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The Goulburn Valley Designated Area Migration Agreement (Goulburn Valley DAMA) provides skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers a unique opportunity to live and work in Northern Victoria under more flexible conditions than standard skilled migration programs. Covering regions such as Greater Shepparton, Moira, and Campaspe, the Goulburn Valley DAMA opens access to a wider range of occupations, with generous concessions to age, English language, work experience, and salary.
For applicants seeking long-term regional opportunities and potential permanent residency, the Goulburn Valley DAMA offers a tailored pathway that reflects the labour needs of the region and supports sustainable population growth.
What is the Goulburn Valley DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a specialised arrangement between the Australian Government and a defined region, allowing access to occupations and concessions not usually available under standard skilled migration programs.
For applicants, this means opportunities to work in roles that support regional development and may offer a pathway to permanent residency.
Key features of DAMAs include:
- Expanded occupation lists across multiple skill levels
- Concessions on English, age, salary, and work experience
- Access to skilled and semi-skilled occupations
- Structured pathways to permanent residency
- Regional flexibility to address local labour needs
The Goulburn Valley DAMA operates specifically to support the economic needs of Northern Victoria, ensuring overseas workers can fill critical roles where local supply is limited.
About the Goulburn Valley DAMA
Established in December 2021, the Goulburn Valley DAMA was developed to address skill shortages across Northern Victoria. It operates through a partnership between the Designated Area Representative (DAR) and the Department of Home Affairs.
While employers must initiate DAMA participation, overseas applicants benefit from:
- Access to occupations that are difficult to fill locally
- Strong employment opportunities across agriculture, food production, manufacturing, retail, and tourism
- Concessions that make the pathway more accessible than standard migration programs
- Opportunities for long-term settlement in regional Victoria
The full list of occupations approved for the Goulburn Valley DAMA is published by the regional authorities and should be reviewed by applicants to determine eligibility.
Key Features of the Goulburn Valley DAMA
The Goulburn Valley DAMA provides several advantages for applicants:
- Expanded occupation list: Up to 138 occupations across Skill Levels 1–5
- Age concessions: Eligibility up to 50 or 55 years depending on occupation
- Visa pathways, including:
- Work experience concessions for selected roles
- English language concessions available for many occupations
- Salary concessions while still maintaining fair market standards
- Pathways to permanent residency across all skill levels
- Regional flexibility, allowing occupational updates based on labour needs
These features offer applicants an accessible route to both regional employment and potential permanent migration.
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How the Goulburn Valley DAMA Works
Although employers complete each formal step of the DAMA process, applicants benefit from understanding how the overall structure operates.
Endorsement by the Designated Area Representative
An employer must seek endorsement to access the Goulburn Valley DAMA and confirm that local recruitment efforts have not filled the role. This step ensures that DAMA pathways are reserved for genuine shortages.
Labour Agreement Application
After endorsement, the employer submits a Labour Agreement request through the Department of Home Affairs, listing the positions and occupations they intend to fill.
Nomination and Visa Application
Once a labour agreement is approved, applicants can be nominated for DAMA-related visas, including the SID 482, TSS 482, or SESR 494 visa.
Eligible applicants may transition to permanent residency through the ENS 186 or PRSR 191 visa.
Understanding these stages helps applicants prepare for each step of the migration process, even though employers lodge the applications.
Benefits of the Goulburn Valley DAMA for Applicants
The Goulburn Valley DAMA provides important advantages to overseas applicants seeking regional pathways:
- Opportunity to work in occupations not available through standard visa programs
- Increased accessibility through age, English, and experience concessions
- Clear pathways to permanent residency
- Greater recognition of semi-skilled and regional industry roles
- Long-term employment opportunities across agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and tourism
For applicants who meet the criteria, the Goulburn Valley DAMA is a strong pathway to securing employment and settlement in Northern Victoria.
How Australian Migration Agents Can Help
Registered Australian Migration Agents play an important role in supporting applicants navigating the Goulburn Valley DAMA. Agents can assist applicants by:
- Assessing eligibility under the Goulburn Valley DAMA
- Reviewing occupation lists and identifying available concessions
- Guiding applicants through nomination requirements
- Managing associated visa lodgements
- Advising on pathways to permanent residency
- Ensuring all compliance obligations are met
Professional guidance reduces the risk of delays or errors and helps applicants understand every step of the DAMA process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which areas are covered by the Goulburn Valley DAMA?
Greater Shepparton, Moira, and Campaspe in Northern Victoria.
2. Which visas are available under the Goulburn Valley DAMA?
SID 482, TSS 482, SESR 494, and ENS 186, with pathways to the PRSR 191 permanent residency visa.
3. Can applicants apply directly for the Goulburn Valley DAMA?
No. Applicants must be nominated through an endorsed employer participating in the DAMA.
4. Are age and English concessions available?
Yes. Many occupations allow age concessions up to 50 or 55, and English concessions apply to selected roles.
5. Is the Goulburn Valley DAMA a pathway to permanent residency?
Yes. All skill levels under the Goulburn Valley DAMA provide structured pathways to permanent residency.
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