DAMA Victoria – Goulburn Valley & Great South Coast DAMA

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Overview: DAMA Areas & Regions in Victoria

DAMA Victoria is a program allowing regional employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for roles local talent cannot fill. There are currently two DAMA regions in Victoria:

Goulburn Valley DAMA (Official site & occupation list)
Great South Coast DAMA (Official site & occupation list)

Each DAMA area provides a tailored occupation list, concessions, and a pathway to temporary and permanent residence for eligible workers.

Goulburn Valley DAMA

The Goulburn Valley DAMA covers employers in the Goulburn Valley region, enabling sponsorship of skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for occupations that are difficult to fill locally.
Employers must:

Be established and operating in Goulburn Valley for 12+ months
Offer genuine, full-time positions and fair working conditions
Pass the Adverse Information Test
Meet labour market testing and TSMIT (salary) requirements

Occupation list: Over 100 approved occupations including agriculture, health, trades, hospitality, manufacturing, and more. View the GV DAMA Approved Occupation List (PDF)

Concessions:

Reduced TSMIT (90% of national threshold)
English language concession for eligible roles
Age concession (up to 55 years for most roles)
PR pathway for most 482 and 494 visa holders

Great South Coast DAMA

The Great South Coast DAMA enables regional employers in the south-west to sponsor skilled/semi-skilled workers for over 120 eligible occupations, ranging from healthcare and trades to agriculture and hospitality.

Key features:

Annual cap extended: Up to 300 overseas workers per year
Occupations: Accountants, chefs, nurses, plumbers, engineers, truck drivers, and more
Concessions: English, TSMIT, age (up to 55 for most skill levels, 50 for level 5)
Pathways:
- 482 visa PR pathway shortened (now 2 years employment)
- 494 visa holders eligible for PR after 3 years

Employers must:

Be locally established
Meet all sponsorship, workplace, and market salary requirements
Pass all compliance and legal checks

See the full GSC DAMA Occupation List

DAMA Victoria Occupation List

Both Victorian DAMAs offer a broad range of skilled, semi-skilled, and some non-ANZSCO occupations:

Accountants, engineers, health workers, trades, teachers, food production, manufacturing, aged care, truck drivers, farm workers, and more
Occupation-specific concessions for English, salary, age, and PR eligibility
Full details for each DAMA: Goulburn Valley | Great South Coast

DAMA Visa in Victoria – Supported Streams

Skills in Demand (482)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494)
Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
All pathways offer possible permanent residency, with major concessions for regional roles.

Concessions Available

English: IELTS 5.0 (or lower for some roles/regions)
TSMIT: 90% of standard, with guaranteed overtime/benefit inclusions for some roles
Age: Up to 55 for skill levels 1–4, 50 for skill level 5
Permanent residency: After 2 years (482) or 3 years (494) in regional employment
Skills assessment: By the relevant authority, not the DAR

How to Apply (Employers)

Check eligibility and occupation list for your region
Apply for endorsement with the regional Designated Area Representative (DAR)
- Goulburn Valley: DAR contact
- Great South Coast: DAR contact
Submit Labour Agreement request to the Department of Home Affairs after DAR endorsement
Nominate and sponsor overseas worker for the approved occupation/visa

Ready to Sponsor with DAMA Victoria? Contact Us!

Maximise your workforce and secure skilled talent for your regional Victorian business. Our team can assist with eligibility, endorsement, Labour Agreement and visa application support.

📞 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

Related Pages & Further Reading

Get Your Question Answered

Practice Areas

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Labour Agreement services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

What regions in Victoria have DAMA programs?

Currently, Goulburn Valley and Great South Coast.

Can I apply for DAMA visa in Victoria if my occupation isn’t on the list?

No, only listed occupations are eligible. Check the GV DAMA or GSC DAMA list.

Are there English or salary concessions?

Yes, most roles include TSMIT and English concessions.

Do DAMA visas in Victoria offer permanent residency?

Yes, 482 PR pathway after 2 years (GV/GSC), 494 PR after 3 years.

How long does the process take?

Most endorsements and agreements take several months. Early advice is recommended.