What Is the Western Australia DAMA and How Does It Work?
08 Jul, 2026
What Is the Western Australia DAMA and How Does It Work?
Western Australia continues to face strong workforce shortages across several industries. Many employers are struggling to find suitable local workers, especially in regional and high-demand sectors.
To help address these shortages, the Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement, commonly known as the WA DAMA, gives eligible WA employers access to skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers where local recruitment has not been successful.
For skilled migrants, the WA DAMA can create employment opportunities in Western Australia and may also provide access to visa concessions that are not always available under standard skilled visa pathways.
What Is a DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a state, territory or regional authority. It allows employers in a defined area to sponsor overseas workers for occupations that respond to local labour market needs.
DAMA arrangements operate through a two-tier framework. The first tier is the head agreement between the Australian Government and the Designated Area Representative. The second tier is the individual labour agreement between the Australian Government and an endorsed employer.
Important:
DAMA is not a direct visa that a worker applies for independently. It is an employer-sponsored pathway. First, the business must be endorsed, then the employer applies for a labour agreement, and only after that can the worker move towards the relevant visa stage.
DAMA is not a direct visa that a worker applies for independently. It is an employer-sponsored pathway. First, the business must be endorsed, then the employer applies for a labour agreement, and only after that can the worker move towards the relevant visa stage.
What Is the Western Australia DAMA?
The Western Australia DAMA was established in July 2024 in response to strong employer demand across Western Australia. The Designated Area Representative for the WA DAMA is the Department of Training and Workforce Development, through Migration Services.
The WA DAMA includes both metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia. It allows endorsed businesses to access a range of concessions to attract, sponsor and retain skilled migrant workers.
This arrangement is especially useful for employers who cannot fill genuine vacancies through the local labour market and need access to broader occupation options or more flexible visa requirements.
WA DAMA Designated Areas
The WA DAMA is divided into two main area categories.
| Category | Area Covered |
|---|---|
| Category 2 | Metropolitan Perth |
| Category 3 | Regional Western Australia |
Category 2: Metropolitan Perth
Category 2 includes eligible businesses operating within specified Perth metropolitan postcodes. These include 6000 to 6038, 6050 to 6083, 6090 to 6182, 6208 to 6211, 6214 and 6556 to 6558.
Category 2 includes eligible businesses operating within specified Perth metropolitan postcodes. These include 6000 to 6038, 6050 to 6083, 6090 to 6182, 6208 to 6211, 6214 and 6556 to 6558.
Category 3: Regional Western Australia
Category 3 covers all Western Australian postcodes that are not listed under the Metropolitan Perth category.
Category 3 covers all Western Australian postcodes that are not listed under the Metropolitan Perth category.
Place Allocation:
Under the WA DAMA, 50% of places are allocated to Metropolitan Perth and 50% are allocated to Regional Western Australia.
Under the WA DAMA, 50% of places are allocated to Metropolitan Perth and 50% are allocated to Regional Western Australia.
DAMAs Available in Western Australia
Western Australia has several DAMA arrangements across different regions. These include:
Goldfields DAMA
Kimberley DAMA
Pilbara DAMA
South West DAMA
Western Australia DAMA
The Goldfields DAMA was originally expected to transition into the WA DAMA from 1 July 2026. However, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has confirmed that the Goldfields DAMA has been extended until 31 December 2026 while the transition arrangements are finalized.
Important:
Employers and applicants should not rely on old information. DAMA rules, occupation lists and regional arrangements can change quickly.
Employers and applicants should not rely on old information. DAMA rules, occupation lists and regional arrangements can change quickly.
How Does the Western Australia DAMA Work?
The WA DAMA process is mainly employer-led. A skilled worker usually cannot start the process alone without an eligible employer.
Step 1: Check Business and Occupation Eligibility
The employer must first check whether the business operates in an eligible WA DAMA area and whether the nominated occupation is available under the relevant DAMA occupation list.
The employer must first check whether the business operates in an eligible WA DAMA area and whether the nominated occupation is available under the relevant DAMA occupation list.
Step 2: Create a Migration WA Portal Profile
Once the employer confirms eligibility, they need to create a profile through the Migration WA Portal. The business must also register with the Skilled Migrant Employment Register, also known as SMER.
Once the employer confirms eligibility, they need to create a profile through the Migration WA Portal. The business must also register with the Skilled Migrant Employment Register, also known as SMER.
Step 3: Identify a Suitable Skilled Worker
The employer must identify a suitable skilled worker. The worker must meet the skills, qualifications, experience and employment background required for the nominated occupation.
The employer must identify a suitable skilled worker. The worker must meet the skills, qualifications, experience and employment background required for the nominated occupation.
Step 4: Complete Labour Market Testing
For Skills in Demand and SESR visa pathways, Labour Market Testing is required. WA DAMA guidance states that nominated positions must generally be advertised for four weeks, or 28 consecutive days.
For Skills in Demand and SESR visa pathways, Labour Market Testing is required. WA DAMA guidance states that nominated positions must generally be advertised for four weeks, or 28 consecutive days.
Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documents
The employer must prepare business, job position and worker-related evidence. Documents must be clear, accurate and submitted in English.
The employer must prepare business, job position and worker-related evidence. Documents must be clear, accurate and submitted in English.
Step 6: Submit the WA DAMA Endorsement Application
Once documents are ready, the employer submits the endorsement application through the Migration WA Portal. There is currently no associated application fee for submitting an endorsement application to access the WA DAMA.
Once documents are ready, the employer submits the endorsement application through the Migration WA Portal. There is currently no associated application fee for submitting an endorsement application to access the WA DAMA.
Step 7: Receive the Endorsement Outcome
If the endorsement is approved, the business receives a positive WA DAMA endorsement. A positive WA DAMA endorsement is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
If the endorsement is approved, the business receives a positive WA DAMA endorsement. A positive WA DAMA endorsement is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Step 8: Apply for a Labour Agreement
After endorsement, the employer applies to the Department of Home Affairs for a DAMA labour agreement. If approved, the employer can then nominate and sponsor skilled or semi-skilled overseas workers.
After endorsement, the employer applies to the Department of Home Affairs for a DAMA labour agreement. If approved, the employer can then nominate and sponsor skilled or semi-skilled overseas workers.
Common Supporting Documents for WA DAMA
The employer must prepare strong supporting evidence. Common supporting documents may include:
Business registration evidence
ABN or ACN details
Position description
Employment contract
Salary evidence
Labour Market Testing evidence
Worker’s qualifications and experience documents
Licensing or registration evidence, if required
The Department can verify documents and may contact employers or other parties to confirm the information provided. False or misleading information can result in refusal and may be reported to Home Affairs.
Visa Pathways Under WA DAMA
DAMA labour agreements generally use visa pathways such as:
Skills in Demand Visa, Subclass 482
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa, Subclass 494
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, Subclass 186
WA DAMA Concessions
One of the main benefits of the WA DAMA is access to concessions. These concessions can make the pathway more flexible compared with standard visa programs.
Important:
Concessions are not automatic. They must be requested, supported with evidence and approved.
Concessions are not automatic. They must be requested, supported with evidence and approved.
Occupation Concessions
Metropolitan Perth
Metropolitan Perth mainly focuses on higher skilled occupations from Skill Levels 1 to 3. It may also include some semi-skilled Skill Level 4 occupations and a small number of non-ANZSCO occupations.
Metropolitan Perth mainly focuses on higher skilled occupations from Skill Levels 1 to 3. It may also include some semi-skilled Skill Level 4 occupations and a small number of non-ANZSCO occupations.
Regional Western Australia
Regional WA provides broader occupation access, including Skill Levels 1 to 4 and additional occupations linked to regional industry needs. It may also offer shorter permanent residency pathways and lower work experience requirements compared with Metropolitan Perth.
Regional WA provides broader occupation access, including Skill Levels 1 to 4 and additional occupations linked to regional industry needs. It may also offer shorter permanent residency pathways and lower work experience requirements compared with Metropolitan Perth.
Work Experience, Age and English Concessions
Work Experience Concessions
The WA DAMA may allow reduced work experience requirements depending on the visa pathway and location.
Generally, the required experience may be at least 1 year for the Skills in Demand visa pathway, at least 2 years for SESR or ENS pathways in Regional WA, and at least 3 years for SESR or ENS pathways in Metropolitan Perth.
The WA DAMA may allow reduced work experience requirements depending on the visa pathway and location.
Generally, the required experience may be at least 1 year for the Skills in Demand visa pathway, at least 2 years for SESR or ENS pathways in Regional WA, and at least 3 years for SESR or ENS pathways in Metropolitan Perth.
Age Concession
Under the WA DAMA, the standard age limit may be increased from 45 to 55 years for eligible visa applicants. This can be helpful for experienced workers who are over 45 and may not qualify under standard employer sponsored pathways.
Under the WA DAMA, the standard age limit may be increased from 45 to 55 years for eligible visa applicants. This can be helpful for experienced workers who are over 45 and may not qualify under standard employer sponsored pathways.
English Language Concessions
English concessions depend on the occupation skill level and visa pathway. For Skill Level 1 and 2 occupations, no English language concession applies.
For Skill Level 3 and 4 occupations under Skills in Demand or SESR pathways, IELTS 5.0 or equivalent may be accepted with no minimum band score. For ENS pathways, IELTS 5.0 or equivalent may be accepted, but each band must be at least 4.0.
English concessions depend on the occupation skill level and visa pathway. For Skill Level 1 and 2 occupations, no English language concession applies.
For Skill Level 3 and 4 occupations under Skills in Demand or SESR pathways, IELTS 5.0 or equivalent may be accepted with no minimum band score. For ENS pathways, IELTS 5.0 or equivalent may be accepted, but each band must be at least 4.0.
However, English concessions may not be approved for some client-facing occupations, workplace safety-sensitive roles, or occupations where registration and licensing require higher English proficiency.
Permanent Residency Pathway Under WA DAMA
The WA DAMA may provide a permanent residency pathway through the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa.
For the ENS pathway concession, the worker must generally have been originally nominated under the WA DAMA, the occupation must be available under the WA DAMA, and the worker must meet location-based work requirements.
Example:
The employee may need to have lived and worked in Metropolitan Perth for three years or Regional WA for two years, depending on the pathway and endorsement conditions.
The employee may need to have lived and worked in Metropolitan Perth for three years or Regional WA for two years, depending on the pathway and endorsement conditions.
This makes the WA DAMA a valuable option for some employers and skilled workers, but PR is not guaranteed. The worker must meet the relevant requirements at the time of application.
Who Can Benefit from WA DAMA?
The WA DAMA may benefit:
WA employers struggling to fill genuine job vacancies
Businesses needing occupations not available under standard skilled programs
Regional employers facing long-term workforce shortages
Skilled migrants with job offers from eligible WA employers
Workers who may need concessions for age, English, occupation or work experience
Employers planning long-term workforce solutions through sponsorship and possible PR pathways
Common WA DAMA Mistakes to Avoid
WA DAMA can be useful, but it is not a shortcut. Employers and workers need to avoid these common mistakes.
Assuming DAMA Approval Is Guaranteed
Even if the business is eligible, approval is not guaranteed. The employer must provide strong evidence showing genuine workforce need and compliance.
Even if the business is eligible, approval is not guaranteed. The employer must provide strong evidence showing genuine workforce need and compliance.
Starting Without Checking the Right DAMA Region
Western Australia has multiple DAMA arrangements. The correct pathway depends on the work location, postcode, occupation and regional coverage.
Western Australia has multiple DAMA arrangements. The correct pathway depends on the work location, postcode, occupation and regional coverage.
Weak Labour Market Testing
Labour Market Testing must be done properly. Missing salary details, wrong advertising period or weak evidence can cause problems.
Labour Market Testing must be done properly. Missing salary details, wrong advertising period or weak evidence can cause problems.
Ignoring Licensing or Registration Requirements
Some occupations require Australian licensing or registration. If the worker cannot meet those requirements, the visa pathway may not work.
Some occupations require Australian licensing or registration. If the worker cannot meet those requirements, the visa pathway may not work.
Treating DAMA Like a Direct PR Visa
DAMA is an employer-sponsored pathway. It can lead to PR in some cases, but only if the worker and employer meet all relevant requirements.
DAMA is an employer-sponsored pathway. It can lead to PR in some cases, but only if the worker and employer meet all relevant requirements.
Get WA DAMA Guidance from XL Migration and Education Services
The Western Australia DAMA can be a strong pathway for employers and skilled workers, but the process is detailed. It involves endorsement, Labour Market Testing, occupation checks, labour agreement approval, nomination and visa requirements.
A small mistake in the early stage can delay the entire process or affect the final outcome.
XL Migration and Education Services can assist employers and skilled workers with WA DAMA eligibility checks, documentation support, endorsement guidance and employer sponsored visa pathway planning.
Explore Your WA DAMA Pathway
If you are planning to apply under the Western Australia DAMA or want to check whether your occupation or business may be eligible, speak with XL Migration and Education Services before starting the process.
Visit Official WebsiteFAQs About Western Australia DAMA
1. What is the Western Australia DAMA?
The Western Australia DAMA is a Designated Area Migration Agreement that allows eligible WA employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for occupations needed in Western Australia.
The Western Australia DAMA is a Designated Area Migration Agreement that allows eligible WA employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for occupations needed in Western Australia.
2. Can a worker apply for WA DAMA directly?
No. WA DAMA is employer-led. A skilled worker needs an eligible employer who can go through the endorsement, labour agreement and nomination process.
No. WA DAMA is employer-led. A skilled worker needs an eligible employer who can go through the endorsement, labour agreement and nomination process.
3. Do I need a job offer for WA DAMA?
Yes. A valid job offer from an eligible WA employer is normally required before the visa stage can proceed.
Yes. A valid job offer from an eligible WA employer is normally required before the visa stage can proceed.
4. Is WA DAMA only for regional Western Australia?
No. WA DAMA covers both Metropolitan Perth and Regional Western Australia, but occupation availability and concessions may differ by location.
No. WA DAMA covers both Metropolitan Perth and Regional Western Australia, but occupation availability and concessions may differ by location.
5. How long does WA DAMA endorsement take?
Decision-ready WA DAMA endorsement applications currently take around 20 working days. If documents are missing or extra information is requested, processing can take longer.
Decision-ready WA DAMA endorsement applications currently take around 20 working days. If documents are missing or extra information is requested, processing can take longer.
6. Is there a fee for WA DAMA endorsement?
Migration Services does not currently charge a fee for submitting a WA DAMA endorsement application.
Migration Services does not currently charge a fee for submitting a WA DAMA endorsement application.
7. Can WA DAMA lead to PR?
Yes, in some cases. WA DAMA may provide a pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsored visas such as Subclass 186, but eligibility depends on the occupation, employer, work location and visa requirements.
Yes, in some cases. WA DAMA may provide a pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsored visas such as Subclass 186, but eligibility depends on the occupation, employer, work location and visa requirements.
8. What concessions are available under WA DAMA?
Possible concessions may include occupation concessions, reduced work experience requirements, age concessions up to 55 years, English language concessions for selected occupations and PR pathway concessions.
Possible concessions may include occupation concessions, reduced work experience requirements, age concessions up to 55 years, English language concessions for selected occupations and PR pathway concessions.
9. Is WA DAMA approval guaranteed if a business meets the criteria?
No. Approval is not guaranteed. The business must provide strong supporting evidence and meet endorsement, labour agreement and sponsorship requirements.
No. Approval is not guaranteed. The business must provide strong supporting evidence and meet endorsement, labour agreement and sponsorship requirements.
10. Who can help with WA DAMA applications?
A registered migration agent can help assess eligibility, prepare documents and guide employers or workers through the correct pathway. XL Migration and Education Services can assist with WA DAMA and employer sponsored visa guidance.
A registered migration agent can help assess eligibility, prepare documents and guide employers or workers through the correct pathway. XL Migration and Education Services can assist with WA DAMA and employer sponsored visa guidance.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not be taken as legal or migration advice. Visa rules, occupation lists and DAMA arrangements can change. Your eligibility depends on your personal and business circumstances. Always seek advice from a registered migration professional before making a visa decision.
