2019 saw the introduction of two new Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) for South Australia, providing more opportunities for South Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers in their businesses, especially in Skill level 4 and 5 occupations, which were not previously eligible for sponsorship under the skilled visa programme.
Under the South Australia DAMA, once endorsed by the Department for Innovation and Skills of Immigration SA, South Australian employers can sponsor eligible workers for a SA DAMA visa, which is the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa (under the labour agreement stream). The DAMA South Australia 2019 also provides a pathway to permanent residence under the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme at a future date for certain occupations.
PAX Migration Australia and its team Registered Migration Agents (RMA) are based in South Australia and are therefore uniquely placed to advise and assist its clients on the South Australia DAMA. The team have an in-depth knowledge of how the DAMA in South Australia operates. Whether you are a South Australian business, or an overseas worker who is interested in finding out more about the SA DAMA and how the programme works, contact PAX Migration Australia to discuss your needs today. The team will assess your eligibility to sponsor under the DAMA in South Australia and/or to apply for a SA DAMA visa (depending on your circumstances), and can prepare and lodge your application and act on your behalf when dealing with your application with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department).
To learn more about how a migration professional like PAX Migration Australia can assist you in this matter, please see the following articles:
Selecting a migration agent in Australia
Should I use a migration agent or immigration lawyer for my application?
What Are The South Australia DAMA?
These are, firstly, the Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement (ACTIAA), which focuses on Adelaide’s high-tech growth industries including defence, space, technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing industries, and covers the Adelaide Metropolitan region (Greater Adelaide).
Secondly, the South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement (SARWA) focuses on South Australia’s regional high growth industries including agribusiness, forestry, health and social services, tourism and hospitality, construction, and mining, covering the entire state of South Australia.
How Do The DAMA In South Australia Work?
The DAMA South Australia 2019 is a formal five-year agreement between the Department and the Department of Innovation and Skills of the South Australian Government. It is designed to enable eligible South Australian employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for a skilled visa to fill labour and skill shortages in their business. The benefit of the DADA in South Australia is it provides a more flexible option than is available under the standard sponsored skilled migration program.
For more information, we recommend that you refer to the following in-depth guides which we have prepared to explain how the DAMAs in South Australia and SA DAMA visa operates.
Our article on the DAMA SA – New occupations available talks about Skill Level 4 occupations which are eligible to be nominated under the programme, and the criteria for endorsement by Immigration SA.
In DAMA South Australia, we take a look at how an employer can apply for endorsement under a DAMA in South Australia, and the benefits and key features of the South Australian DAMA.
DAMA Adelaide examines obligations that apply to employers who sponsor workers under a DAMA Adelaide, and some of the sanctions that may apply when these are not complied with.
For a comprehensive guide on the Labour Agreement Visa, please see the following article:
A Complete Guide to Labour Agreement Visa
In this article, we delve further into each of the DAMAs in South Australia.
What Regions Are Covered Under The DAMA South Australia 2019?
The ACTIAA covers the Greater Adelaide planning region (see the yellow and black dotted line in the map in the above link to follow the area of SA covered under the Agreement).
The SARWA covers the entire state of South Australia.
Which Occupations Can Be Sponsored Under The DAMA In South Australia?
The following occupations are eligible for sponsorship under the ACTIAA:
| Occupation
(All occupations listed provide a pathway to permanent residence)
|
ANZSCO code
|
Skill level
|
| Biochemist | 234513 | 1 |
| Biotechnologist | 234514 | 1 |
| Botanist | 234515 | 1 |
| Chemist | 234211 | 1 |
| Chief Executive or Managing Director | 111111 | 1 |
| Chief Information Officer | 135111 | 1 |
| Construction Project Manager | 133111 | 1 |
| Corporate General Manager | 111211 | 1 |
| Digital Artist | 070499
(Occupation not listed in ANZSCO) |
2 |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | 1 |
| Electronics Engineer | 233411 | 1 |
| Engineering Manager | 133211 | 1 |
| Engineering Technologist | 233914 | 1 |
| Environmental Research Scientist | 234313 | 1 |
| Environmental Scientists (nec) | 234399 | 1 |
| Film and Video Editor | 212314 | 1 |
| Fitter (General) | 323211 | 3 |
| Fitter and Turner | 323212 | 3 |
| Fitter-Welder | 323213 | 3 |
| Geophysicist
|
234412 | 1 |
| Graphic Designer | 232411 | 1 |
| Hydrogeologist | 234413 | 1 |
| ICT Project Manager | 135112 | 1 |
| Illustrator | 232412 | 1 |
| Importer or Exporter | 133311 | 1 |
| Industrial Engineer | 233511 | 1 |
| Laboratory Manager | 139913 | 1 |
| Life Scientist (General) | 234511 | 1 |
| Life Scientists (nec) | 234599 | 1 |
| Manufacturer | 133411 | 1 |
| Marine Biologist | 234516 | 1 |
| Mathematician | 224112 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | 1 |
| Metal Fabricator | 322311 | 3 |
| Metal Fitters and Machinists (nec) | 323299 | 3 |
| Metal Machinist (First Class) | 323214 | 3 |
| Meteorologist
|
234913 | 1 |
| Microbiologist | 234517 | 1 |
| Multimedia Designer | 232413 | 1 |
| Multimedia Specialist
|
261211 | 1 |
| Natural and Physical Science Professionals (nec)
|
234999 | 1 |
| Naval Architect
|
233916 | 1 |
| Other Spatial Scientist | 232214 | 1 |
| Physicist | 234914 | 1 |
| Plastics Technician | 399916 | 3 |
| Pressure Welder | 322312 | 3 |
| Procurement Manager | 133612 | 1 |
| Production Manager (Manufacturing) | 133512 | 1 |
| Production or Plant Engineer | 233513 | 1 |
| Quality Assurance Manager | 139914 | 1 |
| Research and Development Manager | 132511 | 1 |
| Senior Digital Artist | 070499 (Occupation not listed in ANZSCO) | 1 |
| Sheetmetal Trades Worker | 322211 | 3 |
| Specialist Managers (nec) | 139999 | 1 |
| Supply and Distribution Manager | 133611 | 1 |
| Training and Development Professional | 223311 | 1 |
| Web Designer | 232414 | 1 |
| Web Developer | 261212 | 1 |
| Welder (First Class) | 322313 | 3 |
| Zoologist | 234518 | 1 |
The following occupations are eligible for sponsorship under the SARWA:
Area: South Australia
| Occupation
(PR indicates a pathway to permanent residence is available)
|
ANZSCO code
|
Skill level
|
| Accommodation and
Hospitality Managers (nec) (PR) |
141999 | 2 |
| Aged or disabled carer (PR) | 423111 | 4 |
| Audiologist | 252711 | 1 |
| Automotive Electrician | 321111 | 3 |
| Backhoe Operator | 721212 | 4 |
| Baker (PR) | 351111 | 3 |
| Bar Attendant | 431111 | 4 |
| Bulldozer Operator | 721213 | 4 |
| Cafe or Restaurant Manager (PR) | 141111 | 2 |
| Chef | 351311 | 2 |
| Chiropractor | 252111 | 1 |
| Clinical Psychologist | 272311 | 1 |
| Community Arts Worker | 272611 | 1 |
| Community Worker | 411711 | 2 |
| Construction Rigger
|
821711 | 4 |
| Cook (PR) | 351411 | 3 |
| Counsellors (nec) (PR) | 272199 | 1 |
| Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator | 712111 | 4 |
| Dental assistant (PR) | 423211 | 4 |
| Dental Specialist (PR) | 252311 | 1 |
| Dentist (PR) | 252312 | 1 |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic | 321212 | 3 |
| Dietitian (PR) | 251111 | 1 |
| Disabilities Services Officer (PR) | 411712 | 2 |
| Diversional Therapist (PR) | 411311 | 3 |
| Driller | 712211 | 4 |
| Earthmoving Plant Operator
(General) |
721211 | 4 |
| Educational Psychologist
|
272312 | 1 |
| Enrolled Nurse (PR) | 411411 | 2 |
| Excavator Operator | 721214 | 4 |
| Exercise Physiologist (PR) | 234915 | 1 |
| Family Support Worker (PR) | 411713 | 2 |
| Gaming Worker | 431311 | 4 |
| Grader Operator | 721215 | 4 |
| Health Diagnostic and
Promotion Professionals (nec) (PR) |
251999 | 1 |
| Hotel or Motel Manager (PR) | 141311 | 2 |
| Hotel or Motel Receptionist | 542113 | 4 |
| Hotel Service Manager | 431411 | 3 |
| Interpreter (PR) | 272412 | 1 |
| Loader Operator | 721216 | 4 |
| Miner | 712212 | 4 |
| Motor Mechanic (General) | 321211 | 3 |
| Motor Vehicle Parts and
Accessories Fitter (General) (PR) |
899411 | 4 |
| Motorcycle Mechanic | 321213 | 3 |
| Nursing support worker (PR) | 423312 | 4 |
| Occupational Therapist
|
252411 | 1 |
| Optometrist
|
251411 | 1 |
| Organisational Psychologist
|
272313 | 1 |
| Orthoptist (PR) | 251412 | 1 |
| Orthotist or Prosthetist
|
251912 | 1 |
| Osteopath
|
252112 | 1 |
| Panelbeater | 324111 | 3 |
| Passenger Coach Driver | 731213 | 4 |
| Pastrycook (PR) | 351112 | 3 |
| Personal care assistant (PR) | 423313 | 4 |
| Physiotherapist | 252511 | 1 |
| Podiatrist | 252611 | 1 |
| Psychologists (nec) | 272399 | 1 |
| Psychotherapist (PR) | 272314 | 1 |
| Rehabilitation Counsellor (PR) | 272114 | 1 |
| Residential Care Officer (PR) | 411715 | 2 |
| Sand Blaster | 711913 | 4 |
| Scaffolder | 821712 | 4 |
| Shot Firer | 712213 | 4 |
| Social Worker | 272511 | 1 |
| Sonographer | 251214 | 1 |
| Special Education Teachers
(nec) |
241599 | 1 |
| Special Needs Teacher | 241511 | 1 |
| Speech Pathologist | 252712 | 1 |
| Steel Fixer | 821713 | 4 |
| Structural Steel Erector | 821714 | 4 |
| Teacher of the Hearing
Impaired |
241512 | 1 |
| Teacher of the Sight Impaired | 241513 | 1 |
| Therapy aide (PR) | 423314 | 4 |
| Vehicle Painter | 324311 | 3 |
| Vehicle Trimmer | 324212 | 3 |
| Waiter | 431511 | 4 |
| Youth Worker (PR) | 411716 | 2 |
Area: Postcode range 5110 – 5734
| Occupation
(PR indicates a pathway to permanent residence is available)
|
ANZSCO code
|
Skill level
|
| Agricultural and Horticultural
Mobile Plant Operator (PR) |
721111 | 4 |
| Agricultural Consultant | 234111 | 1 |
| Agricultural Scientist | 234112 | 1 |
| Agricultural Technician (PR) | 311111 | 2 |
| Aquaculture Farmer (PR) | 121111 | 1 |
| Beef Cattle Farmer (PR) | 121312 | 1 |
| Dairy Cattle Farmer (PR)
|
121313 | 1 |
| Facilities Manager (PR) | 149913 | 1 |
| Farm, Forestry and Garden
Workers (nec) (Irrigationist) |
841999 | 5 |
| Fishing Hand (PR) | 899212 | 4 |
| Food Technologist | 234212 | 1 |
| Forester | 234113 | 1 |
| Forestry Worker (PR) | 841311 | 4 |
| Fruit or Nut Grower (PR) | 121213 | 1 |
| Grape Grower (PR) | 121215 | 1 |
| Logging Assistant (PR) | 841312 | 4 |
| Logging Plant Operator (PR) | 721112 | 4 |
| Meat Boner and Slicer (PR) | 831211 | 4 |
| Meat Inspector (PR) | 311312 | 2 |
| Meat Process Worker | 831311 | 5 |
| Mixed Crop and Livestock
Farmer (PR) |
121411 | 1 |
| Mixed Crop Farmer (PR) | 121216 | 1 |
| Mixed Livestock Farmer (PR) | 121317 | 1 |
| Nurseryperson (PR) | 362411 | 3 |
| Pig Farmer (PR) | 121318 | 1 |
| Poultry Farmer (PR) | 121321 | 1 |
| Primary Products Inspectors
(nec) (PR) |
311399 | 2 |
| Production Horticulturalist (PR) | 070499
(Occupation not listed in ANZSCO) |
3 |
| Production Manager (Forestry) (PR) | 133511 | 1 |
| Saw Doctor (PR) | 323315 | 3 |
| Sawmilling Operator (PR) | 711313 | 4 |
| Senior Production
Horticulturalist (PR)
|
070499
(Occupation not listed in ANZSCO) |
2 |
| Slaughterer (PR) | 831212 | 4 |
| Tree Faller (PR) | 841313 | 4 |
| Truck Driver (General) (PR) | 733111 | 4 |
| Vegetable Grower (PR) | 121221 | 1 |
Which Occupations Qualify For Permanent Residence Under The DAMA In South Australia?
All occupations listed under the ACTIAA provide a pathway to a permanent residence visa.
Under the SARWA, occupations listed as PR in the table above (in the ‘occupation’ column) provide a pathway to permanent residency.
What Concessions Are Available Under The DAMAs In South Australia?
Under the ACTIAA, the maximum eligible age to qualify for a permanent residence visa is extended to either under 50 or 55 under this Agreement, depending on the occupation (the usual age limit to qualify under the ENS programme is under 45, unless an exemption applies).
Under the SARWA, certain occupations are eligible for an age concession, which means applicants for the permanent residence visa may qualify up to the age of 50.
The SARWA also offers further concessions for permanent residence pathway and age, Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and English language in certain occupations.
For more information on eligible occupations, requirements and concessions, refer to the Immigration SA DAMA Occupation Lists:
Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement (ACTIAA)
South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement (SARWA)
What Does The ANZSCO Code For An Occupation Mean?
For migration law purposes, each nominated occupation is defined based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), which is a system used to classify all occupations in the Australian labour market. The ANZSCO data provides a general description of each occupation, the skill level (which specifies minimum qualifications and/or work experience requirements), registration and/or licensing requirements (where applicable) and a list of tasks and duties that may be required to be performed as part of each occupation.
Each classified occupation is assigned an ANZSCO code to identify it.
What Does The Skill Level For Each Occupation Mean?
The skill level rating for an occupation under the ANZSCO is based on the range and complexity of tasks performed in each occupation. The greater the range and complexity, the higher the skill level for an occupation.
The skill level measures the level/amount of formal education and training; the amount of previous experience in a related occupation; and the amount of on-the-job training that is required to competently perform the set of tasks required for each occupation.
Generally, the greater the range and complexity of tasks involved in each occupation, the more education, experience, and on-the-job training will be required to perform the required tasks.
Formal education for this purpose is based on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Previous work experience is the amount of time (in months/years) spent gaining experience in related occupations or activities that are required to competently perform the tasks of an occupation.
On-the-job training is to the amount of training (in months/years) that is required after starting work in an occupation to competently carry out the required tasks in the occupation. It may be undertaken at the same time as formal training.
Occupations under the ANZSCO are classified in a range of 1-5 skill levels, as follows:
Skill Level 1
Bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Skill Level 2
The following qualification is required:
- AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma.
At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Skill Level 3
One of the following qualifications is required:
- AQF Certificate IV; or
- AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training.
At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Skill Level 4
The following qualification is required:
- AQF Certificate II or III.
At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Skill Level 5
One of the following qualifications is required:
- AQF Certificate I; or
- compulsory secondary education.
For some occupations, a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to, or instead of, the formal qualification.
In some instances, no formal qualification or on-the-job training may be required.
Refer to the Australian Bureau of Statistics to read more about the ANZSCO classification system, including how it is structured, definitions of key concepts, and skill specialisations.
You can also search the ANZSCO database for an occupation listed above. You can use the search function by typing in the occupation name or ANZSCO code to locate the one you are looking for.
What Information Can You Find On The ANZSCO Database?
Let us illustrate with an example. Enrolled Nurse (ANZSCO code: 411411) (Skill Level: 2) is listed as an eligible occupation for sponsorship under the SARWA (in the South Australia area). Conducting a search for this occupation using the search facility on the ANZSCO website brings up the following information:
|
UNIT GROUP 4114 ENROLLED AND MOTHERCRAFT NURSES ENROLLED AND MOTHERCRAFT NURSES provide nursing care to patients in hospitals, aged care and other health care facilities and in the community and assist parents in providing care to newborn infants under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Midwife.
Indicative Skill Level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia: AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing is required.
Tasks Include: · assessing, planning and implementing nursing care for patients according to accepted nursing practice and standards · providing interventions, treatments and therapies such as administering medications, and monitoring responses to treatments and care plans · assisting Registered Nurses and other team members to coordinate and evaluate care provided · promoting and assisting in health education activities for the prevention of ill health · bathing, feeding, changing and settling newborn infants · providing advice and training on infant care to parents of newborn infants · providing emotional support to parents of newborn infants
OCCUPATION: 411411 ENROLLED NURSE Provides nursing care to patients in a variety of health, aged care, welfare, and community settings under the supervision of Registered Nurses. Registration or licensing is required.
Skill Level: 2
Specialisation: Medical Assistant (Defence)
|
Get More Information
You can find more information on the Immigration SA website.
Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates and additional information.
Contact us to book a no-obligation consultation to discuss your eligibility to sponsor overseas workers under the DAMA in South Australia, or if you are interested in applying for a DAMA visa in South Australia.
Sources/Links:
Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement (ACTIAA)
South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement (SARWA)
Government of South Australia – Immigration South Australia – Local employers – Designated Area Migration Agreements
https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/local-employers/designated-area-migration-agreements
Government of South Australia – Location SA Map Viewer
Government of South Australia – Immigration South Australia – Local employers – Designated Area Migration Agreements DAMA Occupation Lists
Australian Bureau of Statistics – 1220.0 – ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2013, Version 1.3 – LATEST ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 05/11/2019
Australian Bureau of Statistics – 1220.0 – ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, First Edition, Revision 1 – Contents – Conceptual Basis of ANZSCO – Scope of the classification
https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/598C2E23628BB8FDCA2575DF002DA6B8?opendocument
Australian Bureau of Statistics – 1220.0 – ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, First Edition, Revision 1 – SEARCH FACILITY
Australian Bureau of Statistics – 1220.0 – ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, First Edition, Revision 1 – Contents >> Major Group 4 Community and Personal Service Workers >> SUB-MAJOR GROUP 41 Health and Welfare Support Workers >> MINOR GROUP 411 Health and Welfare Support Workers >> UNIT GROUP 4114 Enrolled and Mothercraft Nurses – UNIT GROUP 4114 ENROLLED AND MOTHERCRAFT NURSES
