April 27th, 2024 at 12:20 am

Australia DAMA Visa 2024: 128 New Occupations Added for South Australia

Did you know that 128 new jobs have been added to South Australia’s successful DAMA scheme, also known as the Designated Area Migration Agreements? A wide number of industries are covered by these additions, including ICT, agribusiness, construction, trades, health, education, and renewable energy.

Both the South Australia Regional DAMA and the Adelaide City DAMA have been raised and prolonged through June 30, 2025. Additionally, the Australian government increased the 750 visa quota under the South Australian Regional Designated Area Migration Agreement to 2,000 slots annually.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the key elements of South Australia’s DAMA program, the most current updates, and the DAMA applicants’ Pathway to permanent residency.

Key Features of the South Australia DAMA

The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement covers jobs in industry, technology, space exploration, and defense. This pathway allows for the yearly sponsorship of up to 300 DAMA South Australia applicants to work in the Adelaide metropolitan area.

Age concessions are defined for each occupation under the South Australia DAMA program. Migrants over 45 are excused from some requirements, as this agreement lifts the maximum qualifying age to 55 for the entire state of South Australia.

The primary industries for regional development—construction, mining, health, aged care, hospitality, tourism, and agriculture—are included in the South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement.

The primary feature of the South Australian regional DAMA program is its coverage of several jobs that were previously not eligible for sponsorship under the skilled visa program. These jobs are primarily those that come under the skill level four category of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations.

AQF Certificate II or III certification is normally required for employment in this skill level group; however, a minimum of one year of work experience may be substituted for formal credentials.

Latest South Australia DAMA Program Updates

The South Australia DAMA program has undergone significant modifications as of 2024.

• In addition to maintaining the age concession, the income requirement for temporary skilled migration has been lowered by 10%, enabling applicants to apply for permanent residence (PR) up until the age of 55.
• Certain professions are exempt from the DAMAs, including grape growers, actors, dancers, and other entertainers.
• The DAMA agreement that is currently in effect in South Australia improves accessibility for skilled migrants by maintaining exemptions for work experience and English proficiency.
• TSS Visa holders who are nominated under a DAMA occupation may apply for the employer-nominated scheme visa, which permits flexibility between DAMAs, under the applicable DAMA in South Australia.
• The South Australia Regional DAMA’s annual nomination quota has been raised from 750 to 2,000 spots

Pathway to Permanent Residency for DAMA Applicants

International candidates who wish to work in Australia but are unable to apply for permanent residency under the standard employer-sponsored scheme have an avenue to be considered: the DAMA program. The chance to convert from a TSS visa to a PR visa is highly appealing in cases where an applicant’s employment often precludes them from obtaining PR via the standard immigration process.

Due to an age concession granted by selected area Representatives, they could be eligible to do so through employer sponsorship in Australia. Through DAMA, candidates over 45 can apply for permanent residence in Australia. Depending on the conditions of the agreement, each DAMA has PR Pathways for the designated territory.

We advise researching each region to learn what unique requirements must be satisfied for PR to be taken into account. Before submitting a DAMA visa application, it is advised to consult an expert because every situation is unique and Australia has complicated immigration procedures.

If you fully understand the requirements and processes associated with each pathway, you will increase the likelihood that your application will be accepted and decrease the likelihood that it will be rejected.