Endorsement fee: AUD 800 (members) / AUD 1,100 (non-members) per position.
The TNQ DAMA supports industries across northern Queensland struggling with skills shortages.
Administered by: Townsville Enterprise Ltd (Designated Area Representative).
Regions covered: Townsville, Burdekin, Hinchinbrook, Flinders, Richmond, McKinlay, Cloncurry, Mount Isa.
Industries targeted: aged care, healthcare, agribusiness, construction, trades, mining services, and hospitality.
Purpose: Provide employers with access to overseas workers in roles not usually available under standard programs, using tailored concessions.
👉 Example: A mining company in Mount Isa can sponsor heavy diesel mechanics with salary concessions under TNQ DAMA.
Operating in the TNQ region for at least 12 months.
Must demonstrate Labour Market Testing (LMT).
Apply for endorsement through Townsville Enterprise Ltd (endorsement fees apply).
Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs after endorsement.
Comply with sponsorship and workplace obligations
👉 Example: A construction firm in Cloncurry unable to source local carpenters applies for endorsement, then nominates overseas trades workers under DAMA.
Occupation must be on the TNQ DAMA occupation list.
Relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience required.
Must meet health and character requirements.
Concessions available:
Age: up to 55 years.
English: reduced test scores accepted.
Salary: up to 10–15% below CSIT if AMSR is met.
👉 Example: An aged care worker in Townsville may be sponsored with lower English scores and apply for PR after 2 years on a 482.
| 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 | Long-term regional settlement focus |
| Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) | Permanent | Direct PR (labour agreement stream) | Employer-sponsored, no points test |
| Townsville Enterprise - Endorsement Fees | |
|---|---|
| Members | AUD 800 per position |
| Non-members | AUD 1,100 per position |
| 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 (VAC)
| 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 TNQ employer sponsoring a 482 cook for 2 years, turnover <$10m):
| Endorsement fee = AUD 1,100 |
| Sponsorship + nomination = AUD 750 |
| SAF levy = AUD 2,400 |
| Visa fee ≈ AUD 2,645 (primary applicant) |
| ➡ Approx. AUD 6,895 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 must be declared at application or added later as subsequent entrants.
It’s a migration agreement allowing Townsville and surrounding employers to sponsor overseas workers with concessions on age, salary, and English.
Townsville, Burdekin, Hinchinbrook, Flinders, Richmond, McKinlay, Cloncurry, Mount Isa.
Townsville Enterprise Ltd acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR).
Yes — AUD 800 (members) / 1,100 (non-members) per position.
Subclass 482, 494, and 186 (labour agreement streams).
No — DAMA visas are employer-sponsored.
Aged care, healthcare, mining, hospitality, trades, and agribusiness.
You cannot apply under TNQ DAMA; other visa options may be considered.
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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.
