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The Goldfields WA Designated Area Migration Agreement (Goldfields DAMA) supports skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers seeking employment in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. The Goldfields DAMA is part of a broader migration program designed to address regional workforce needs.
For applicants, the Goldfields DAMA offers a structured pathway to regional employment and potential permanent residency, helping address ongoing workforce shortages in key industries such as mining, construction, health, and logistics. Regional employers and businesses operating in the Goldfields region play a crucial role in supporting the DAMA by sponsoring skilled migrants to fill local labour gaps.
The Goldfields DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and regional authorities, supporting workforce development and training and workforce development initiatives in the region.
Goldfields DAMA End Date and Transition to WA DAMA
The Goldfields DAMA was originally due to transition into the state-wide WA DAMA on 1 July 2026. The Commonwealth Government has since extended it by six months, and it will now formally conclude on 31 December 2026, with the WA DAMA becoming the primary framework for the Goldfields region from 1 January 2027. This does not affect employers who already hold a Goldfields DAMA labour agreement: existing agreements continue as normal until they expire, generally five years from when they were granted. What changes is where a new application goes from 1 January 2027, endorsement will move from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to the Department of Training and Workforce Development's Migration Services team instead. Employers currently mid-application with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder when the transition happens will have their application carried across to the new process rather than needing to restart.
What is the Goldfields WA DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a designated region. This agreement involves collaboration with the relevant territory authority and the department of training to address local workforce needs and facilitate skilled migration pathways. The Goldfields DAMA enables endorsed employers to sponsor overseas workers for roles that cannot be filled locally.
Labour agreements under the DAMA framework specify the terms and conditions for sponsoring skilled overseas workers, ensuring that both employer and regional requirements are met.
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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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Key features of the Goldfields WA DAMA
- Expanded occupation lists covering skilled and semi-skilled roles
- Concessions on age, English proficiency, work experience, and salary
- Visa concessions available under the Goldfields DAMA to facilitate skilled migration
- Access to a broader range of occupations and visa options than standard migration programs
- Pathways to permanent residency for eligible workers
- Tailored to meet the Goldfields’ specific labour market needs
This DAMA ensures that appropriately qualified Australians are given priority for management roles, while allowing employers to fill critical skill gaps.
The wa dama framework also includes a skills assessment process for nominated occupations.
About the Goldfields WA DAMA
The Goldfields DAMA addresses workforce needs in industries vital to the region, including mining operations, engineering, healthcare, hospitality, and construction. The city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a key area covered by the DAMA, serving as a designated area for skilled migrant employment in Western Australia. It is administered by the local Designated Area Representative (DAR) in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs.
The Goldfields DAMA forms part of the broader regional WA and regional Western Australia migration initiatives, supporting skilled migration pathways for regional applicants. Eligible businesses in regional Australia must consult the relevant DAMA for their specific location before applying, to ensure their occupation and business meet the requirements.
For applicants, the DAMA ensures:
- Access to occupations difficult to fill locally
- Regional-specific concessions for visa eligibility
- Opportunities for long-term employment and settlement in the Goldfields
Goldfields DAMA vs South West DAMA: What's the Difference?
Western Australia runs several regional DAMAs alongside a state-wide WA DAMA, including separate agreements for the Goldfields, South West, Kimberley, and Pilbara regions. Each has its own Designated Area Representative, its own occupation list, and its own set of concessions, so an occupation or concession available under the Goldfields DAMA is not automatically available under the South West DAMA, or vice versa. If your business or nominated occupation sits outside the Goldfields region, or if the occupation you need is not on the Goldfields list, the right move is to check the specific DAMA that covers your region rather than assume the same terms carry across.
Key Features of the Goldfields WA DAMA
Occupation List
Eligible occupations span multiple sectors approved under the Goldfields DAMA:
- Mining and mining support services
- Engineering, technical trades, and construction
- Health and aged care
- Hospitality and tourism
- Transport, logistics, and maintenance
These occupations listed under the DAMA arrangements cover a broad range of professions and trades, and eligibility for skilled migration pathways is linked to your nominated occupation being included in the DAMA occupation list. Applicants must ensure their nominated occupation is included in the Goldfields DAMA occupation list before proceeding.
Concessions for Applicants
- Age concessions: Some roles allow applicants up to 50 or 55 years, and concessions may apply to specific visa subclasses.
- English language concessions: Reduced English requirements for certain positions
- Work experience concessions: Flexibility in prior experience requirements
- Salary concessions: Regionally adjusted salary thresholds consistent with Australian employment standards
Visa applicants must comply with labour market testing and migration regulations, including providing evidence of job advertisements and meeting occupation licensing requirements, to ensure successful processing of employer-sponsored visas such as the Subclass 186 and those under the WA DAMA scheme.
Visa holders benefit from these concessions throughout their employment and retain access to pathways such as permanent residency under the existing agreements.
Permanent Residency Pathways
Many Skill Level 1–5 occupations under the Goldfields DAMA provide pathways to permanent visas, allowing eligible applicants to pursue long-term settlement options. Through these pathways, DAMA visa holders may become permanent residents. The transition process for DAMA agreements ensures that all benefits and concessions remain valid for up to five years or the full duration of the agreement, providing stability for both employers and visa holders.
How the Goldfields WA DAMA Works
Applicants cannot apply directly but should understand the employer-driven process: The DAMA process is designed to help businesses employ skilled migrants through the employer sponsored visa program, offering tailored occupation lists and specific skills assessments to meet regional needs.
At the end of the process, businesses play a crucial role in supporting skilled migrants in the region by obtaining necessary endorsements and complying with DAMA criteria.
Step 1: Employer seeks DAR endorsement
Only businesses operating within the designated area can seek DAR endorsement. Employers apply to the Goldfields DAR to be authorised to nominate overseas workers under the DAMA.
Detailed guidance is available for employers throughout the endorsement process to ensure a smooth application experience.
Step 2: Labour Agreement request
Once endorsed, the employer may apply under an industry labour agreement and submits a Labour Agreement request to the Department of Home Affairs via ImmiAccount, detailing occupations, positions, and applicable concessions.
Existing DAMA labour agreements and existing agreements remain valid during the transition, ensuring that current concessions and sponsorship conditions continue to apply for employers and visa holders.
Step 3: Nomination and visa application
After approval, the employer can nominate workers for:
Visa applicants must meet the requirements for the relevant visa subclass, including occupation and endorsement criteria, to be eligible for these employer-sponsored migration pathways.
A skills assessment may be required for certain occupations, and applicants may need to complete this process through VETASSESS to verify their qualifications and employment history.
Permanent residency pathways
Eligible workers may transition to permanent visas, including:
The transition date for new arrangements may affect eligibility for these pathways.
Benefits of the Goldfields WA DAMA for Applicants
- Access to occupations unavailable through standard migration programs, with the DAMA specifically designed to attract skilled migrants to the region
- Concessions for age, English, work experience, and salary
- Clear pathways to permanent residency
- Employment in regional Goldfields WA while contributing to the local economy
- Benefit for skilled workers seeking regional opportunities and wishing to fill labour shortages in local communities
- Access to a broader range of occupations and visa options compared to standard migration processes
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How Australian Migration Agents Can Support Goldfields DAMA Applicants
Migration Agents assist by:
- Advising on occupation eligibility and concessions
- Guiding through employer nomination and visa process
- Preparing visa applications and supporting documentation
- Explaining pathways to permanent residency
- Ensuring compliance with Department of Home Affairs, DAR requirements, and migration regulations
Professional guidance reduces errors, delays, and increases the likelihood of a smooth migration pathway.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which areas are covered by the Goldfields WA DAMA?
The DAMA applies to key Goldfields WA towns and regional centres, including Kalgoorlie-Boulder, which is a key area covered by the DAMA, as well as Coolgardie, Leonora, Esperance, and surrounding areas.
2. Which visas can Goldfields DAMA applicants access?
Eligible applicants may be nominated for Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional), or Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visas under the WA DAMA skilled migration pathways for regional applicants. Visa concessions may apply to these visa subclasses under the DAMA, providing benefits such as relaxed English language, age, or experience requirements to address local labor shortages. Permanent residency pathways are available via ENS 186 or PR (Skilled Regional) 191 visas.
3. Can individuals apply directly for the Goldfields WA DAMA?
No. Only endorsed employers can nominate overseas workers.
4. Are age and English concessions available?
Yes. Concessions vary by occupation and regional labour demand.
5. Does the Goldfields WA DAMA lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Many occupations under the Goldfields DAMA provide structured pathways to permanent residency via ENS 186 or PR (Skilled Regional) 191 visas. Successful applicants may become permanent residents through these permanent visas, retaining their concessions and eligibility under the DAMA framework.
6. Is the Goldfields DAMA still available in 2026?
Yes, but with an important date to note. The Goldfields DAMA has been extended to 31 December 2026, after which it transitions to the state-wide WA DAMA from 1 January 2027. Existing agreements continue as normal, but employers planning a new application should factor this transition into their timeline.
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