Covers multiple WA regions: Goldfields, Pilbara, Kimberley, South West, and Perth (as Category 2).
PR pathways after 2–3 years
No points test required.
Concessions Avaiable:
Age up to 55 years
Reduced English test scores for certain roles.
Salary concessions below CSIT if AMSR is satisfied.
Family inclusion: Spouse and children can be included with full work, study, and Medicare rights.
Employer endorsement from WA DAMA coordinators is required before nomination.
Western Australia operates multiple DAMA agreements, each covering a specific region or sector:
Goldfields DAMA: Mining, trades, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pilbara DAMA: Resources, engineering, logistics, and skilled trades.
Kimberley DAMA : Tourism, hospitality, aged care, and regional services.
South West DAMA: Agribusiness, construction, and regional industries.
Perth metro - Category 2 : Employers can access certain concessions but must prove shortages.
Must be legally established and operating in WA for 12+ months.
Demonstrate Labour Market Testing (LMT). for each nomination.
Apply for endorsement from the relevant WA DAMA body (e.g., Goldfields Migration Services, Pilbara coordinator).
Lodge a labour agreement with Home Affairs after endorsement.
Comply with sponsorship obligations, including fair wages and workplace laws.
👉 Example: A mining company in Kalgoorlie needing heavy diesel fitters applies via the Goldfields DAMA, then nominates overseas candidates once endorsed.
Occupation must be on the WA DAMA list for the relevant region.
Hold the necessary skills and 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 10–15% below CSIT if AMSR is met.
👉 Example: A chef in Broome may qualify with reduced English scores and be sponsored on a 482, progressing to PR after 2–3 years.
| 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 | Occupations targeted for regional WA |
| Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) | Permanent | Direct PR (labour agreement stream) | Employer-sponsored, concessions available |
| WA Government - Fees | |
|---|---|
| Endorsement application | AUD $0 |
| Skills verification | AUD $0 |
| Labour agreement application | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 (WA employer sponsoring a 482 mechanic for 2 years, turnover <$10m):
| 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 must be included in the initial application or may need to apply later as a subsequent entrant.
It’s a migration agreement for multiple WA regions, allowing employers to sponsor overseas workers with tailored concessions
Goldfields, Pilbara, Kimberley, South West, and Perth metro (Category 2).
Salary, age (up to 55), and English test concessions.
No, DAMA visas are employer-sponsored.
Mining, construction, healthcare, hospitality, and agriculture.
No, endorsement and labour agreement requests are free.
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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.
