Thank you for joining Interstaff’s Regional Visa Q&A Video Series. Our series of bite-sized videos share migration insights on questions submitted by HR Professionals and Business Owners about the new Regional 494 Visa and Australia’s regional migration arrangements. In this video, Interstaff talks about the Designated Area Migration Agreements.
Q&A Video | What are Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA’s)?
DAMA’s provide an alternative option to sponsor overseas workers in specific regional areas. Under a DAMA, employers can make use of concessions (exemptions) specific to a region and access different skills compared to standard visa programs. Here’s what you need to know in a
4 minute explainer video.
Head to our timestamps for specific migration insights
- What is a DAMA? | 0.05
- Which Australian regions have a DAMA in place? | 0.51
- How do DAMA’s work and how do I make use of one? | 1.03
- What are the benefits of a DAMA? | 1.33
- When should a business consider using a DAMA? | 2.52
Q&A Video | What’s involved in the Regional 494 Visa Process?
The new Regional 494 Visa provides businesses in Perth, the Gold Coast and regional/remote areas greater flexibility to sponsor overseas talent with a direct pathway to Permanent Residence (PR). However, the process requires a mandatory Skills Assessment and Regional Certifying Body (RCB) approval, which can be time consuming and complicated. Here’s what you need to know in a 5 minute explainer video.
Timestamps
- What is the Regional 494 Visa? | 0.05
- Getting approval from a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) | 0.45
- What are Skills Assessments and what do they involve? | 1:27
- How are Skills Assessments different to obtaining licencing or registration? | 2.16
- Benefits of the Regional 494 Visa | 3.25
Q&A Video | How the 494 Visa provides new PR Pathways for Employees
Since the 482 Visa replaced the 457 Visa in 2018, employees with an occupation on the Short Term list of the TSS 482 Visa have had very limited, if any, options for PR. If your business is in Perth, the Gold Coast or a regional/remote area, these employees may now be eligible for a pathway to PR through the new Regional Visas. Find out more in our 3 minute explainer video.
Q&A Video | Comparing the 494 Visa to the TSS 482 Visa
While the new 494 Regional Visa now provides businesses in Perth, the Gold Coast and regional/remote areas greater flexibility to sponsor overseas talent, how does it compare to the commonly used TSS 482 Visa? Here’s our insights in a 5 minute explainer video.
About the Speaker | Sheila Woods
Sheila Woods is the Managing Director of Interstaff and a Registered Migration Agent with more than 15 years experience in the migration industry.
With an extensive understanding of the Australian immigration system, Sheila partners with employers to advise on global mobility matters for corporate migration projects, complex case work and labour agreement negotiations.
Interstaff is an established migration consultancy specialising in skilled migration matters for the resource industry and businesses and has been operating for over 30 years since 1988. MARN: 0533879.
Submit your question
If you have any further questions about Designated Area Migration Agreements or the 494 Regional Visa, we encourage you to get in touch with our Registered Migration Agents through our online contact form or phone us at 1800 449 858.
Please note, this series is intended to provide general information only – current at the time of first publication. The contents do not constitute migration advice. Migration advice should be sought for your particular matters so that your personal circumstances can be considered. In Australia, Registered Migration Agents must operate under the Code of Conduct.