Townsville North Queensland DAMA Pathway: PR Up to 54 over 200 Occupations
If you’ve been researching regional visas, DAMA pathways, employer sponsorship options, or whether it’s still possible to obtain Australian permanent residency up to age 54, this guide is for you.
One of the most common questions we receive is whether Queensland offers a DAMA pathway.
The answer is yes — and one of the most flexible options available is the Townsville North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (TNQ DAMA).
This pathway can be particularly valuable if you are:
- Over 45 and struggling to qualify for permanent residency
- Seeking age, English, or salary concessions
- Working in an occupation with limited visa options under standard programs
Below, we explain how the TNQ DAMA works, who it is for, and how it can lead to permanent residency in Australia.
What Is the Townsville North Queensland DAMA?
The Townsville North Queensland DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and Townsville Enterprise, acting as the Designated Area Representative for North Queensland.
The agreement allows approved regional employers to sponsor overseas workers when they are unable to fill roles locally.
Because the program is designed to address regional workforce shortages, it offers greater flexibility than standard employer-sponsored visa pathways.
Why the TNQ DAMA Matters for Employers and Migrants
The TNQ DAMA includes more than 200 eligible occupations, covering both skilled and semi-skilled roles.
For employers, it provides a realistic way to fill genuine labour shortages.
For migrant workers, it opens up migration pathways that do not exist under the standard skilled visa system.
Most importantly, it offers concessions that make permanent residency achievable for people who would otherwise be excluded.
Key Concessions Under the TNQ DAMA
Some of the major advantages of the TNQ DAMA include:
- Age concessions
In many occupations, applicants can access permanent residency up to age 50 or 54 (instead of the usual age limit of 45).
Note: with age concessions, applicants must generally be under 54 at the time of Subclass 186 or 494 nomination. - English concessions
Lower English language requirements may apply for certain occupations. - Salary concessions
Some roles allow reduced salary thresholds compared to standard visa requirements. - Long-term labour agreements
Once approved, a DAMA labour agreement can be valid for up to five years. - Permanent residency pathways, including:
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) leading to Subclass 191 PR
Which Regions and Occupations Are Covered? / TNQ DAMA Occupation List
The TNQ DAMA applies to designated areas of North Queensland, as defined by Townsville Enterprise.
The Townsville North Queensland DAMA occupation list is extensive and includes roles that are not available under Queensland’s standard state nomination programs, such as:
- Truck driver
- Kitchen hand
- Hotel receptionist
- Motor mechanic
- Fruit picker
- Numerous health-related occupations
The full occupation list is available on the official Townsville DAMA website and should always be checked carefully, as eligibility and concessions vary by role.
How Employers Can Access the TNQ DAMA
Accessing the TNQ DAMA involves several stages:
Stage 1 – Endorsement
The employer applies to Townsville Enterprise for endorsement as a DAMA business.
This includes submitting:
- DAMA request form
- Business declaration
- Covering letter outlining genuine labour needs
- Job description
- Organisational chart
- Evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment
Stage 2 – Labour Agreement
Once endorsed, the employer applies to the Department of Home Affairs for the labour agreement.
Stage 3 – Nomination
The employer nominates the overseas worker for an approved DAMA occupation.
Stage 4 – Visa Application
The worker lodges their visa application, typically under:
At every stage, employers must demonstrate that Australian workers were prioritised and that labour market testing has been conducted correctly.
How We Can Help
At Work Visa Lawyers, we specialise in employer-sponsored migration and regional pathways, including DAMA labour agreements. Our founder, Chris Johnston, is one of the best immigration lawyers in Australia, with over 20 years of experience in migration law.
We can assist with:
- Assessing whether your business and occupation qualify
- Advising on labour market testing requirements
- Preparing endorsement and labour agreement applications
- Managing communication with the Department of Home Affairs
- Handling sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications from start to finish
Whether you are a North Queensland employer struggling to fill a critical role, or a migrant worker exploring regional migration options, we can guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
With the right strategy, it can provide a realistic pathway to permanent residency — even when other visa options are no longer available.
If you would like personalised advice, we invite you to book a consultation with our team.
Sources:
https://www.townsvilleenterprise.com.au/skills-and-migration/designated-area-migration-agreement/
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/townsvilleenterprise-com-au/documents/townsville_north_queensland_occupation_list_june2025.pdf
