Build Your Future in Victoria with the DAMA Program

Q: What is the Victoria DAMA program?

It’s a regional migration program for Goulburn Valley and Great South Coast employers to sponsor overseas workers.

Q: What concessions are available?

English, age (up to 55), and lower salary thresholds for approved roles.

Q: How long until PR?

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

Q: Are both regions the same?

No — each has its own occupation list and management (Shepparton vs Warrnambool)

Q: Do I need a points test?

No, DAMA visas are employer-sponsored, not points-based.

Q: Are there VIC Government fees?

No, endorsement and labour agreement requests are free.

Q: What industries are targeted?

Agriculture, agribusiness, food processing, hospitality, construction, healthcare, and trades.

Q: What if my occupation isn’t on the list?

You cannot apply under DAMA and must consider Skilled Migration pathways instead.

The Victoria DAMA program allows employers in the Goulburn Valley and Great South Coast regions to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers. It provides concessions on age, English, and salary — and offers a clear pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas.

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Victoria DAMA

Covers two regions: Goulburn Valley (Shepparton) and Great South Coast (Warrnambool).

PR pathway after 2–3 years of regional work

No points test required.

Family inclusion: spouse and dependents can live, work, and study in Australia.

Concessions Avaiable:

Age up to 55 years

Reduced English thresholds for some roles

Salary concession: below CSIT if AMSR is met.

Employers must obtain endorsement from Migration Victoria before nominating.

Victoria DAMA Program Overview

The Victoria DAMA is designed to address regional skill shortages across two key agreements:

Great South Coast DAMA -Warrnambool: Managed by Warrnambool City Council; focuses on hospitality, construction, health, and trades.

Goulburn Valley DAMA (Shepparton) : Managed by Greater Shepparton City Council; covers roles in agriculture, food processing, and regional industries.

By offering age, English, and salary concessions, the Victoria DAMA makes it easier for employers to sponsor overseas workers in shortage areas and creates sustainable PR pathways.

Eligibility

For Employers, Employers must:

Be legally established and operating in the DAMA regions for at least 12 months.

Prove Labour Market Testing (LMT) to show no local worker is available.

Provide a genuine, full-time job offer.

Obtain endorsement from Migration Victoria (via the relevant council).

Comply with all workplace and sponsorship obligations.

Example: A Shepparton dairy company that cannot fill roles locally applies for endorsement under the Goulburn Valley DAMA, then nominates workers under a labour agreement.

For Skilled Workers

Workers must:

Occupation must be on the Victoria DAMA occupation list.

Relevant skills and experience required.

Must meet health and character requirements.

Concessions available:

Age: up to 55 years.

English: lower test scores accepted.

Salary: up to 10–15% below CSIT if AMSR is met.

👉 Example: A farm worker under the Great South Coast DAMA may qualify at reduced English levels and transition to PR after 3 years on a 494.

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

Confirm the occupation is on the VIC DAMA list.

Apply for endorsement via Migration Victoria (through the regional council).

Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs.

Skilled Workers

Secure a job offer from an endorsed VIC employer.

Confirm concessions available.

Lodge visa application (482, 494, or 186).

Provide documents (skills, health, police checks).

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/English/salary concessions
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional	Up to 5 years	Subclass 191 after 3 years regional work	Focused on long-term regional settlement
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)	Permanent	Direct PR (labour agreement stream)	Employer-sponsored, no points test

👉 Example: A chef in Warrnambool may start on a 482 with lower English, then transition to PR via 186 after 2 years.

Visa Fees & Charges

Victoria Government - Fees
Endorsement application	AUD $0
Skills verification	AUD $0
Labour agreement request	AUD $0

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
482	AUD 1,200 / visa year	AUD 1,800 / visa year	Per visa year
494	AUD 3,000	AUD 5,000	One-off
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	4,910	2,455	1,230	Fixed
Subclass 482	1,980–3,235	990–1,615	500–810	Stream dependent

👉 Example (small VIC employer, turnover <$10m, sponsoring a 482 farm worker for 2 years):

Sponsorship + nomination = AUD 750

SAF levy = AUD 2,400

Visa fee ≈ AUD 2,645 (primary applicant)

➡ Approx. AUD 5,795 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.

Family Members You Can Include

Family Members

Spouse or De Facto Partner: Full work rights in Australia

Dependent Children under 18: Study rights + Medicare.

Older dependents: May qualify if financially dependent.

Family members must be declared at application stage or join later as subsequent entrants.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Victoria DAMA program?

It’s a regional migration program for Goulburn Valley and Great South Coast employers to sponsor overseas workers.

What concessions are available?

English, age (up to 55), and lower salary thresholds for approved roles.

How long until PR?

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

Are both regions the same?

No — each has its own occupation list and management (Shepparton vs Warrnambool)

Do I need a points test?

No, DAMA visas are employer-sponsored, not points-based.

Are there VIC Government fees?

No, endorsement and labour agreement requests are free.

What industries are targeted?

Agriculture, agribusiness, food processing, hospitality, construction, healthcare, and trades.

What if my occupation isn’t on the list?

You cannot apply under DAMA and must consider Skilled Migration pathways instead.

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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.