Designated Area Migration Agreement
Pilbara DAMA
Pilbara DAMA: WA employers can sponsor overseas workers in resources, construction and associated industries with modified English and salary thresholds.
Endorsing Authority
Regional Development Australia Pilbara
English Concession
Average IELTS 5.0 with no minimum component for 482 and 494; average 5.0 with no band below 4.0 for 186, on listed occupations
Age Concession
55 for skill level 1 to 4 occupations; 50 for skill level 5 (494 and 186)
Salary Concession
Type 1: reduced TSMIT/CSIT of up to 10%; Type 2: up to 10% plus non-monetary earnings capped at $4,851 a year
Key industries in the Pilbara
Industries Covered
Mining and resources, construction, hospitality, child care, aged and disability care, transport, retail
Occupation Note
146 occupations, including two outside ANZSCO, for employers in the City of Karratha, Town of Port Hedland and Shire of East Pilbara. The five year agreement is reviewed annually.
The endorsement process
RDA Pilbara charges a non-refundable $350 plus GST per position, gives initial feedback within five business days, and issues an endorsement valid for 12 months. Once the Department of Home Affairs approves the labour agreement the business has 12 months to nominate a worker.
How the Pilbara DAMA works
The Pilbara DAMA is available to employers operating in the City of Karratha, Town of Port Hedland and Shire of East Pilbara, with Regional Development Australia Pilbara as Designated Area Representative. It includes 146 occupations, two of them outside ANZSCO, and as a five year agreement is reviewed annually so that occupations with unmet demand can be added by deed of variation.
Concessions require a business case for each occupation and are not available for every occupation. The age limit for the subclass 494 and 186 visas becomes 55 for skill level 1 to 4 occupations and 50 for skill level 5. The English concession is an average IELTS 5.0 with no minimum component for the subclass 482 and 494 visas, and an average 5.0 with no band below 4.0 for the subclass 186. The salary concession allows up to 10% off the TSMIT/CSIT ($79,423 from 1 July 2026): Type 1 as a reduced threshold, and Type 2 with non-monetary earnings capped at $4,851 a year. There is no direct entry pathway to the subclass 186 visa.
Employer eligibility turns on 12 months of lawful operation in the designated area, a genuine need for the occupation, and pay and conditions at least equivalent to those of an Australian in the same role in the Pilbara. Every endorsement application carries a non-refundable fee of $350 plus GST per position. RDA Pilbara gives initial feedback within five business days, the endorsement is valid for 12 months, and once the labour agreement is approved the business has 12 months to nominate.
Visa Plan Lawyers and the Pilbara DAMA
Visa Plan Lawyers prepares the business case RDA Pilbara requires for each occupation and each concession, then lodges the labour agreement request 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.