DAMA regional agreements
Some regions have their own agreements with the Government. Endorsed employers there can sponsor workers on adjusted terms — sometimes with age, English or salary concessions.
- Category
- Regional
- What it is
- A 5-year labour agreement between the Government and a region
- Visas used
- 482, 494 and later 186
- Concessions
- Age, English or salary — by occupation
- Our fee
- Quoted
Start here
Do this
- Confirm the region's current occupation list
- Check concessions occupation by occupation
- Find an employer inside the region
- Get endorsement before the nomination
Avoid this
- Relying on last year's concessions
- Assuming every occupation gets concessions
- Finding an employer outside the region
- Skipping the endorsement step
What a wrong turn can cost: Using outdated concessions can mean a refused nomination and lost fees for you and the employer.
Are you on the right track?
- Is your employer inside a DAMA region?
- Is your occupation on that region's list?
- Do you know which concessions apply to it?
Unsure about any of these? Talk it through on a free call — you're not alone in this.
Is this you?
- You're over 45 and standard visas have closed for you.
- Your English score is just short.
- Your occupation isn't on the usual lists, but regional employers need you.
What changed
2026 About 13 agreements were in place, including two in Victoria (Great South Coast and Goulburn Valley).
Who qualifies
- An employer in the designated region, endorsed by the regional representative.
- An occupation listed in that region's agreement.
- Concessions apply occupation by occupation — not across the board.
Step by step
- DAMA checkRegion, occupation and concessions.
- Employer endorsementBy the region's representative.
- Labour agreementRequested by the employer.
- Nomination and visaLodged once the agreement is in place.
Document checklist
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
Common problems
Myths and facts
How we help you with DAMA regional agreements
- 1UnderstandA DAMA check of region, occupation and concessions.
- 2PlanA written plan for you and the employer.
- 3PrepareEndorsement and agreement documents prepared.
- 4LodgeNomination and visa lodged.
- 5DestinationPR pathway planned.
What you'll receive
How we keep in touch: Updates for you and the employer at every stage.
Three ways to do it
An honest look at your options. Some people do this themselves, and that can work well.
| Topic | With Omar Nafiz | Doing it yourself | With another provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concessions | Confirmed for your occupation this year | Last year's information | Varies |
| Endorsement | Prepared with the employer | Easy to miss | Varies |
| Agreement | Guided step by step | Complex alone | Varies |
| PR | Planned upfront | Later | Varies |
| Fees | Ours, the region's and government's shown separately | Unclear | Varies |
A situation like yours
An illustrative situation, in Omar's words. Names and details are fictional. See all situations.
Over 45, and English just short
- Age 47
- English Slightly below the usual level
- 🗺️ DAMA regional agreements
The situation. Hamza is 47 and an experienced chef. Standard visas have closed to him on age. His English score is a little short.
How I'd approach it
What I check first. Some regions have their own agreements with the Government. Endorsed employers there can sponsor on adjusted terms, sometimes with age, English or salary concessions. About 13 agreements were in place in 2026, including two in Victoria (Great South Coast and Goulburn Valley).
The options. Check whether his occupation and region have an agreement. Check which concessions apply. Find an endorsed employer.
Age and English. DAMA is not points-tested. Concessions on age and English are partial and depend on the occupation and the agreement. It does not mean no English.
My caution. Do not plan around a concession until it is confirmed for his occupation and region. I read the agreement terms first.
Illustrative situation. The names and details are fictional.
Questions people ask
Which regions have one?
Several across NT, SA, Queensland, NSW, WA and Victoria. We confirm the current list before advising.
Can I find the employer myself?
Yes, but they must be in the region and get endorsed.
Pricing
Consultation
A full review of your situation and a written plan.
DAMA pathway
Quoted after consultation: our fee, the region's endorsement fee and government charges shown separately.
Our prices as at 22 October 2026. Packages are paid in stages, only after you sign a written service agreement. All services and fees.
Book
Talk to us about DAMA regional agreements
Start with a free 15-minute phone call. If you need full advice, book a A$110 consultation — it comes off your package.
Often considered alongside
Figures checked 8 October 2026. Visa rules and charges change — we confirm everything for your situation before you pay for a package.