Designated Area Migration Agreement
Adelaide City (Technology and Innovation) DAMA
Adelaide City Technology and Innovation DAMA: sponsor skilled overseas workers in technology, engineering and innovation roles in metropolitan Adelaide.
Endorsing Authority
Skilled and Business Migration, South Australian Department of State Development
English Concession
IELTS 5.0 overall with 4.0 in each band for 482 and 494; 5.0 with 4.5 each band for 186, where the occupation list allows
Age Concession
Under 55 at nomination for the 494 and 186 visas on listed occupations
Salary Concession
10% reduction to TSMIT retained
Key industries in the Adelaide City (Technology and Innovation)
Industries Covered
Defence, space, technology, advanced manufacturing, engineering, ICT
Occupation Note
Metropolitan Adelaide agreement aimed at high tech growth industries; the combined South Australian list identifies which occupations are available in the Adelaide metropolitan area. The state announced in 2025 an extension to 30 June 2026; confirm the current agreement status with Skilled and Business Migration before relying on it.
The endorsement process
Adelaide employers apply to Skilled and Business Migration for endorsement with labour market testing evidence, then request the labour agreement from the Department of Home Affairs and nominate against the agreed ceiling. Variation requests are limited to one per agreement year from 2026.
How the Adelaide City (Technology and Innovation) DAMA works
The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA is one of two South Australian agreements listed by the Department of Home Affairs and is designed for skills shortages in the Adelaide metropolitan region’s defence, space, technology and advanced manufacturing industries. Skilled and Business Migration in the Department of State Development is the Designated Area Representative, and the combined occupation list shows which occupations are available in metropolitan Adelaide and the concessions attached to each.
In 2025 the state announced that the agreement was extended to 30 June 2026 alongside the Regional Workforce Agreement while the state negotiates a new five year statewide DAMA. South Australia has retained the age concession of up to 55 at nomination for the subclass 494 and 186 visas, a 10% reduction to the TSMIT, and English and work experience concessions. The English concession where listed is IELTS 5.0 overall with at least 4.0 in each band for the subclass 482 and 494 visas and 5.0 overall with 4.5 in each band for the subclass 186, unless registration or licensing requires more.
A subclass 482 holder endorsed under the South Australian DAMAs on or after 27 June 2025 may be nominated for the subclass 186 visa after two years. The employer FAQ requires labour market testing evidence at endorsement and again at nomination, and notes that from 2026 the Department of Home Affairs supports one variation per agreement year and none in the first six months after signing.
Visa Plan Lawyers and the Adelaide City (Technology and Innovation) DAMA
Visa Plan Lawyers advises Adelaide technology, defence and advanced manufacturing employers on the Adelaide City agreement's occupation coverage and prepares the endorsement, labour agreement and nomination stages.
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.