Australia is a dream destination for many looking to build a new life with better opportunities and a high quality of living. One of the most exciting developments for skilled workers and businesses in the South West region of Western Australia is the WA DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement). This program offers a structured pathway to permanent residency, addressing local labor shortages and benefiting both the economy and prospective migrants.
What is WA DAMA?
The WA DAMA is a tailored migration agreement between the Australian government and designated regional authorities, designed to meet the specific economic needs of the South West region. It allows employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they have not been able to fill locally. The program provides a pathway to permanent residency, making it a highly attractive option for those looking to settle in Australia.
The Steps to Permanent Residency through WA DAMA
The pathway to permanent residency under the WA DAMA involves several key steps:
- Employer Approval: Employers in the South West region must first gain approval from the Designated Area Representative (DAR). This step ensures that only businesses with genuine labor shortages can participate in the program.
- Labor Agreement: Once approved, the employer negotiates a Labor Agreement (LA) with the government. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the employer can sponsor overseas workers.
- Nomination Stage: The employer nominates their candidates for the positions. This step is crucial as it matches skilled migrants with the roles that are in demand.
- Visa Application: Finally, the nominated candidate applies for their visa, paving the way for their employment and eventual permanent residency.
Occupations Covered under WA DAMA
The South West DAMA covers a wide range of occupations tailored to the region’s economic needs. These occupations are categorized based on skill levels and industry sectors, ensuring that the program addresses specific shortages. Here are some examples:
- Skill Level 1 (Bachelor degree or higher): Civil Engineers, General Practitioners.
- Skill Level 2 (Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Diploma): Technicians, Paralegals, Hospitality Managers.
- Skill Level 3 (Certificate IV, Advanced Certificate, or Diploma): Electricians, Chefs, Office Managers.
- Skill Level 4 (Certificate II or III): Personal Care Assistants, Motor Mechanics.
- Skill Level 5 (Certificate I or secondary education): Farm Hands, Cleaners, Kitchen Hands.
This structured grouping helps tailor the DAMA to the specific economic and labor market needs of the South West region.
Specific Concessions and Requirements
One of the significant benefits of the WA DAMA is the specific concessions related to age, English language proficiency, and salary thresholds. These concessions are designed to make it easier for employers to fill critical roles and for migrants to gain permanent residency.
- English Language Requirement: For some occupations, a concession to the minimum standard English requirements may apply. For instance, for the 494 and 482 visas, an average score of IELTS 5.0 with no minimum component score is acceptable unless higher levels are required for registration or licensing.
- Salary Threshold (TSMIT): The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been increased to $70,000. However, for some occupations, a reduction in this threshold may apply, with two types of concessions available: at least 90% of the current TSMIT or reduced TSMIT with non-monetary earnings like food and board included.
Skills Assessments
To ensure that candidates meet the required competencies, a skills assessment is mandatory for certain occupations. This requirement varies based on the skill level of the occupation:
- Skill Levels 4 and 5: Occupations at these skill levels typically require a skills assessment for any nomination or visa application under the South-West DAMA.
- Skill Levels 1, 2, and 3: Skills assessments are also required here, but the application might be more targeted depending on the occupation’s inclusion in eligible lists of skilled occupations and the specific visa subclass involved.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
All occupations under the South-West DAMA have a pathway to permanent residency:
- Skill Levels 1-4: Occupations may be eligible for permanent residency after three years of holding a 482 visa or 494 visa.
- Skill Level 5: Occupations may be eligible for permanent residency after four years, with at least two years of this period at a skill level 4 occupation.
Benefits of WA DAMA
The WA DAMA offers numerous benefits for both employers and skilled migrants:
- For Employers: The program helps businesses fill critical roles that cannot be sourced locally. By accessing a wider pool of skilled and semi-skilled workers, employers can address labor shortages and drive regional economic growth.
- For Skilled Migrants: The DAMA provides a clear and structured pathway to permanent residency, offering migrants the opportunity to build a life in Australia. The concessions related to English language proficiency and salary thresholds make it easier for migrants to qualify for the program.
Conclusion
The WA DAMA is a win-win for the South West region of Western Australia. It addresses local labor shortages, supports economic growth, and provides skilled migrants with a viable pathway to permanent residency. If you are an employer struggling to fill critical roles or a skilled worker looking to make Australia your new home, the WA DAMA could be the perfect solution.
At IndeedVisa, we are here to assist you through every step of the process. Whether you need help with employer sponsorship, skills assessments, or visa applications, our experienced team can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the WA DAMA and achieve your goals.
For more information on how the WA DAMA can benefit you, visit IndeedVisa and book a consultation with our experts today. Together, we can turn your dream of living and working in Australia into a reality.