There is important news for skilled migrants and employers in South Australia. The Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) for both Adelaide metropolitan and regional South Australia have been extended until 30 June 2026, providing continued access to skilled workers across key industries facing shortages.
This extension comes with several ongoing benefits and one major update: a faster pathway to permanent residency (PR) for holders of the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa under the DAMA.
Extension to 30 June 2026
Both South Australian DAMAs have officially been extended through to mid-2026. This extension gives certainty to employers and migrants alike, supporting economic growth and regional development through skilled migration.
482 to 186 PR Pathway in 2 Years
One of the most significant updates is the reduction in the required period for PR application. Holders of the 482 visa through DAMA can now apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa after only two years on their 482 visa.
Previously, applicants were required to wait three years. This change provides a faster and more appealing path to permanent residency for skilled migrants working in South Australia.
DAMA Concessions
South Australia continues to offer important concessions through the DAMA program, making it more accessible than standard employer-sponsored visas. Depending on the occupation, these can include:
- Age concession: Applicants can be up to 55 years old
- Income concession: A 10% reduction on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
- English language concessions for certain occupations
- Work experience concessions, depending on the role
These flexibilities provide greater opportunities for both employers seeking to fill skill gaps and workers hoping to settle in Australia.
Industry Labour Agreements Take Priority
Starting from 1 July 2025, occupations listed under specific Industry Labour Agreements (ILAs) will no longer be available under the South Australian DAMA if they are already covered by the relevant ILA.
For example, aged care providers will no longer be able to sponsor certain workers under the DAMA and must instead use the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) or alternative programs such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Employers must ensure they are using the correct migration program based on their sector and the occupation they intend to sponsor.
A New Five-Year Statewide DAMA
The South Australian Government has announced its intention to negotiate a new five-year statewide DAMA with the Commonwealth Government during the 2025–26 financial year. This would continue the state’s proactive approach to attracting skilled workers and meeting local workforce needs.
Need Assistance with a DAMA Application?
If you are:
- An employer in South Australia experiencing skill shortages
- A skilled worker seeking a pathway to work and live in South Australia
The DAMA program may be an ideal solution. At Work Visa Lawyers, we assist both employers and individuals with:
- DAMA endorsement applications
- Labour agreements, including Industry Labour Agreements
- Employer nominations
- Permanent residency pathways under DAMA concessions
Book a consultation with our team to explore your options with confidence.
Located in Adelaide and assisting clients across Australia and internationally.
Sources:
https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/designated-area-migration-agreements-damas-extension
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/labour-agreements/designated-area-migration-agreements
