Designated Area Migration Agreement
Goulburn Valley DAMA
Goulburn Valley DAMA: Victorian employers can sponsor overseas workers in agriculture, food processing and related industries with eligibility concessions.
Endorsing Authority
Greater Shepparton City Council
English Concession
English language concessions for occupations marked in the Approved Occupation List
Age Concession
Not turned 55 for skill level 1 to 4 occupations; not turned 50 for skill level 5 (494 and 186)
Salary Concession
Reduced TSMIT of 90% for listed occupations, subject to a business case and the annual market salary rate
Key industries in the Goulburn Valley
Industries Covered
Agriculture and horticulture, food processing, dairy, manufacturing, health, hospitality, regional services
Occupation Note
138 Approved Occupations. The designated area is defined by Victorian postcodes across Greater Shepparton, Campaspe and Moira.
The endorsement process
Greater Shepparton City Council charges $750 (ex GST) per position and assesses a clear request in 7 to 10 business days, relying on an employer declaration with detailed evidence deferred to the Department of Home Affairs stages. Endorsement runs for up to five years, but occupations and vacancy numbers are allocated for the first year only, so each later year needs a fresh request.
How the Goulburn Valley DAMA works
The Goulburn Valley DAMA is administered by Greater Shepparton City Council as Designated Area Representative for a designated area defined by Victorian postcodes across Greater Shepparton, Campaspe and Moira. It is restricted to 138 Approved Occupations reflecting skilled and semi-skilled shortages in the region and uses the subclass 482, 494 and 186 visas.
The concessions include an age limit of 55 for skill level 1 to 4 occupations and 50 for skill level 5 at nomination for the subclass 494 and 186 visas, English language concessions for the occupations marked in the list, and a reduced TSMIT of 90% for listed occupations where a strong business case shows the annual market salary rate is still met. Employers must have operated lawfully in the region for more than 12 months and met labour market testing requirements.
The endorsement request costs $750 (ex GST) per position and is assessed in 7 to 10 business days when complete. The labour agreement that follows is valid for up to five years with no government fee, but the initial allocation of occupations and vacancies covers the first year only, and later years require a further endorsement request or deed of variation. A subclass 482 holder may move to the subclass 186 visa after two years under the GV DAMA; a subclass 494 holder reaches the subclass 191 visa after three years.
Visa Plan Lawyers and the Goulburn Valley DAMA
Visa Plan Lawyers prepares the Greater Shepparton endorsement request and declaration, plans the subsequent year variations the GV DAMA requires, and lodges the labour agreement and nominations with the Department of Home Affairs.
Reviewed by Visa Plan Lawyers · Last updated: April 2026 · DAMA information sourced from the Department of Home Affairs. DAMA terms, occupation lists, and concessions are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Visa Plan for advice specific to your circumstances.