Employer · Guide
Labour agreements and DAMAs
Agreements for employers whose needs fall outside standard settings, used with the 482, 494 and 186.
Who it is for
Employers (and through them, workers) whose needs fall outside the standard occupation lists or settings. A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a regional framework with a Designated Area Representative.
Key eligibility
- A demonstrated need the Australian labour market cannot meet, and genuine attempts to recruit Australians first.
- For a DAMA: endorsement by the Designated Area Representative.
- Agreements are generally in effect for 5 years.
- 13 DAMAs were listed by Home Affairs on 22 October 2026, including Goulburn Valley and Great South Coast in Victoria, the Northern Territory, Far North Queensland, Townsville, Orana, the Pilbara and Western Australia statewide.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
Not a visa. The employer requests the agreement; workers then apply under the 482, 494 or 186 Labour Agreement streams.
Your journey, step by step
Employer enquiry
Check whether a DAMA covers the business location and occupation.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent checks coverage and the business case.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Endorsement and request
Endorsement by the Designated Area Representative or industry body, then a request in ImmiAccount with labour market testing.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares the endorsement and request.
Agreement
If agreed, the agreement is executed.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent explains the terms and compliance.
Sponsorship, nomination and visas
Workers apply under the Labour Agreement streams.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares worker applications.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government fees from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Request for a labour agreement | No fee |
| Nomination, levy and visa charges | As for the 482, 494 or 186 |
These are fees, not visa application charges. The amounts are shown in the table.
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Processing times are not published for this visa.
Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- No genuine need shown.
- Inadequate local recruitment.
- Terms below Australian standards.
- Worker not meeting agreement requirements.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources and checks
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.