Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are region-specific arrangements that allow employers to sponsor overseas workers for skilled and semi-skilled roles not covered under standard visa programs.
They offer tailored concessions to address local labour shortages, including flexibility on age, skill level, English language, and salary requirements.
This case study highlights how Interstaff’s expertise helped an employer use the DAMA program to overcome specific immigration challenges to meet essential workforce needs while staying compliant.
The Case:
DAMAs for Age and Skills Retention Challenges
A metropolitan-based business specialising in advanced energy systems encountered a critical challenge in retaining a skilled migrant worker.
Although the role of Mechanical Engineering Technician was eligible under standard migration programs, the worker had surpassed the age limit for Permanent Residence under the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.
The 186 Transition Stream generally requires applicants to be under 45 unless exempt in one of the few exemption categories.
With limited access to comparable skills in the local labour market, retaining this specialised employee was vital to the business’ operational continuity and business expansion plans.
The employer engaged Interstaff to identify immigration solutions that could offer a viable pathway to Permanent Residence and support long-term workforce stability.
Actions Taken
Comprehensive Needs Assessment:
Interstaff conducted an in-depth consultation to understand the client’s immediate and long-term workforce requirements, confirming that the worker’s role was critical to business continuity.
Detailed Eligibility Evaluations:
After confirming that an age exemption was not available under the standard pathway, Interstaff explored the potential to engage the worker through a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), which offers concessions including a higher age limit for Permanent Residence.
The business’ eligibility for a DAMA was assessed across five key criteria:
- Business legitimacy and financial viability
- Demonstrated labour market need and workforce shortages
- Alignment with the terms of relevant DAMAs
- History of compliance with workplace and immigration regulations
- Capacity to meet ongoing sponsorship obligations
Interstaff then evaluated eligibility across the five key application stages required under DAMAs:
- DAMA endorsement
- Labour Agreement Request and Execution
- Skills Assessment
- Nomination Application
- Visa Application
Based on these assessments, the WA DAMA was identified as the most suitable pathway for the client’s workforce needs and the candidate’s aspiration to have more certainty for long-term residence.
Strategic Visa Planning:
A tailored visa strategy was developed to support the business in becoming an approved sponsor under a WA DAMA.
This included:
- Advising on Labour Market Testing requirements
- Leveraging the WA DAMA’s specific provisions to enable a Permanent Residence pathway with flexible age criteria
- Guiding the client on compliance obligations, such as understanding what the ‘Annual Market Salary Rate’ meant and how it applied to the role offered and maintaining consistent job duties for Permanent Residence eligibility
Precision in Application Management:
Interstaff ensured all DAMA endorsement, Labour Agreement, nomination, and visa applications were prepared and lodged with accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
Clear and Ongoing Communication:
Regular updates were provided to the client, with direct communication maintained with visa applicants to ensure transparency and alignment throughout the process.
Detailed Reporting and Workforce Planning Support:
Interstaff delivered comprehensive reports tracking the progress of applications, allowing the client to make informed decisions for workforce planning.
Resolution
Although the client was aware of DAMAs and their flexibility, they initially perceived the process as too complex to pursue.
Interstaff clearly outlined the requirements and developed a focused strategy to secure DAMA endorsement and a Labour Agreement within just four weeks—enabling the business to proceed with the worker’s visa application with confidence and without delay.
While standard Permanent Residence visa pathways are available for the worker’s occupation, they do not offer a viable route due to age restrictions.
Securing a DAMA with access to age concessions allowed the business to retain a key skilled worker and plan confidently for long-term workforce needs.
With a clear PR pathway now in place, the employer is well-positioned to continue business growth plans with stability in its workforce.
Talk to us about your business’ niche labour needs.
Getting Sponsored:
Requirements for Applicants
If you have a business willing to sponsor you, it is essential to understand your eligibility for visa sponsorship. Interstaff provide eligibility assessments to both individuals and employers.
We also advise on skills assessments, visa conditions, health and character issues, and Permanent Residence.
Experience and Insights:
DAMAs
Explore more about the Labour Agreement Strategy, how we work, our experience and insights.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
Subclass 186
Permanent Residence Planning
About Interstaff
Interstaff has delivered Australian immigration solutions for over 35 years, helping businesses meet labour shortages with confidence.
Our proven track record spans small and medium enterprises to large multinational corporations across industries such as Oil and Gas, Mining, Engineering, IT, Government, Agriculture, Health, and Education. We understand the distinct immigration challenges each sector faces and tailor our strategies accordingly.
Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, our team combines local insight with global reach.
We are committed to a customer-centric approach—supporting both employers and their employees throughout every stage of the immigration process.
Speak with Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents to explore skill shortage solutions.
