WA DAMA Endorsement Checklist: Essential Documents for Employers (2026)
This WA DAMA Endorsement checklist guides you through every step of the endorsement process, ensuring your application is decision-ready and helping to avoid unnecessary delays.
Table of Contents
Business Registration Documents
You must prove your business is legally established and operating in Western Australia.
ABN/ACN Certificate: A copy of your Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN) registration.
Business Name Extract: Current extract showing business owner details.
Trust Deed (If applicable): If your business operates under a trust, you must provide the full Trust Deed (or at least the schedule and execution pages) showing the Trustee and Beneficiaries.
Franchise Agreement: If you are a franchisee, provide the signed franchise agreement.
Financial & Operational Documents
Migration WA needs to know your business has been active for at least 12 months and can afford to pay the sponsored worker.
Accountant’s Letter: A letter from a CPA, CA, or IPA confirming:
The business has been actively operating in WA for at least 12 months.
The business is financially viable and profitable.
Financial Statements: Profit & Loss statement and Balance Sheet for the most recently concluded financial year.
BAS Statements: Business Activity Statements (BAS) for the last 4 quarters (12 months).
Premises Evidence:
Commercial Lease Agreement (signed) OR Proof of Ownership of the business premises in WA.
Photos of the business premises (front, inside, and signage).
Workforce & Organisational Documents
You must show where the new overseas worker will fit into your team.
Organisational Chart: A professional chart showing all current employees. You must label each employee as either:
Australian Citizen / Permanent Resident
Temporary Visa Holder (e.g., Student, 482, Working Holiday)
Note: Clearly highlight the vacant position you are nominating.
Workforce Summary Form: A breakdown of your total staff count (Full-time, Part-time, Casual).
If you have an Australian worker in the same job: Their payslips and contract.
If no equivalent worker: Market salary data from surveys, awards, or job ads.
Concession Forms (If applicable): If you are applying for TSMIT (Salary) or English concessions, you must complete the specific justification forms found on the Migration WA portal.
How to Apply for WA DAMA Endorsement Application
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.
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.
FAQ’s
What is the processing time for Dama endorsement?
Approximately 20 working days (4 weeks). Migration WA aims to process “decision-ready” applications within 20 working days from the date of submission. If your application is incomplete or if Migration WA requests further information, the timeframe will be paused. In these cases, processing can take 2–4 months depending on how quickly you provide the requested documents.
How to find a sponsor for a Dama visa?
1. Look for job vacancies in the DAMA postcodes (e.g., Kalgoorlie, Pilbara, South West WA) on standard platforms like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn. Search for keywords like “Visa Sponsorship” or “Regional” alongside your occupation.
2.You can contact employers directly to ask if they are open to DAMA sponsorship, but be professional and provide your resume first.
Never Pay for Sponsorship: It is illegal to pay an employer in exchange for visa sponsorship. This is a serious criminal offence under the Migration Act 1958.
Can I use a residential address for my business?
Generally, no. Migration WA expects a commercial premise. If you operate from home, you must provide very strong evidence of business activity and a dedicated workspace.
Do I need to name the worker now?
Not necessarily. You can apply for a “vacant position” endorsement first. However, if you already have a candidate, you can include their details to speed up the process.
What if my business hasn’t been operating for 12 months?
You may not be eligible. The WA DAMA strictly requires businesses to have been actively operating in WA for at least 12 months to ensure financial viability. Start-ups under 12 months old usually cannot sponsor under DAMA.
For how long WA DAMA endorsement is valid for ?
It is valid for 12 months from the date of approval.
