What is DAMA?
Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) Applications allow skilled individuals to migrate to Australia. DAMA is a specialised agreement designed to address regional labour shortages. It allows employers in specific regions to sponsor workers from other countries for positions that cannot be filled by the local workforce. With DAMA, you get the opportunity to work and live in Australia while contributing to the growth of local economies.
DAMAs operate under an agreement-based framework, allowing regions to respond to their unique economic and labour market conditions. Where a DAMA labour agreement is approved, businesses can nominate and sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for certain occupations (each DAMA Head Agreement covers a specified range of occupations).
Basic Requirements
To be eligible for DAMA Applications, you must meet the following basic requirements:
Relevant Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on the DAMA occupation list for the designated region you are applying for.
Skills Assessment: You must undergo a DAMA Skills Assessment to show your proficiency and suitability for the nominated occupation.
English Language Proficiency: Meet the English language requirements specified for your occupation and visa stream.
Employer Sponsorship: You must have a job offer from an eligible employer within a DAMA region willing to sponsor you.
Genuine Intention: Show a genuine intention to live and work in the designated regional area.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for DAMA Applications, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Hold relevant qualifications and work experience in a DAMA-listed occupation.
- Meet the specific DAMA requirements set by the designated region’s agreement.
- Obtain a job offer from an approved DAMA sponsor within the designated region.
- Satisfy health and character requirements as outlined by the Australian government.
Checklist
Ensure a smooth DAMA Applications process by following this checklist:
- Confirm that your occupation is listed on the DAMA occupation list.
- Skills Assessment
- Proof of Valid Job Offer
- Necessary documents, including identity proof, qualifications, work experience evidence, and health assessments.
- Evidence of English Proficiency
- Fill out the DAMA visa application form accurately and comprehensively. You can take help of our best migration agents for error-free application.
Benefits
There are many advantages of Designated Area Migration Agreement, below are some of them:
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Explore unique work opportunities
- Faster Processing and reduced wait time
- Flexibility to employers in sponsoring skilled workers to meet specific needs.
- Inclusion of Family
FAQs
What is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?
DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian government and specific regions to address labour shortages through targeted skilled migration.
Can I apply for DAMA Applications without a job offer?
No, you need a valid job offer from an approved DAMA sponsor to apply for DAMA.
How long does it take for DAMA Applications to be processed?
Processing times can vary, but DAMA Applications often enjoy faster processing than other visa programs.
Do I need a migration agent for DAMA?
While not mandatory, engaging a qualified migration agent can enhance your application’s accuracy and increase its chances of success.