The Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA) offers skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers an opportunity to live and work in Northern Queensland under more flexible conditions than standard migration programs. With concessions to age, English requirements, work experience, and salary, the FNQ DAMA opens pathways that may not otherwise be available.
Administered by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, the FNQ DAMA also provides structured pathways to permanent residency, making it an attractive long-term migration option for eligible applicants.
What is the FNQ DAMA?
The FNQ DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, allowing employers in the region to access a wider range of skills where local labour cannot meet demand. For applicants, the FNQ DAMA provides access to occupations and concessions not available through standard skilled migration pathways.
Key features include:
- Access to over 200 occupations, including many not listed on standard migration programs
- Concessions to age, English language, salary, and work experience
- Pathways to permanent residency for eligible applicants
- Opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled workers
- Flexibility to reflect the evolving labour needs of Far North Queensland
The FNQ DAMA supports key regional industries such as tourism, agriculture, construction, health, logistics, and resources.
Key Features of the FNQ DAMA
The FNQ DAMA operates under the Labour Agreement Framework, giving applicants access to a structured and flexible migration pathway.
Key advantages for applicants
- Five-year agreement validity, ensuring continued access to sponsored visa pathways
- Multiple occupations available across varying skill levels
- Concessions such as:
- Age limits extended up to 50 or 55
- Reduced English language requirements
- Adjusted work experience expectations
- Salary concessions in specific circumstances
- Visa pathways that include:
- Pathways to permanent residency, including through the ENS 186 visa
- Simplified labour market testing and priority processing for endorsed applications
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Occupations and Concessions
The FNQ DAMA Occupation List includes a broad range of industries and skill levels (1–5), such as:
- Agriculture and food production
- Tourism and hospitality
- Construction, engineering, and trades
- Health, aged care, and community services
- Logistics and supply chain work
- Mining, resource services, and maintenance roles
Each occupation comes with its own set of possible concessions relating to English, age, salary, and work experience.
Applicants should review the full occupation list available through the Cairns Chamber of Commerce to understand their eligibility.
How the FNQ DAMA Works
The FNQ DAMA process involves four key stages. Understanding these steps helps applicants anticipate the timeline and requirements involved.
Endorsement by the Designated Area Representative (DAR)
Applicants must be linked to an employer who applies for endorsement through the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
Labour Agreement Request
Following endorsement, the employer requests a FNQ DAMA Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
Nomination
Once the labour agreement is approved, the employer nominates the applicant for the relevant position.
Visa Application
Applicants submit their visa application under the agreed terms — such as the SID 482, SESR 494, or ENS 186.
Labour agreements remain valid for up to five years and may be varied as regional needs change.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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Who Can Access the FNQ DAMA?
Although the employer handles the application process, applicants should understand the eligibility criteria for the region.
The FNQ DAMA designated area includes:
- Cairns
- Douglas
- Mareeba
- Tablelands
- Cassowary Coast
- Cook
- Croydon
- Etheridge
- Torres
- Northern Peninsula Area
- Weipa
Applicants must also:
- Have relevant skills or work experience for an approved occupation
- Meet any English, age, or qualification concessions applicable
- Secure full-time employment within the designated area
- Provide evidence that the occupation cannot be filled locally (completed by employer)
Recent Updates to the FNQ DAMA
- March 2025: 51 new occupations added, bringing the total to 226
- January 2025: Head agreement extended to 3 April 2027
- December 2024: Introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa, replacing the TSS 482
These updates ensure that the FNQ DAMA continues to meet changing regional and workforce needs.
How Australian Migration Agents Can Support Applicants
The Cairns Chamber of Commerce manages endorsement requests, but only registered migration agents can provide immigration advice tailored to FNQ DAMA applicants. Agents can assist you by:
- Assessing your eligibility for the FNQ DAMA
- Reviewing occupation lists and identifying possible concessions
- Preparing employer-linked endorsement documents
- Managing nomination and visa applications
- Guiding you toward permanent residency pathways
- Ensuring all requirements are met to avoid processing delays
Professional support helps applicants navigate the complexities of DAMA pathways with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which regions are included in the FNQ DAMA?
Cairns, Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Croydon, Etheridge, Torres, Northern Peninsula Area, and Weipa.
2. How long is a FNQ DAMA Labour Agreement valid for?
Five years, with the ability to update occupations or concessions.
3. Which visas are available under the FNQ DAMA?
SID 482, SESR 494, and ENS 186 — many of which offer pathways to permanent residency.
4. Are there age and English concessions?
Yes. Many occupations allow age concessions to 50 or 55, and English requirements may be reduced.
5. Do I need a migration agent?
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Registered migration agents can guide you through eligibility, concessions, occupation selection, and all stages of the application process.
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