South West DAMA Occupation List – English, TSMIT & Age Concessions Updated 2026

If you are an employer looking to sponsor a worker, or a skilled migrant looking to move to the South West, here is a complete breakdown of South West DAMA Occupation List, English concessions, TSMIT Concessions, Age Concessions, Eligible Local Areas and application process.

1. South West DAMA Occupation List

Below is the complete and officially updated South West DAMA Occupation List, including the occupation name, six-digit ANZSCO code, and details of available concessions for English, TSMIT, and age for each occupation.

South West DAMA Occupation List

2. English Concessions

If your occupation is eligible for the English concession, the requirements are significantly lowered for the temporary visa stages:

• For Subclass 482 (SID) and Subclass 494 (SESR) Visas: You only need to achieve an average score of IELTS 5.0 (or the equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, etc.). Even better, there is no minimum component score required for the individual reading, writing, speaking, or listening bands!
  • Important Note: If your specific occupation requires formal registration or mandatory licensing in Western Australia that demands a higher level of English, you must meet that higher licensing standard.
• For Subclass 186 (ENS) Visa: When it comes time to transition to permanent residency via the ENS visa, the English concession drops away. You must meet the standard English language requirements applicable to the standard ENS non-labour agreement visa stream.

3. TSMIT Concessions

When an employer applies for endorsement from the Shire of Dardanup, they may be approved for one of two specific concession types:

What Can Be Included in “Earnings” (Type 1 Concession)?

Under a Type 1 concession, the definition of “Earnings” is expanded to help employers meet the threshold. It can include:

1. Guaranteed Overtime: Overtime hours can be counted toward the salary threshold if they are guaranteed in the employment contract, consistent with the National Employment Standards (NES), align with standard industry practice, and equivalent Australian workers have the same arrangements.
2. Monetary & Non-Monetary Benefits: Things like food, board, a work vehicle, or a mobile phone can be included, provided they:
   • Support the living costs of the worker (costs the worker would have otherwise paid themselves).
   • Are clearly quantifiable and guaranteed in the employment contract.
   • Are consistent with benefits given to existing Australian employees.
   • Do not exceed 10% of the standard TSMIT in total value.
   • Note: Contingent payments like non-guaranteed overtime, bonuses, and commissions cannot be included.

4. Age Concessions

If your occupation qualifies for the Age Concession (refer to South West DAMA Occupations List given above), you can apply for your Subclass 186 (ENS) permanent residency right up until you turn 50 or 55! While a small handful of roles are capped at 50, the vast majority allow you to apply up to age 55. This creates a life-changing PR pathway for experienced professionals and tradespeople who would normally “age out” of the standard Australian migration system.

5. Eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs)

To access the South West DAMA, the sponsoring business must be operating within the designated South-West region. The following 12 Local Government Areas are eligible to apply:

• Shire of Nannup
• City of Bunbury
• City of Busselton
• Shire of Augusta Margaret River
• Shire of Boyup Brook
• Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
• Shire of Capel
• Shire of Collie
• Shire of Dardanup
• Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup
• Shire of Harvey
• Shire of Manjimup

6. The South-West DAMA Application Process

Employers cannot simply lodge a visa application under the DAMA straight away. There is a strict, sequential process that must be followed:

1. DAR Endorsement: The employer must first submit an application to the Shire of Dardanup, which acts as the official Designated Area Representative (DAR) for the region.
2. Labour Agreement: Once a positive endorsement is received from the DAR, the employer can then request a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
3. Nomination & Visa: Only after the Labour Agreement is approved can the employer nominate the worker and lodge the corresponding TSS (Subclass 482), SESR (Subclass 494), or ENS (Subclass 186) visa application.

Book an appointment to explore your options in detail.

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