Australia’s regions are facing increasing demand for skilled workers in key industries, and the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) offer a practical response to these workforce needs. These agreements provide regional employers with access to overseas talent when local candidates are not available.
VETASSESS plays a central role in this process, providing trusted skills assessments that support applicants seeking to live and work in regional Australia.
What is a DAMA?
A DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority. Each DAMA is tailored to meet the unique labour market conditions of a specific region. These agreements enable employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for roles where there are local shortages.
DAMAs offer flexibility for businesses and skilled migrants, with possible concessions to standard visa requirements, including English language, age and income thresholds.
VETASSESS and the DAMA Process
VETASSESS is Australia’s largest skills assessment authority for migration and conducts assessments for a broad range of occupations listed under DAMA arrangements. With expertise across more than 360 general professional occupations and over 27 trade occupations, VETASSESS ensures that candidates meet the standards expected by Australian employers and government bodies.
Applicants must be nominated or sponsored by an employer operating within a DAMA region and must apply for a skills assessment under that specific agreement.
Regions Covered by DAMA
VETASSESS provides skills assessments for occupations included in DAMAs across various regions, including:
- Orana (NSW)
- Goulburn Valley and Great South Coast (VIC)
- Far North Queensland and Townsville (QLD)
- Kimberley, Goldfields, Pilbara, and South West (WA)
Each DAMA has its own occupation list and eligibility requirements. It’s important to refer to the specific DAMA agreement relevant to your employer and occupation.
DAMA: How to Apply
To begin your skills assessment under a DAMA, follow these key steps:
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure that your nominated occupation is listed under the relevant DAMA and that VETASSESS is the assessing authority. Check your eligibility here.
- Obtain Employer Sponsorship: You must have a form of employer sponsorship or nomination under a DAMA agreement.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, including your CV, proof of identity, qualifications and employment evidence.
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the VETASSESS online portal, selecting the appropriate DAMA and occupation.
VETASSESS will assess whether your qualifications and employment history meet the criteria for your nominated occupation under the DAMA.
Key Assessment Considerations
- Employment Experience: Work experience must be relevant to the occupation and undertaken within the past five years.
- Part-Time Work: Part-time employment may be accepted on a pro-rata basis, provided it meets the minimum hours required.
- Occupation-Specific Criteria: Each occupation may have additional requirements depending on the DAMA region.
Why Choose the DAMA Pathway?
DAMAs provide a valuable opportunity for skilled workers to contribute to regional Australian communities. Benefits include:
- A pathway to live and work in areas with real demand for your skills
- Greater flexibility compared to standard skilled migration programs
- The potential for long-term settlement, including options for permanent residency
Learn More about DAMA
Join us for the upcoming DAMA webinar and register here to learn more about how a DAMA might work for you.