WA DAMA: Requirements, Occupation List & Concessions 2026

Introduction

WA DAMA covers the entire state of Western Australia—giving employers in both Perth and regional areas access to skilled workers. Unlike other DAMAs that are limited to specific towns, the WA DAMA is unique because it splits the state into two zones: Metro Perth and Regional WA, each with its own rules and concessions.

WA DAMA Locations

The agreement covers the whole state but divides it into two categories. Your location determines which occupations and concessions you can access.

Category 2: Metropolitan Perth

• Focus: Higher skilled roles (Skill Levels 1–3) and select semi-skilled roles.
• Postcodes:
  • 6000–6038
  • 6050–6083
  • 6090–6182
  • 6208–6211, 6214, 6556–6558

Category 3: Regional Western Australia

• Focus: Broader occupation list including more semi-skilled (Skill Level 4) roles.
• Postcodes: All other WA postcodes not listed above.

⚠️ Important Rule: If your business is located in an area already covered by an existing regional DAMA (Goldfields, Kimberley, Pilbara, or South West), and your occupation is on their list, you must apply to them first. You can only use the WA DAMA if your occupation is not available on your local regional DAMA list.

Eligible Occupations Under WA DAMA

One of the biggest advantages of the WA DAMA is that it includes many occupations that are not available on standard skilled migration lists.

Whether you are looking for professional roles (Skill Level 1-3) or semi-skilled positions (Skill Level 4), there is likely a pathway for you. The list is split into Metropolitan Perth and Regional WA categories, so it is vital to check which list your occupation falls under.

WA DAMA Concessions

The WA DAMA offers “concessions” that bend the standard visa rules. These are available for the Skills in Demand (482), SESR (494), and ENS (186) visas.

1. Age Concession

• Standard Rule: Visa applicants usually must be under 45 for permanent residency.
• WA DAMA Rule: The age limit is increased to 55 years.

Perfect for skilled workers who are excellent at their job but struggle with high IELTS scores.

2. English Language Concession

• Skill Level 1–2: No concession (Standard rules apply).
• Skill Level 3–4 (482/494 Visa): IELTS 5.0 Overall (no minimum band score required).
• Skill Level 3–4 (186 ENS Visa): IELTS 5.0 Overall (no band lower than 4.0).

3. Salary (TSMIT) Update

Employers must pay the market rate, but it cannot be lower than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

• Current TSMIT: $76,515 AUD.
• Some occupations may be eligible for a reduced TSMIT concession depending on the specific agreement terms.

4. Permanent Residency (PR) Pathway

This is the “Golden Ticket.” The WA DAMA provides a clear pathway to PR (Subclass 186) for workers who might otherwise be stuck on temporary visas.

• Regional WA Workers: Must live and work in the region for 2 years before applying for PR.
• Metro Perth Workers: Must live and work in Metro Perth for 3 years before applying for PR.

Employer Eligibility Criteria

To be endorsed under the WA DAMA, your business must demonstrate the following:

• Legally Established: You must be legally established and currently operating in Western Australia.
• Operating for 12+ Months: Your business must have been actively operating for at least 12 months.
• Financially Viable: You must provide evidence of financial viability, such as a letter from a Chartered or Certified Practicing Accountant and full financial statements.
• No Adverse History: Your business must have no adverse findings regarding compliance with migration, industrial relations, or workplace safety laws.
• SMER Registration: You must be a verified employer on the WA Skilled Migration Employment Register (SMER).
• Genuine Need: You must demonstrate a genuine need for skilled migrants based on your current workforce structure.
• Metropolitan Perth Rule: If your business is in Metro Perth, the requested number of skilled migrants must not exceed 50% of your total workforce.
• Labour Market Testing (LMT): You must demonstrate that you have tested the local market to ensure no Australians are available for the position.
• Terms and Conditions of Employment: You must show that the salary and conditions offered are no less favourable than those for Australian workers.

Labour Market Testing (LMT) Requirements

Unless you are nominating an existing worker for the ENS (Subclass 186) pathway, you must prove you cannot find a local Australian for the position by meeting these strict advertising rules:

• Two Advertisements: You must run at least two separate advertisements.
• Duration: Ads must be active for a minimum of 4 weeks (28 consecutive days).
• Timing: Advertising must occur within the 12 months prior to lodging your application.
• Location Specifics:
  • Metropolitan Perth: You must provide at least two separate advertisements.
  • Regional WA: One advertisement must have national reach, but the second may be advertised locally (within the designated area only).
• Acceptable Platforms: Prominent recruitment websites (e.g., Seek), national print media, or the Jobs and Skills Centre board.
• Exclusions: Social media and general classifieds are not accepted.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

You must ensure the skilled migrant is treated fairly by meeting these conditions:

• No Less Favourable: The terms and conditions must be no less favourable than those provided to an Australian citizen or permanent resident in the same role and location.
• Full-Time Work: The position must be full-time and comply with the relevant Award or Enterprise Agreement.
• Salary (TSMIT) Requirements: The salary must meet the market rate and be no less than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) which is $76,515 AUD per annum.
• Evidence Required: You must provide a template employment contract and, if the worker is already employed, three recent pay slips.

Skills Assessment Requirement

Yes, in most cases.

• 482 Visa Skill Assessment: Required if your occupation is on the Core Skills list or if specified by the legislative instrument.
• 494 Visa: Generally required unless you held a skills assessment for a previous 457/482 visa.
• 186 ENS Visa: Required if you haven’t already passed one for your DAMA nomination previously.

Exclusions & Restrictions

Before applying, please note the following strict exclusions under the WA DAMA:

• No FIFO Arrangements: Fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) positions where the worker commutes between different regions are not eligible. The purpose of the DAMA is to support local settlement, so the worker must live and work in the designated area.
• Secondary Location Limit: If the role requires working at a secondary location outside the primary region, this cannot exceed 30% of the employee’s total work time. The majority of the work (70%+) must be performed in the primary designated area.
• Regional DAMA Priority: If your business is located in an area covered by an existing regional DAMA (such as the Goldfields, Kimberley, Pilbara, or South West) and your occupation is available on their specific occupation list, you must seek endorsement from that regional body first. You cannot use the general WA DAMA if a specific regional option exists for your role.

How to Apply for WA DAMA (7 Steps)

The application process is employer-driven. Follow these seven steps to secure your endorsement.

1. Check Your Eligibility: Before starting, review the WA DAMA criteria to ensure your business meets the requirements. This includes confirming you have been operating in WA for at least 12 months and that your nominated occupation is on the eligible list.

2. Create a Migration WA Portal Profile: You must create a profile (or login) on the Migration WA Portal. As part of this step, you should also complete a registration to become a verified employer on the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (SMER).

3. Connect with and Identify a Skilled Migrant: You need to identify the skilled worker you wish to nominate. If you haven’t found someone yet, the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (SMER) can help you find suitable migrants to nominate.

4. Gather Your Documents: The responsibility is on you to provide all supporting evidence. Key documents include:

• Business registration and financial viability evidence (e.g., letter from a CA/CPA).
• Organisational chart showing current workforce structure.
• Evidence of Labour Market Testing (LMT).
• Employment contract template with terms no less favourable than for Australian workers.

5. Apply for WA DAMA Endorsement: Complete the online WA DAMA Endorsement application form via the Migration WA Portal.

• Note: Only applications submitted through the Portal are accepted; paper or hand-delivered applications will not be considered.

6. Receive an Outcome Migration Services will assess your application. If successful, you will receive a Letter of Endorsement.

• Important: An approved endorsement is valid for 12 months.

7. Apply for a Labour Agreement: Once endorsed, Migration Services will notify the Department of Home Affairs. You can then apply to enter into a Labour Agreement with the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs to officially sponsor your skilled migrant.

Cost & Processing

• Endorsement Fee: $0 (Free). Migration Services does not currently charge a fee to endorse your business.
• Endorsement Validity: Once approved, your endorsement is valid for 12 months.

FAQs:

Related Articles:

• DAMA Complete Guide 2026
• Top 10 DAMA Industry Sectors and Occupations (for Semi Skilled Workers)
• WA DAMA Guide – Requirements, Occupations and Concessions
• WA DAMA Endorsement Documents Checklist
• WA DAMA Occupations List
• Labour Market Testing (LMT) Requirements
• Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Subclass 482
• 482 Visa Skill Assessment Requirements and Exemptions