DAMA for South Australia
The South Australian Government has entered into Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs), to address skills shortages in its State. The SA DAMAs provide increased flexibility for skilled migrants compared to the standard employer sponsored immigration programs. The key benefits of the SA DAMAs include:
- Broader occupations available pursuant to the SA DAMA Occupations, encompassing:
- Semi-skilled as well as skilled occupations.
- Offering permanent visa pathways for all occupations in the SA DAMA Occupation lists.
- Concessions on the Age, English language proficiency and Income Threshold.
- Multiple visa options available: Subclass 482 TSS; 186 ENS; 494 SESR leading to 191 PESR.
South Australia DAMAs
Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement
This agreement focuses on Adelaide’s high-tech growth industries and covers metropolitan Adelaide. It encompasses 59 occupations, offering rare concessions on age and English proficiency.
South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement
This agreement focuses on South Australia’s regional high-growth industries, covering the entire state of South Australia. It encompasses 191 occupations, offering concessions depending on the occupation.
Adelaide City DAMA Concessions
Age Concession
For 57 out of the 59 occupations specified in the Adelaide City Agreement DAMA Occupation list, the age concession applies to individuals up to the age of 55. For two (2) occupations listed below, the age concession is available depending on an applicant’s skill level.
- Importer or Exporter
- Artistic Director
English Proficiency
The English concession only applies to the Artistic Director occupation.
TSS and SESR concession:
- An IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or its equivalent) is required, with a minimum score of 4.0 (or its equivalent) in each band.
ENS concession:
- An IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or its equivalent) is required, with a minimum score of 4.5 (or its equivalent) for each band.
South Australian Regional DAMA Concessions
Age Concession
For all 191 occupations specified in the SA Regional DAMA Occupation list, the age concession applies to individuals up to the age of 55.
English Language Concession
English language concessions generally do not apply to many occupations, except the 19 occupations as written below:
| Automotive Electrician | Forester | Panelbeater |
| Automotive Transmission Technician | Forestry and Harvesting Machine Operator | Quality Assurance Manager |
| Civil Construction Site Supervisor | Log Truck Driver | Sawmilling Operator |
| Civil Construction Site Tradeworker | Maintenance Planner | Shot Firer |
| CNC Machinist | Motor Mechanic (General) | Stonemason |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic | Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General) | |
| Diver | Motorcycle Mechanic |
TSS and SESR concession:
- An IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or its equivalent) is required, with a minimum score of 4.0 (or its equivalent) in each band.
- An IELTS score of 4.5 overall (or its equivalent) is required, with a minimum score of 4.0 (or its equivalent) in each band, within the outer regional areas of South Australia.
ENS concession:
- An IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or its equivalent) is required, with a minimum score of 4.5 (or its equivalent) for each band.
Other accepted English language tests include:
- Occupational English Test (OET);
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT);
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic test; or
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
As of July 1, 2023, the TSMIT increased from $53,900 to $70,000. However, for 77 out of the 191 occupations covered under the SA Regional DAMA, this amount is reduced to $63,000.
Here are three (3) types of TSMIT concessions.
| Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 3 | |
| Monetary Earnings | At least Reduced TSMIT | At least Reduced TSMIT less non- monetary earnings (other) | At least Reduced TSMIT less non- monetary earnings (food & board) |
| Non-monetary earnings (food & board) | Nil | Nil | Cannot exceed published SA homestay rates |
| Non-monetary earnings (other) | Nil | No more than 10% of Reduced TSMIT | Nil |
| Total Annual Earnings | At least Reduced TSMIT | At least Reduced TSMIT | At least Reduced TSMIT |
Pathway to Permanent Visa
All occupations in the SA DAMA Occupation List offer access to a specific permanent visa pathway. A TSS visa holder granted under an SA DAMA labor agreement may also become eligible for an ENS visa after three (3) years. Similarly, a SESR visa holder granted under an SA DAMA labor agreement may become eligible for a 191 visa after three (3) years.