South Australia Skilled and Business Migration have advised that South Australia’s two Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs), the SA Regional DAMA and the Adelaide City DAMA have been extended and expanded.
- 128 new occupations have been added to the SA Regional DAMA, including construction and trades, agribusiness, ICT, health, education and renewable energy sectors. The occupation list can be found here.
- Both DAMAs have been extended until 30 June 2025.
- The SA Regional DAMA has a higher annual nomination ceiling available with 2000 nomination places annually increased from 700.
- The pathway to permanent residency has been retained for all visa holders under both DAMAs.
- The age concession has been retained up to 55 years, a 10% reduction to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), as well as English and work experience concessions.
- The occupations of Grape Grower (121215), Actors, Dancers and other Entertainers (211999) and Dancer or Choreographer (211112) have been removed from the DAMAs.
The South Australian Government has announced the following changes to the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) program:
DAMA Occupation List
The South Australian DAMA occupation list has changed to include a range of new occupations that focus on the following areas:
The DAMA occupation list below has been updated to reflect these changes.
Concessions and Pathways to Permanent Residency
DAMAs include concessions to some of the standard visa requirements, some examples are:
Highly skilled applicants have a pathway to permanent residency through the DAMA program.
Skill Assessing Authority
For occupations that do not have an alternative skills assessment authority, the South Australian Government continues to conduct the skills assessments. This allows occupations that were not previously available for skilled migration to be eligible.
South Australia Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)
Adelaide City Agreement
The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) has been designed to address skills shortages across the Adelaide Metropolitan region. This DAMA is for South Australian local employers to sponsor overseas workers in the defence, space, and advanced manufacturing and technology industries with the ability to access and retain a highly-skilled workforce.
Regional Agreement
The South Australian Regional Workforce Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) has been designed to address skills shortages across the entire state of South Australia.
Related: PR Pathways and DAMA changes for South Australia
Metro Occupations
- Advancement Manager- 070499
- Advancement Professional- 070499
- Clinical Researcher- 070499
- Data and Analytics Manager- 070499
- Digital Artist- 070499
- Digital Producer- 070499
- Digital Production Manager- 070499
- Digital Supervisor- 070499
- Senior Digital Artist- 070499
- Chief Executive or Managing Director- 111111
- Corporate General Manager- 111211
- Public Relations Manager- 131114
- Corporate Services Manager- 132111
- Policy and Planning Manager- 132411
- Research and Development Manager- 132511
- Importer or Exporter- 133311
- Education Managers nec – 134499
- Chief Information Officer- 135111
- ICT Project Manager- 135112
- Arts Administrator or Manager- 139911
- Laboratory Manager- 139913
- Specialist Managers nec- 139999
- Artistic Director- 212111
- Film and Video Editor- 212314
- Training and Development Professional- 223311
- Mathematician- 224112
- Statistician- 224113
- Librarian- 224611
- Information and Organisation Professionals nec- 224999
- Other Spatial Scientist- 232214
- Graphic Designer- 232411
- Illustrator- 232412
- Multimedia Designer- 232413
- Web Designer- 232414
- Naval Architect- 233916
- Chemist- 234211
- Environmental Research Scientist- 234313
- Environmental Scientists nec- 234399
- Geophysicist- 234412
- Hydrogeologist- 234413
- Life Scientist (General)- 234511
- Biochemist- 234513
- Biotechnologist- 234514
- Botanist- 234515
- Marine Biologist- 234516
- Microbiologist- 234517
- Zoologist- 234518
- Life Scientists nec- 234599
- Medical Laboratory Scientist- 234611
- Meteorologist- 234913
- Physicist (non-medical)- 234914
- Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec-234999
- Multimedia Specialist- 261211
- Web Developer- 261212
- Analyst Programmer- 261311
- Developer Programmer- 261312
- Medical Laboratory Technician- 311213
- Chemistry Technician- 311411
- Earth Science Technician- 311412
- Life Science Technician- 311413
- Science Technicians nec- 311499
Regional Occupations:
- Apiary Supervisor- ANZSCO 070499
- Aquaculture Deckhand or Farmhand- ANZSCO 070499
- Aquaculture Process Worker – ANZSCO 070499
- Aquaculture Processing Supervisor- ANZSCO 070499
- Automotive Transmission Technician- ANZSCO 070499
- Care Supervisor- ANZSCO 070499
- Civil Construction Site Supervisor- ANZSCO 070499
- Civil Construction Tradeworker- ANZSCO 070499
- CNC Machinist- ANZSCO 070499
- CNC Operator- ANZSCO 070499
- Cold Store Manager- ANZSCO 070499
- Cold Store Operator- ANZSCO 070499
- Cook (ethnic cuisine)- ANZSCO 070499
- Dairy Cattle Farm Operator- ANZSCO 070499
- Dance Instructor- ANZSCO 070499
- Electrical Motor Repairer or Winder- ANZSCO 070499
- Forestry and Harvesting Machine Operation- ANZSCO 070499
- Hospitality Supervisor- ANZSCO 070499
- Hospitality Worker- ANZSCO 070499
- Irrigation Technician- ANZSCO 070499
- Log Truck Driver- ANZSCO 070499
- Poultry Farm Supervisor- ANZSCO 070499
- Poultry Stockperson- ANZSCO 070499
- Production Horticultural Supervisor- ANZSCO 070499
- Production Horticulturist- ANZSCO 070499
- Production Operator- ANZSCO 070499
- Production Supervisor- ANZSCO 070499
- Rose Budder- ANZSCO 070499
- Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker- ANZSCO 070499
- Senior Piggery Stockperson- ANZSCO 070499
- Senior Production Horticulturist- ANZSCO 070499
- Skilled Horticultural Worker- ANZSCO 070499
- Sommelier- ANZSCO 070499
- Vineyard Manager- ANZSCO 070499
- Vineyard Supervisor- ANZSCO 070499
- Welding Engineer- ANZSCO 070499
- Welding Inspector- ANZSCO 070499
- Welding Specialist Supervisor- ANZSCO 070499
- Welding Technologist- ANZSCO 070499
- Aquaculture Farmer- ANZSCO 121111
- Fruit or Nut Grower- ANZSCO 121213
- Grape Grower- ANZSCO 121215
- Mixed Crop Farmer- ANZSCO 121216
- Vegetable Grower- ANZSCO 121221
- Apiatrist- ANZSCO 121311
- Beef Cattle Farmer- ANZSCO 121312
- Dairy Cattle Farmer- ANZSCO 121313
- Mixed Livestock Farmer- ANZSCO 121317
- Pig Farmer- ANZSCO 121318
- Poultry Farmer- ANZSCO 121321
- Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer- ANZSCO 121411
- Sales and Marketing Manager- ANZSCO 131112
- Construction Project Manager- ANZSCO 133111
- Engineering Manager- ANZSCO 133211
- Manufacturer- ANZSCO 133411
- Production Manager (Forestry)- ANZSCO 133511
- Production Manager (Manufacturing)- ANZSCO 133512
- Production Manager (Mining)- ANZSCO 133513
- Supply and Distribution Manager- ANZSCO 133611
- Procurement Manager- ANZSCO 133612
- Child Care Centre Manager- ANZSCO 134111
- Quality Assurance Manager- ANZSCO 139914
- Cafe or Restaurant Manager- ANZSCO 141111
- Hotel or Motel Manager- ANZSCO 141311
- Facilities Manager- ANZSCO 149913
- Dancer or Choreographer- ANZSCO 211112
- Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers nec- ANZSCO 211199
- Civil Engineer- ANZSCO 233211
- Structural Engineer- ANZSCO 233214
- Transport Engineer- ANZSCO 233215
- Electrical Engineer- ANZSCO 233311
- Electronics Engineer- ANZSCO 233411
- Industrial Engineer- ANZSCO 233511
- Mechanical Engineer- ANZSCO 233512
- Production or Plant Engineer- ANZSCO 233513
- Engineering Technologist- ANZSCO 233914
- Agricultural Consultant- ANZSCO 234111
- Agricultural Scientist- ANZSCO 234112
- Forester- ANZSCO 234113
- Food Technologist- ANZSCO 234212
- Wine Maker- ANZSCO 234213
- Exercise Physiologist- ANZSCO 234915
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher- ANZSCO 241111
- Special Needs Teacher- ANZSCO 241511
- Teacher of the Hearing Impaired- ANZSCO 241512
- Teacher of the Sight Impaired- ANZSCO 241513
- Special Education Teachers nec- ANZSCO 241599
- Dance Teacher (Private Tuition)- ANZSCO 249212
- Dietitian- ANZSCO 251111
- Sonographer- ANZSCO 251214
- Optometrist- ANZSCO 251411
- Orthoptist- ANZSCO 251412
- Orthotist or Prosthetist- ANZSCO 251912
- Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals nec- ANZSCO 251999
- Chiropractor- ANZSCO 252111
- Osteopath- ANZSCO 252112
- Dental Specialist- ANZSCO 252311
- Dentist- ANZSCO 252312
- Occupational Therapist- ANZSCO 252411
- Physiotherapist- ANZSCO 252511
- Podiatrist- ANZSCO 252611
- Audiologist- ANZSCO 252711
- Speech Pathologist- ANZSCO 252712
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care)- ANZSCO 254412
- Registered Nurses nec- ANZSCO 254499
- Rehabilitation Counsellor- ANZSCO 272114
- Counsellors nec- ANZSCO 272199
- Clinical Psychologist- ANZSCO 272311
- Educational Psychologist- ANZSCO 272312
- Organisational Psychologist- ANZSCO 272313
- Psychotherapist- ANZSCO 272314
- Psychologists nec- ANZSCO 272399
- Interpreter- ANZSCO 272412
- Social Worker- ANZSCO 272511
- Welfare Worker- ANZSCO 272613
- Agricultural Technician- ANZSCO 311111
- Meat Inspector- ANZSCO 311312
- Primary Products Inspectors nec- ANZSCO 311399
- Civil Engineering Draftsperson- ANZSCO 312211
- Electrical Engineering Draftsperson- ANZSCO 312311
- Electrical Engineering Technician- ANZSCO 312312
- Electronic Engineering Draftsperson- ANZSCO 312411
- Electronic Engineering Technician- ANZSCO 312412
- Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson- ANZSCO 312511
- Mechanical Engineering Technician- ANZSCO 312512
- Maintenance Planner- ANZSCO 312911
- Automotive Electrician- ANZSCO 321111
- Motor Mechanic (General)- ANZSCO 321211
- Motorcycle Mechanic- ANZSCO 321213
- Sheetmetal Trades Worker- ANZSCO 322211
- Metal Fabricator- ANZSCO 322311
- Pressure Welder- ANZSCO 322312
- Welder (First Class)- ANZSCO 322313
- Fitter (General)- ANZSCO 323211
- Fitter and Turner- ANZSCO 323212
- Fitter-Welder- ANZSCO 323213
- Metal Machinist (First Class)- ANZSCO 323214
- Metal Fitters and Machinists nec- ANZSCO 323299
- Saw Maker and Repairer- ANZSCO 323315
- Panelbeater- ANZSCO 324111
- Vehicle Body Builder- ANZSCO 324211
- Vehicle Trimmer- ANZSCO 324212
- Vehicle Painter- ANZSCO 324311
- Stonemason- ANZSCO 331112
- Baker- ANZSCO 351111
- Pastry Cook- ANZSCO 351112
- Chef- ANZSCO 351311
- Cook- ANZSCO 351411
- Veterinary Nurse- ANZSCO 361311
- Nurseryperson- ANZSCO 362411
- Shoemaker- ANZSCO 393114
- Diver- ANZSCO 399911
- Plastics Technician- ANZSCO 399916
- Dental Hygienist- ANZSCO 411211
- Dental Technician- ANZSCO 411213
- Dental Therapist- ANZSCO 411214
- Diversional Therapist- ANZSCO 411311
- Enrolled Nurse- ANZSCO 411411
- Community Worker- ANZSCO 411711
- Disabilities Services Officer- ANZSCO 411712
- Family Support Worker- ANZSCO 411713
- Residential Care Officer- ANZSCO 411715
- Youth Worker- ANZSCO 411716
- Child Care Worker (Group Leaders Only)- ANZSCO 421111
- Aged or disabled carer- ANZSCO 423111
- Dental assistant- ANZSCO 423211
- Nursing support worker- ANZSCO 423312
- Personal care assistant- ANZSCO 423313
- Therapy aide- ANZSCO 423314
- Outdoor Adventure Instructor- ANZSCO 452215
- Outdoor Adventure Guides nec- ANZSCO 452299
- Sawmilling Operator- ANZSCO 711313
- Plastics Fabricator or Welder- ANZSCO 711513
- Plastics Production Machine Operator (General)- ANZSCO 711514
- Footwear Production Machine Operation- ANZSCO 711514
- Knitting Machine Operator- ANZSCO 711713
- Sand Blaster- ANZSCO 711913
- Driller- ANZSCO 712211
- Miner- ANZSCO 712212
- Shot Firer- ANZSCO 712213
- Engineering Production Systems Worker- ANZSCO 712311
- Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator- ANZSCO 721111
- Backhoe Operator- ANZSCO 721212
- Meat Boner and Slicer- ANZSCO 831211
- Slaughterer- ANZSCO 831212
- Product Examiner- ANZSCO 839311
- Product Grader- ANZSCO 839312
- Product Tester- ANZSCO 839313
- Fishing Hand- ANZSCO 899212
- Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General)- ANZSCO 899411
The South Australian Government has entered into two DAMAs:
-
Adelaide Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement
This agreement focuses on Adelaide’s high-tech growth industries including defence, space, technology and advanced manufacturing industries. The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement is the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) covering metropolitan Adelaide.
-
South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement
This agreement focuses on the South Australia’s regional high growth industries including agribusiness, forestry, health and social services, tourism and hospitality, construction and mining. The South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement is the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) covering the entire state of South Australia.
The DAMAs enable South Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers. Employers experiencing skills and labour shortages can apply for endorsement to enter into a DAMA labour agreement. This enables them to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers with more flexible requirements than are available via the standard skilled visa programs.
Skilled & Business Migration undertakes the role of Designated Area Representative (DAR), which is responsible for endorsing employers seeking to access overseas workers through the Designated Area Migration Agreements.
The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is an overarching five-year deed of agreement between the Commonwealth and the Designated Area Representative (DAR) which is the Department for Innovation and Skills, Skilled & Business Migration.
The DAR has established a range of endorsement requirements in consultation with the Department of Home Affairs, these requirements are designed to meet the objectives of the DAMA and are policy conditions that respond to the objectives of the agreements.
The Migration Regulations, as well as any additional requirements outlined in a DAMA labour agreement, determine the requirements to be met at nomination and visa stage.
Who can access the South Australian DAMA?
- Are financially viable and have been actively operating for at least 12 months
- Have no adverse history of not meeting their obligations to employees
- Are looking to employ overseas workers to fill full-time positions with duties that align with occupations on the Agreements occupation lists
- Can demonstrate they cannot fill the position locally with Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Can provide conditions of employment to overseas workers that are in accordance with those offered to Australian workers employed in the region.
Labour Hire companies are excluded from accessing endorsement under the SA DAMA.
Key Elements
- Provides a framework for local employers experiencing skillls and labour shortages to sponsor overseas workers in skilled and semi-skilled positions. 174 occupations have been approved offering a ceiling of 1,050 positions in the first year
- Concessions such as English language, salary, skills and experience and age to facilitate pathways to permanent residency are offered in a range of selected positions
- Employers will need to be endorsed by the Designated Area Representative, Immigration SA, in order to enter into a DAMA Labour Agreement with the Australian Government
- Employers will need to meet a range of risk and integrity requirements to ensure that the rights of the worker and employer are protected
- Uses the employer-sponsored visa program, labour agreement stream of the Temporary Skills Shortage visa (subclass 482)
- Individual workers cannot apply for a visa independently.
Employer Eligibility
South Australian employers will be required to provide the DAR with evidence that the following criteria have been fulfilled:
- Employers will be asked to request the number of positions they need to fill in one year, detailing the occupation(s) and concession(s) they seek
- Employers must show they are based in South Australia
- Are lawfully operating that business for more than 12 months
- Are financially viable
- Demonstrate the position is genuine and there is a genuine vacancy
- Labour Market Testing (LMT) has been completed in accordance with requirements.
- Demonstrate requested occupations and concessions are reasonable with regard to current labour market conditions in the region
- Show employment terms and conditions are reasonable and lawful
- Provide detail on any recent changes to workforce composition in the last 6 months
- Show that concessions will not undermine Overseas Worker’s ability to support themselves or lead to exploitation
- Declare there is no adverse information about the employer.
Process Overview
- Employer applies for DAR endorsement
- DAR undertakes assessment for endorsement
- DAR issues a Letter of Endorsement to the employer and notifies Department of Home Affairs
- Employer requests DAMA Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs
- Home Affairs assess Labour Agreement application and notifies employer of outcome
- Employer proceeds to lodge nomination and visa application with Home Affairs
Fees & Charges
- Endorsement by Immigration SA to access South Australia’s DAMAs
- Entering into a labour agreement with the Australian Government
- Nomination application – Australian Government
- Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy – Australian Government
- Worker visa application – Australian Government
- Fees associated with professional services and evidence gathering.
Book a meeting for a briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find more about your visa options.
