Labour agreements and DAMAs
Agreements for employers whose needs fall outside standard settings, used with the 482, 494 and 186.
In force
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.
Main requirements
- 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 you apply from
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
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Employer enquiry
Check whether a DAMA covers the business location and occupation.
How a registered migration agent helpsA 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 helpsA 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 helpsA registered migration agent prepares the endorsement and request. - Agreement
If agreed, the agreement is executed.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains the terms and compliance. - Sponsorship, nomination and visas
Workers apply under the Labour Agreement streams.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares worker applications.
Government fees
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| 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. Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. A guide only, not a promise.
| Processing time | Not published. Home Affairs processing times |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- No genuine need shown.
- Inadequate local recruitment.
- Terms below Australian standards.
- Worker not meeting agreement requirements.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Employer
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.