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Home » Employer Sponsored Visas Australia | Subclass 482, 186, 494, DAMA » Townsville North Queensland DAMA Program

Build Your Future in Townsville with the DAMA Program

The Townsville North Queensland DAMA enables employers across Townsville, Burdekin, Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Richmond, and surrounding areas to sponsor overseas workers in critical shortage industries. It provides concessions on age, English, and salary, with permanent residency pathways through Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

Townsville North Queensland DAMA

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.

Townsville DAMA Program Overview

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. 

Eligibility

For Employers

Employers must:

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. 

For Skilled Workers

Workers must:

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. 

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

1

Confirm occupation is on the TNQ DAMA list.

2

Apply for endorsement via Townsville Enterprise Ltd (pay fee).

3

Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs.

4

Nominate eligible workers.

Skilled Workers

1

Secure a job offer from an endorsed TNQ employer.

2

Confirm concessions for your occupation.

3

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

4

Provide documents (skills, health, police checks).

5

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 years Subclass 191 after 3 years regional workLong-term regional settlement focus
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)Permanent Direct PR (labour agreement stream)Employer-sponsored, no points test

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

Visa Fees & Charges

Townsville Enterprise - Endorsement Fees
MembersAUD 800 per position
Non-membersAUD 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

VisaTurnover < $10mTurnover ≥ $10mNotes
482AUD 1,200 / visa yearAUD 1,800 / visa yearPer visa year
494AUD 3,000AUD 5,000One-off
186AUD 3,000AUD 5,000One-off

Visa Application Charges (VAC)

Visa SubclassPrimary (AUD)Adult ≥18 (AUD)Child <18 (AUD)Notes
Subclass 1864,9102,4551,230Fixed
Subclass 4821,980–3,235990–1,615500–810Stream dependent
Subclass 494See Visa Pricing TableView table

👉 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).

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: Access to schooling and Medicare.

Older dependents: May be included if financially dependent.

👉 Family must be declared at application or added later as subsequent entrants. 

Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid ​​

Employers applying directly to Home Affairs instead of Townsville Enterprise for endorsement.

Confusing endorsement fees with visa charges.

Applicants assuming concessions are guaranteed — they depend on the occupation.

Tips for Strong Application

Always confirm the latest TNQ DAMA occupation list.

Budget for both endorsement fees and federal visa charges.

Allow extra time: endorsement + labour agreement stages can take months.

⚠️ Download This Checklist to Avoid Visa Mistakes

❓Frequently Asked Questions

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).

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

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.