In 2021, JD Sheard moved from Canada to Adelaide on Australia's Global Talent visa, after two decades of scaling businesses across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. This included growing a multinational technology and engineering services company from 100 to more than 1,800 employees across four countries.

His story provides a clear, real-world example of the distinct advantages that the National Innovation Visa (NIV)—the pathway that replaced the Global Talent visa—brings to the state. Unlike traditional skilled migration, high-calibre individuals like JD generate compounding economic impacts by bringing exceptional skills to build things that did not previously exist in Australia.

Specifically, JD’s transition to South Australia has delivered the following major benefits:

• Personally invested significant funds to launch Eastend Ventures, South Australia's first registered Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership (ESVCLP) of its kind.
• Helping first-time founders, young people, and repeat entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground in catered-for markets outside of Sydney and Melbourne.
• Driving employment demand in high-value, knowledge-intensive sectors such as software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and defence technology.
• Fostering the commercialisation of genuinely innovative products, from construction technology to AI infrastructure, and expanding South Australia's export potential.
• Drawing more than $25 million for Eastend Ventures Fund 1, including a $5 million commitment from the South Australian Government’s investment corporation, Funds SA.
• Driving company growth and hiring that ultimately flows through into broader taxable income over time

What is the National Innovation Visa?

When JD applied, the pathway was known as the Global Talent visa. That program has since become the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858), a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement in their field. South Australian state nomination for the NIV is aimed at high-calibre, high-performing individuals who can drive innovation, productivity, and growth in the state.

How does this compare to other migration pathways?

Most skilled migration to Australia fills a specific, single role. While valuable, general skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas tie the visa holder to an individual position, meaning they cannot easily start new ventures, back other founders, or move capital into the local economy at scale.

The National Innovation Visa works differently. Because it isn't tied to a single employer, a visa holder like JD can found a company, sit on multiple boards, and direct capital into other people's ventures simultaneously. The visa is designed for individuals whose contribution is not just a single job, but a multiplying body of ongoing economic activity.

Concrete Proof: Why JD is a Model for the NIV

It's easy to talk about a visa category in the abstract, but JD's career since arriving in Adelaide shows in concrete terms what a single high-calibre migrant can bring to a state economy.

A remarkable, formally recognised record of achievement

JD's qualifications and career achievements are exactly the kind of internationally recognised, top-of-field profile the National Innovation Visa is designed to identify.

• An MBA in Finance and a Company Directors Course qualification (GAICD) from the Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Harvard Business School Online certificates in Alternative Investments and Financial Accounting
• A commercial pilot licence, held alongside a full-time executive career
• Leadership of a multinational company's growth from 100 to more than 1,800 employees across four countries, including the creation of some of the oil and gas industry's earliest widely adopted SaaS, IoT, AI and machine learning products, adopted by Fortune 500 companies as early clients

It's an unusually broad combination — deep technical and digital transformation experience, formal financial and governance qualifications, and a demonstrated ability to scale a business internationally. That breadth is precisely what the National Innovation Visa's 'exceptional and outstanding achievement' test looks for.

He leads a venture capital firm putting money into Australian startups

In 2023, JD co-founded Eastend Ventures with Josh Garratt to back early-stage, high-growth B2B technology companies.

Eastend Ventures Fund 1 became South Australia's first Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership (ESVCLP), reaching a $13 million first close in June 2025 on its way to a $50 million target.

His own investment is drawing in further capital for South Australia

JD and his co-founder have put more than $2 million of their own money into Fund 1 — a direct personal stake that gave other investors confidence to follow.

That confidence is compounding: Funds SA's Chief Investment Officer described the Eastend partnership as helping the state access a more diverse pipeline of investment opportunities, including those emerging from South Australia itself.

Every dollar Fund 1 raises is a dollar that wasn't available to South Australian startups before Eastend Ventures existed. As the fund grows toward its $50 million target, so does its capacity to back more local businesses — meaning JD's influence on the state's investment landscape compounds well beyond his own initial contribution, with knock-on benefits for the wider Australian economy as the companies he backs grow, hire and eventually attract further national and international investment.

He's helping create employment for Australians

Fund 1 is targeted at up to 30 early-stage portfolio companies, and has already backed local businesses including Heatseeker, Priori Analytica and the tradie app Jack.

Every one of those companies hires locally as it grows. That's a direct, compounding employment effect that a single skilled employee in a single role can't replicate on the same scale.

He's backing an overlooked part of Australia's startup ecosystem

Most Australian venture capital flows to Sydney and Melbourne. Eastend Ventures was deliberately built to invest in South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland instead — states that together receive a small share of national VC investment.

This wasn't the first fund JD backed either — through Virtca Capital he had already deployed an earlier $3 million fund into early-stage companies before Eastend Ventures existed.

A hands-on presence connecting SA to the world

JD remains an active member of the Adelaide-based angel investor network, Southern Angels, and serves as a Non-Executive Director for South Australian technology companies Optible AI and JACK App. Through Eastend, JD also assists SA businesses with expansion into the US, Canada, and the UK, allowing South Australian intellectual property to generate revenue from international markets while retaining local operations.

What JD's story says about Australia's opportunity

JD Sheard’s story highlights the structural economic benefits the National Innovation Visa is designed to deliver. Rather than simply filling a single workforce vacancy, JD addressed a structural shortage in the South Australian economy: early-stage capital and scaling networks for innovative companies.

His work demonstrates the true potential of the visa pathway as an economic multiplier—where exceptional individuals launch ventures, attract institutional capital, mentor local founders, create high-skilled jobs, and drive long-term tax revenue for the state.

Work Visa Lawyers prepared JD's application by matching his international track record to the Global Talent pathway. If a path like JD's sounds like it could be yours, that's a conversation worth having early—well before you've locked in a move, and while there's still time to build the strongest possible case.

Complete the free NIV assessment

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules and state nomination requirements can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.

PR & News References

• South Australia Government: National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) eligibility and nomination categories
• Department of Home Affairs: Federal National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) visa listing
• Eastend Ventures: Funds SA's $5 million investment in Eastend Ventures Fund 1 (June 2026)
• Eastend Ventures: Eastend Ventures Fund 1 first close announcement
• Capital Brief: Eastend Ventures becomes Adelaide's first ESVCLP after raising $13m
• Startup Daily: South Australia has a new early-stage VC fund to back B2B startups
• Startup Daily: Adelaide VC Eastend Ventures lands $5 million from Funds SA
• InDaily: Eastend Ventures becomes South Australia's first ESVCLP

Skilled visa processing times in Australia have changed. From 25 July 2026, new skilled visa processing priorities decide which nomination and visa applications the Department of Home Affairs looks at first.

This is set out in Ministerial Direction 119, which has replaced the previous rules in Direction 105.

If you have a skilled visa or nomination application on hand, this change may affect how soon it's considered. This guide explains the new priority order in plain English, which visas it covers, and what you should check right now.

What is Ministerial Direction 119?

A Ministerial Direction is a legal instrument. It is made under section 499 of the Migration Act 1958.

It tells Department of Home Affairs staff, called delegates, in what order to consider certain applications.

Direction 119 does not change visa eligibility criteria. You still need to meet all the normal requirements for your visa or nomination. Direction 119 only changes the order that applications are looked at.

Direction 119 was signed by Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, on 24 July 2026. It commenced the next day, on 25 July 2026.

Why are visa processing priorities important? 

Processing priority affects the order of your application in the queue. It does not guarantee that your visa will be approved.

The Government says Australia's skilled migration program should support key industries and the national interest. Under Direction 119, law enforcement and defence occupations come first. Construction, healthcare, and teaching occupations come next.

Your location matters too. Applicants already in Australia get higher priority than applicants applying from outside Australia, at every level. This affects skilled migrants everywhere, including applicants in India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the United States.

Direction 119 does not set fixed visa processing times — it sets the order applications are looked at. For background on how many skilled visa places are available this year, see our guide to Australia's 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program planning levels.

Skilled visa processing priorities: the 5 levels explained

Direction 119 sets out 5 priority levels for skilled nomination and visa applications. Level 1 is considered first. Level 5 is considered last.

1. Law enforcement or defence occupation, and the applicant is in Australia.
2. Law enforcement or defence occupation, and the applicant is outside Australia.
3. Construction, healthcare, or teaching occupation, and the applicant is in Australia.
4. Any other application, and the applicant is in Australia.
5. Any other application, and the applicant is outside Australia.

So what does this mean for you? If your occupation and location match a higher level, your application should generally be looked at sooner than applications in a lower level.

Which occupations get the highest priority?

Direction 119 groups occupations into categories using Australia's official job classification system, called ANZSCO. Below are example roles for each category, not a full list.

Law enforcement and defence occupations (priority one and two)

• Police officers nominated or sponsored by the Australian Federal Police or a state or territory police force.
• Defence roles connected to the AUKUS submarine program or advanced military capability projects.
• Defence Force members nominated or sponsored by the Australian Defence Force or Department of Defence, such as commissioned and senior non-commissioned officers.

Construction, healthcare, and teaching occupations (priority three)

These 3 categories share the same priority level. Examples include:

• Construction: carpenters, electricians, civil engineers, construction managers, crane operators, and safety inspectors.
• Healthcare: nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers, aged and disability carers, and personal care assistants.
• Teaching: school teachers, school principals, university lecturers, and child care workers.

For more on in-demand health roles, see our guide to health occupations that can lead to permanent residency in Australia.

These categories are broad. If you're unsure whether your occupation qualifies, check with an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent.

Which visa subclasses does Direction 119 cover?

Direction 119 covers 2 types of applications: nomination applications and visa applications.

Nomination applications

Direction 119 covers nomination applications for the:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa
• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa (closed to new applicants)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa

Visa applications

Direction 119 also covers visa applications for the:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa
• Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa
• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa
• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191) visa
• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa (closed to new applicants)
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa
• Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa
• Skilled Regional (subclass 887) visa

If your visa isn't on either list, Direction 119 doesn't apply to you. Business and talent visas, like the National Innovation (subclass 858) visa, are covered by separate directions.

What's changed from Direction 105?

The biggest change is for the 482 visa. The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa is now covered by these processing priorities. While the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa was covered by Direction 105 and this likely influenced processing of SID 482 visas, SID 482 was not specifically covered under Direction 105. If you hold or are applying for a 482 visa, this is an important update for you.

Direction 119 also applies to applications made, but not yet decided, before 25 July 2026. This means an application you lodged months ago may now be considered under the new order, not the old one.

When Direction 119 doesn't apply

Direction 119 does not apply to every application. It does not apply if:

• your case was sent back by the AAT or ART for reconsideration
• the AAT or ART already set aside the decision and made a new one
• it's already clear you don't meet the visa or nomination criteria
• you're a family member applying separately from the main applicant
• your nomination is about changing employer

So what does this mean for you? If one of these applies to your case, it's assessed on its own facts. The priority order above doesn't apply.

How to check current visa processing times

Direction 119 sets the order of priority. It does not publish exact processing times.

For an estimate, use the Department's Visa Processing Times Guide. You enter your visa type, stream, and application date. The tool shows how long recently decided applications took to process. It does not guarantee your application will be finalised in that time.

This tool is updated monthly, so check back for the latest figures.

What should you do next?

If you have a skilled visa or nomination application on hand, don't assume nothing has changed for you.

You should check:

• whether your occupation falls into a priority category
• whether you're inside or outside Australia
• whether your visa subclass is listed under Direction 119
• your visa processing times using the Department's tool
• whether your application is complete and ready for a decision

If your occupation or location places you in a lower priority level, your application may take longer.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand how Direction 119 affects your application.

We can assist with:

• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa applications
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa applications
• Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa applications
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa applications
• reviewing your application so it's complete and ready for a decision

Processing priorities can be hard to work out for your specific case. Advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer can help you understand where you stand.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

FAQ: Skilled Visa Processing Times and Priorities (2026)

What is Ministerial Direction 119?

Ministerial Direction 119 is a legal instrument that sets the order in which the Department of Home Affairs processes certain skilled visa nomination and visa applications. It commenced on 25 July 2026 and replaced Direction 105. It does not change visa eligibility rules.

Has Direction 105 been replaced?

Yes. Direction 105 was revoked and replaced by Direction 119 from 25 July 2026. Direction 105 had applied since 14 December 2023.

Does Direction 119 apply to the 482 visa?

Yes. The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa is now covered under Direction 119. This is new. It was not covered under Direction 105.

Should I apply for my visa while I'm in Australia?

Applying while you're in Australia can give you higher priority under Direction 119. But you still need to meet all visa requirements, including any condition about where you can apply from. Get advice before changing your plans.

What happens if my occupation isn't a priority occupation?

Your application is still processed. It falls into priority level 4 or 5, depending on whether you're in or outside Australia. It may take longer than a priority occupation application.

How long will my skilled visa take to process now?

Direction 119 does not publish set processing times. For an estimate based on recently decided applications, use the Department's Visa Processing Times Guide.

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules and state nomination requirements can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.

REFERENCE LIST

• Ministerial Direction 119 (PDF) — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Visa-subsite/files/md-119.pdf
• Department of Home Affairs — Skilled visa processing priorities — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/skilled-visa
• Department of Home Affairs — Global visa processing times guide — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times 
• Work Visa Lawyers — Most Common Health Occupations That Can Secure PR in Australia — https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/most-common-health-occupations-that-can-secure-pr-in-australia.html 
• Work Visa Lawyers — Australia's 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program Planning Levels — https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/australia-s-2026-27-permanent-migration-program-planning-levels-understanding-the-australian-visa-numbers-and-permanent-residency.html

Australian Visa Fees 2026-2027: Full Price Table

Visa application charges increased across almost every Australian visa subclass on 1 July 2026. Most visa fees rose by approximately 25%. 

A small number of visas, including Bridging Visa B and the Resident Return visa, more than doubled in price. 

If you are planning to apply for any Australian visa, you need to know the new costs before you lodge.

What is the Visa Application Charge (VAC)?

The Visa Application Charge, or VAC, is the government fee you pay when you lodge a visa application.

The Department of Home Affairs sets the VAC. It reviews the charge every year, usually on 1 July.

In most years, the Department adjusts visa fees by around 3% to 5%. This keeps pace with inflation.

This year is different. Most visa subclasses increased by around 25%. A small number of visas increased by far more than that. 

For a single applicant, this can mean paying over $1,000 more than last year. For a family applying together, the difference can run into several thousand dollars.

Full table: Australian visa fees from 1 July 2026

The table below shows the base application charge only, for the main applicant, across the visa subclasses affected by the 1 July 2026 increase.

The most common visas: how much more you'll pay

These are the visas most people apply for. All figures below are the base application charge for the main applicant only. They do not include additional charges for a partner or children.

Partner Visas:

The Partner visa (Subclass 309/100 offshore and 820/801 onshore) increased from $9,365 to $11,710. That is 25% more, or $2,345 extra for the main applicant.

189, 190 and 491 Visas:

Skilled visas, including the 189 Skilled Independent, 190 Skilled Nominated and 491 Skilled Work Regional visas, all increased by around 25%, from about $4,910 to $6,140.

Temporary 482 visa and Permanente 186 visa:

The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) increased from $3,210 to $4,015, up 25%. 

For a family of three applying together, for example two adults and one child under 18, the combined base charge is now at least $9,035.

Student, Graduate and Working Holiday visas: 

The Student visa (Subclass 500) increased from $2,000 to $2,500, also a 25% rise. 

Students already faced significant fee increases in recent years, and a further rise adds pressure on Australia's international education sector.

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) has now increased twice in four months. In March 2026, the fee rose from $2,300 to $4,600. On 1 July 2026, it increased again, to $5,750. That is a total increase of around 150% since March.

The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417/462) increased from $670 to $840, a 25% rise.

The most extreme increases in the fee schedule

Two visa subclasses saw increases far beyond the general 25% pattern.

The Resident Return visa (Subclass 155) increased from $490 to $1,475. That is a 201% increase. This visa is for permanent residents who need to travel after their travel facility has expired.

Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) increased from $190 to $575. That is a 202.63% increase, more than triple the previous fee. This visa allows a person to travel overseas while their substantive visa application is being processed.

A second or third Working Holiday visa also increased sharply, from $670 to $1,000, up 49.25%.

Both the Resident Return visa and Bridging Visa B relate to travel: leaving Australia and coming back. 

This pattern suggests the increases are not only about raising revenue. They may also be designed to make it more costly for people to leave and re-enter the country.

Why is the government increasing fees so sharply?

The Department has not published a single stated reason for the scale of this year's increase.

However, the increases align with Australia's current housing pressures. This year's skilled migration program directs around 70% of places to people who are already in Australia, rather than new arrivals from overseas.

Raising visa costs is one way to slow the number of new arrivals and encourage some temporary visa holders to consider leaving. It also raises additional government revenue at a time of broader budget pressure.

These increases affect industries that rely on temporary visa holders, including tourism, hospitality, international education and small business. 

A sustained fee increase across the visa system can make Australia less attractive to the workers, students and travellers these industries depend on.

What should you do?

If you are planning to apply for any visa, check the current fee before you lodge.

You should check:

• the current base application charge for your visa subclass
• whether any additional applicants, such as a partner or children, apply, since their charges differ from the main applicant fee
• other costs, including English tests, medical examinations, police checks, immigration lawyer or registered migration agent fees, document translation, and other potential expenses

If your visa costs have increased significantly and you are unsure about your options, seeking advice can help you and budget effectively.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand the current visa fees and plan your application accordingly.

We can assist with:

• Partner Visa Application
• Skilled Visa Applications (189, 190, 491, 191)
• Skills in Demand (482) visa application
• Employer Sponsored visa (186)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494)
• Student and Graduate visa strategy
• Resident Return Visa Application
• Bridging visas
• DAMAs
• Labour Agreements 
• National Innovation Visa (858)

Visa fees are now a significant cost. Getting your application right the first time matters more than ever, since these charges are non-refundable.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

FAQ: Australian Visa Fee Increases 2026

How much did partner visa fees go up in 2026-2027?

The partner visa base application charge increased from $9,365 to $11,710 on 1 July 2026, a 25% rise. This applies to both the offshore 309/100 and onshore 820/801 pathways.

Which Australian visa had the biggest fee increase in 2026-2027?

Bridging Visa B saw the largest percentage increase, rising 202.63%, from $190 to $575. The Resident Return visa was close behind, up 201%, from $490 to $1,475.

How much is the Working Holiday visa in 2026-2027?

A first Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417 or 462) now costs $840, up from $670. A second or third Working Holiday visa costs $1,000, an increase of 49.25%.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)  Surge Since March 2026

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) increased in March 2026 from $2,300 to $4,600 and again on 1 July 2026, taking the fee from $4,600 to $5,750, a total rise of around 150% since March 2026.

Do visa fees keep increasing every year in Australia?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs reviews visa fees annually, usually on 1 July. Typical increases are 3% to 5%. The 2026-2027 increase, at around 25% for most visas, was far larger than usual.

Sources: 

Department of Home Affairs – Current Visa Pricing Table: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.

Work Visa Lawyers Receives Two South Australian NIV Nomination Approvals for Entrepreneurs and Innovative Investors

Work Visa Lawyers has received two South Australian state nomination approvals for clients under the National Innovation Visa (NIV) subclass 858.

Both nominations were for high-calibre applicants with strong achievements and the potential to contribute to South Australia’s economy, innovation ecosystem and future growth.

To protect our clients’ privacy, we will not share identifying details. However, these outcomes are an important reminder that South Australian state nomination for the National Innovation Visa is possible for the right applicant with the right strategy, evidence and preparation.

What is the National Innovation Visa?

The National Innovation Visa subclass 858 is a permanent visa pathway designed for exceptionally talented people who can make a strong contribution to Australia.

This can include:

• Entrepreneurs
• Innovative investors
• Global researchers
• Innovators
• High-performing professionals
• Creative talent
• Other people with exceptional and outstanding achievements

The NIV is attractive because it can provide a direct pathway to Australian permanent residency. It does not operate like a points-tested skilled visa, and it is not an employer-sponsored visa.

Instead, the focus is on the applicant’s achievements, recognition, leadership, future potential and ability to contribute to Australia.

Please check our NIV page for more details about the NIV and to complete our free NIV assessment.

What is NIV state nomination?

For the National Innovation Visa, applicants generally need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs before they can apply for the visa.

State nomination can be very important because it may strengthen the applicant’s position in the EOI process. If a candidate receives NIV state nomination, they receive Priority 2 under the NIV priorities.

A state nomination shows that a State or Territory government sees value in the applicant’s achievements and potential contribution. For South Australia, this may include applicants who can contribute to the local economy, innovation, investment, research, commercialisation, business growth or other priority areas.

State nomination is not the same as a visa grant. However, it can be a major step forward in the NIV process.

South Australia and the National Innovation Visa

South Australia is seeking talented people who can contribute to the state’s future. This may include established and emerging leaders across different categories, including entrepreneurs and innovative investors.

For entrepreneurs, South Australia may be interested in people who have built or scaled businesses, developed innovative products or services, attracted investment, created jobs, or shown strong commercial potential.

For investors, the focus may be on people who can support innovation, business growth, venture capital, emerging industries or the broader South Australian economy.

Each case is different. A strong application should clearly explain not only what the applicant has achieved, but also why those achievements matter to South Australia.

Queensland and the National Innovation Visa

Queensland is another interesting state to try for state nomination for the National Innovation Visa. If you are an entrepreneur or an innovative investor and invest in Queensland, you might receive a Queensland National Innovation Visa nomination.

• High-value entrepreneurs who commit AUD $1 million to new ventures in Queensland
• Innovative investors who invest AUD $5 million in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem

You can check more information about Queensland NIV nomination on the following two pages or by completing our free NIV assessment.

State nomination or straight to EOI for the National Innovation Visa?

A common question we receive is:

“Should I apply for state nomination first, or should I go straight to the Expression of Interest for the National Innovation Visa?”

The honest answer is that state nomination is not for everyone.

For high achievers considering the NIV, the best strategy often depends on the applicant’s profile.

When NIV state nomination may be suitable

State nomination may be more suitable for:

• Entrepreneurs
• Innovative investors
• Applicants with strong ties to a particular State or Territory in Australia
• Applicants whose future plans clearly align with a State or Territory’s priorities

For these applicants, the NIV process may involve three stages:

1. State nomination
2. Expression of Interest
3. National Innovation Visa application

This is why state nomination can be important for some applicants. It may help show that a State or Territory recognises the applicant’s achievements and potential contribution.

Our two recent South Australian state nomination approvals show that this pathway can be possible for the right entrepreneurs and investors with strong evidence and a clear strategy.

When going straight to NIV EOI may be better

For some NIV candidates, state nomination may not be the best pathway.

Professionals and researchers with high achievements in selected sectors may be better placed to go straight to the Expression of Interest stage.

For these applicants, the process may involve two stages:

1. Expression of Interest
2. National Innovation Visa application

This may be more suitable where the applicant’s achievements are strong at a national or international level, but their case is not strongly connected to one particular Australian State or Territory.

Other states such as New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania are also open for the NIV state nomination.

Choosing the right NIV pathway

The key point is that there is no single pathway that works for everyone.

Entrepreneurs and investors may benefit from considering state nomination, especially where they can show a strong connection or potential contribution to South Australia.

Professionals, researchers and other high-achieving applicants may need a different strategy and may be better placed going straight to EOI.

This is why it is important to assess the applicant’s achievements, industry, future plans, evidence and connection to Australia before deciding on the best NIV strategy.

Complete our free NIV assessment

If you are an entrepreneur, investor, researcher, innovator or high-achieving professional, you can complete our free National Innovation Visa assessment.

Our team can review your profile, achievements and potential pathway.

Complete the free NIV assessment

We are proud to support talented people who can bring innovation, investment, leadership and long-term value to Australia.

About Work Visa Lawyers

Work Visa Lawyers is an Australian immigration law firm based in Adelaide, South Australia. The business was founded in 2011 by Chris Johnston, Principal Immigration Lawyer, and has been assisting clients with Australian migration matters for 15 years.

We are proud to be recognised as one of the leading migration law firms in Australia. Our team assists clients across a wide range of visa matters, including skilled visas, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, appeals, Global Talent visas and the National Innovation Visa.

Submit an Enquiry

Work Visa Lawyers also creates regular migration content for social media and YouTube to help people better understand Australian visa options. Our YouTube channel has over 93,000 subscribers, more than 300 videos and over 4 million views. Across all our social media platforms, we have more than 200,000 followers.

On our YouTube channel, we also have many testimonial videos from successful Global Talent Visa clients. The Global Talent Visa was the former pathway before the introduction of the National Innovation Visa, and many of those client stories show the type of high-achieving applicants Australia has attracted through talent and innovation-based visa pathways.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Each case depends on individual circumstances.

Understanding the DAMA Visa Pathway in Australia: A Practical Guide for Employers and Skilled Workers

For many regional Australian employers, finding suitable workers can be difficult.

Some businesses advertise locally, train staff, and still cannot fill important roles. This is where a Designated Area Migration Agreement, commonly called a DAMA, may help.

A DAMA is not one single visa. It is a labour agreement pathway that allows eligible employers in certain designated areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers where standard visa options may not meet local workforce needs.

For skilled workers, DAMA can be attractive because some DAMA arrangements may provide:

• a pathway to permanent residency
• access to more occupations than standard skilled visa programs
• possible concessions for English, work experience, salary or age
• age concessions up to 55 years old for some occupations and visa pathways

This can make DAMA especially important for workers who may be over 45, or who work in occupations that are not always available under the standard skilled migration program.

Some examples of occupations that may be available under certain DAMA lists include truck drivers, aged or disabled carers, chefs, cooks, bakers, child care workers, enrolled nurses, motor mechanics, diesel motor mechanics and carpenters.

However, occupation availability depends on the specific DAMA region. It must always be checked before applying.

What is a DAMA?

DAMA stands for Designated Area Migration Agreement.

The Department of Home Affairs describes a DAMA as a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a state, territory or regional authority.

In simple terms, DAMA may help a regional employer sponsor an overseas worker when the standard skilled visa pathways do not fit the business need.

DAMA is designed to respond to local labour shortages. It can give approved employers access to more occupations and, in some cases, negotiated concessions that are not available under standard skilled visa programs.

How does the DAMA pathway work?

A DAMA has two levels.

First, there is a head agreement between the Australian Government and a Designated Area Representative, also called a DAR.

Second, an employer in that region may apply for access to the DAMA. The employer usually needs endorsement from the DAR before lodging a labour agreement request with the Department of Home Affairs.

This means DAMA is employer-led.

A skilled worker cannot apply for DAMA by themselves. The worker needs an eligible employer sponsor in a DAMA region.

Can a skilled worker apply for DAMA directly?

No.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings about DAMA.

A worker cannot simply apply for a “DAMA visa” on their own. The employer must be eligible, the business must usually be located in a DAMA region, and the occupation must be available under the relevant DAMA.

For workers, the better question is not:

Can I apply for DAMA?

The better question is:

Do I have an eligible employer sponsor in a DAMA region, and is my occupation available under that DAMA?

Which visas can be used under a DAMA?

Depending on the relevant DAMA and the employer’s labour agreement, the pathway may involve one or more employer sponsored visa programs.

These may include:

Skills in Demand visa subclass 482

The subclass 482 visa is a temporary employer sponsored visa. It may allow an approved employer to sponsor a worker for an eligible occupation.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional subclass 494 visa

The subclass 494 visa is a regional employer sponsored visa. It may provide a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa if the worker meets the relevant requirements later.

Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa

The subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer sponsored visa. Some DAMA labour agreements may allow eligible workers to transition to permanent residency through subclass 186.

The visa pathway depends on the specific DAMA, occupation, employer approval and worker eligibility.

Is DAMA a pathway to permanent residency?

DAMA can be a pathway to permanent residency in some cases, but it is not automatic.

Some DAMA arrangements may allow eligible workers to move towards permanent residency through the subclass 186 visa or the subclass 494 to subclass 191 pathway.

A major advantage of some DAMA pathways is the age concession. In some cases, workers may be able to access permanent residency pathways up to 55 years old.

This can be important because many standard skilled visa pathways have stricter age limits.

However, the age concession depends on the DAMA, occupation, visa subclass and worker eligibility. It should not be assumed for every worker or every occupation.

What concessions may be available under DAMA?

Some DAMAs may include concessions for:

• age
• English language
• salary thresholds
• work experience
• skills requirements
• occupations not available under standard visa programs

These concessions are not automatic.

They depend on the specific DAMA, nominated occupation, employer, worker and visa pathway.

This is why employers and workers should not assume that one DAMA is the same as another. Each DAMA can have different occupations, locations, requirements and concessions.

Examples of DAMA occupations

DAMA occupation lists vary by region.

Some examples of occupations that may appear in DAMA lists include:

• Truck Driver
• Aged or Disabled Carer
• Chef
• Cook
• Baker
• Child Care Worker
• Enrolled Nurse
• Motor Mechanic
• Diesel Motor Mechanic
• Carpenter
• Hospitality Worker
• Agricultural or Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
• Forklift Driver
• Hotel or Motel Manager

These examples are not a complete list. They also do not mean the occupation is available in every DAMA region.

Employers and workers must check the specific DAMA occupation list for the relevant location.

Where are DAMAs available in Australia?

The Department of Home Affairs currently lists 13 DAMAs in Australia.

Each DAMA is managed by a Designated Area Representative, also known as a DAR. The DAR website usually explains which regions are covered, which occupations may be available, and how employers can access that DAMA.

The 13 DAMAs currently listed by the Department of Home Affairs are:

• Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, South Australia
• South Australia Regional, South Australia
• East Kimberley, Western Australia
• Far North Queensland, Queensland
• Goulburn Valley, Victoria
• Great South Coast, Victoria
• Northern Territory
• Orana, New South Wales
• Pilbara, Western Australia
• South West, Western Australia
• The Goldfields, Western Australia
• Townsville, Queensland
• Western Australia DAMA

Employers should check whether their business is located in a covered DAMA region and whether the occupation they need is included in that specific DAMA.

Skilled workers should also check whether their occupation is available under the relevant DAMA and whether the employer is eligible to sponsor under that agreement.

Important: DAMA regions, occupation lists, concessions and requirements can change. Always check the latest Department of Home Affairs information and the relevant DAR website before making decisions.

DAMA pathway for employers

For employers, the DAMA process usually involves:

1. checking whether the business is in a DAMA region
2. checking whether the occupation is available
3. preparing evidence of genuine labour shortage
4. applying for endorsement from the Designated Area Representative
5. lodging the labour agreement request with the Department of Home Affairs
6. nominating the worker
7. supporting the worker’s visa application

Employers must still show that Australians are considered first.

DAMA is not a shortcut to avoid local recruitment. It is intended to support genuine labour shortages where employers cannot find suitable Australian citizens or permanent residents for the role.

DAMA pathway for skilled workers

For skilled workers, DAMA is employer-sponsored.

Before relying on DAMA, workers should ask:

• Is my occupation on the relevant DAMA list?
• Do I have an eligible employer sponsor?
• Is the employer in a DAMA region?
• Do I meet the skills, experience and English requirements?
• Is there a permanent residency pathway for my occupation?
• Is an age concession available for my occupation and visa pathway?

A worker should not assume that an occupation available in one DAMA is available in all DAMAs.

Common DAMA mistakes

Some common mistakes include:

• thinking DAMA is one visa
• assuming workers can apply directly
• assuming every DAMA has the same occupation list
• assuming concessions are automatic
• assuming every DAMA pathway leads to permanent residency
• failing to check employer eligibility before planning the visa pathway

DAMA can be useful, but it needs careful checking because each region has different requirements.

Final thoughts

DAMA can be a valuable pathway for regional employers and skilled workers.

For employers, it may help fill genuine workforce shortages where standard visa options are limited.

For skilled workers, it may provide access to employer sponsorship, regional work opportunities and, in some cases, a pathway to permanent residency with age concessions up to 55.

However, DAMA is not automatic. The employer, region, occupation, visa subclass and worker eligibility all matter.

Need help with a DAMA or employer sponsored visa?

DAMA applications can be complex because the requirements depend on the region, occupation, employer, worker’s background and the specific labour agreement.

If you are an employer looking to sponsor workers under a DAMA, or a skilled worker trying to understand your visa options, Work Visa Lawyers can help you assess your situation and plan the next steps.

Book an appointment with one of our immigration lawyers or registered migration agents to discuss your DAMA or employer sponsored visa pathway.

This article provides general information only. Migration law can change, and every case is different. You should seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your specific situation.