Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents

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The South Australia (SA) Regional DAMA and the Adelaide City DAMA have been both extended and expanded.

The SA Regional DAMA now includes 128 new occupations from various sectors including construction, trades, agribusiness, ICT, health, education, and renewable energy.

We submitted suggestions to the Government of South Australia to include certain occupations on the DAMA list. We welcome the inclusion of occupations such as Registered Nurse in Child and Family Health, Registered Nurse in Disability and Rehabilitation, Winery Worker, Sheep Farm Worker, and others on the list.

The 'Winery Worker' occupation is a valuable addition, especially since South Australia has a strong wine industry.

Other important occupations added to the list include Truck Driver, Bricklayer, and Floor Finisher.

This is excellent news for those seeking permanent residency pathways!

Click here to view the 128 new occupations.

Annual nominations

The annual nominations for the SA Regional DAMA have increased from 750 to 2000, valid until June 30, 2025.

Concessions

South Australia continues to offer age concessions up to 55 years, a 10% reduction in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), and other concessions in English and work experience.

South Australia DAMA Occupation List

The SA DAMA comes under two agreements which list eligible occupations and concessions available:

• Adelaide Innovation and Technology Agreement: the occupations are restricted to employers in the Adelaide Metropolitan region. The only concession that applies to these occupations is that they all have a pathway to permanent residency, and include an age concession.

• South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement: includes some occupations eligible to employers in the whole of South Australia and some occupations eligible for employers only in the postcode range 5220 to 5734 (non-metropolitan SA). The agreement includes a range of occupation-specific concessions concerning:
  • Skills and experience
  • TSMIT
  • English
  • Age
  • Permanent pathway

Review the lists to see if your occupation is eligible and what concessions apply.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your DAMA Visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

In early 2023, regional migration visas in Australia were under a cloud of uncertainty. The Parkinson Report Migration, released in March 2023, failed to offer any guidance or support for regional migration options.

The final report suggests a recalibration of the skilled points test and even proposes the removal of points for regional study. It states, “In conjunction with this measure, existing regional concessions in mainstream permanent phases, such as additional points for regional study, could be removed to ensure those programs are strongly focused on selecting migrants who will best meet national economic objectives.”

Additionally, state nomination applications in Australia across all states were reduced by 70% from July 1, 2023, marking a significant downturn in the 2023-24 financial year.

However, early 2024 has seen positive developments in regional migration policy.

Migration Policy Developments 2024

Regional employer-sponsored nominations visas such as 482, 186, 494, and DAMAs are now the top priority in ministerial processing directives. This means they are processed above all others, including professions in teaching and health that were previously given high priority.

This shift demonstrates the Federal Government is encouraging migration to regional areas.

The new Skills in Demand Visa Australia includes an "Essential Skills" category visa for lower-skilled occupations, such as carers, with potential salaries below A$70,000. These visas aim to supply workers to regional areas for both caregiving and agricultural roles.

For the 2024 to 2025 financial year, skilled points visas, including the 189, 190, and 491 visas, will remain unchanged. The 491 Visa, designed for regional areas, continues to be available, dispelling rumors of its abolition in the Migration Review.

Click here to read more about the Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa.

Why is regional migration regaining favour?

Several factors are at play, including a strong demand from industries and communities in regional Australia for migrants. Furthermore, the housing crisis has prompted the federal government to encourage migration away from Australia's largest cities, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

How can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your potential application(s).

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

For visa application assistance in Australia, you can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Sources:

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-publications/reviews-and-inquiries/departmental-reviews/migration-system-for-australias-future

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-pubs/files/review-migration-system-final-report.pdf

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/skilled-visa-processing-priorities

South Australia (SA) offers many opportunities for skilled migrants. With 503 occupations listed on the SA Skilled Occupation List and four available streams, you may be eligible to apply.

South Australian Graduates Stream

International graduates who have selected South Australia as their study destination are given preference within the General Skilled Migration program.

The criteria to apply include:

• Have completed your qualification at a South Australian education provider
• A minimum of 50% of your qualification must have been completed in South Australia
• Must have resided in South Australia for at least one year during your studies
• Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 12 months
• Have been working for the last 6 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job that is relevant to your nominated occupation

You can check all the criteria here.

Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA) and Victoria (VIC) are offering cash incentives for migrants for occupations in healthcare and construction. If you are a health worker or a construction worker, the opportunity is now. You can get the incentive if you move to their state and take up a job. If you have friends or family in construction or health care, then tell them about these amazing offers.

Covid has made immigration to Australia hard, but things are finally starting to change.  The South Australian Government has just added 70 more roles to its Skilled Occupation List, making a total of 109 occupations now open for offshore skilled migration to SA! If you are currently offshore and looking for a way to move to Australia, this could be your chance.

Late last year, we published the states’ allocations but we have just discovered a new increase of 650 nominations for South Australia and 350 for Tasmania!  These allocations were increased without an announcement from the government and at this stage, are not widely known of.  That's 1,000 new places for Skilled Nominated visas and Skilled Work Regional visas!

Bruno arrived in Adelaide as a student visa and fell in love with Australia's laid back lifestyle.

Work Visa Lawyers helped Bruno with his successful Skilled Regional (Provisional) 489 visa application under the ANZCO 391 111 Occupation of Hairdresser.

On 4 December 2019, Immigration SA opened nomination applications for the new subclass 491 visa and re-opened nomination applications for the subclass 190 visa. At the same time some new selection requirements have been introduced.

Hear about Rosa's journey to Australia and how Work Visa Lawyers helped her to make it happen. 

Work Visa Lawyers was pleased to attend the recent Regional Showcase held in Murray Bridge, organised by Immigration SA and The Australia China Business Council (ACBC).

South Australia has released its new State Nominated Occupation List (SNOL) for skilled migration, and its good news for prospective migrants. State nomination applications will be open again at 12pm (ACST) on 3 July 2019.

Immigration SA has announced it will temporarily halt the granting of new business migration state nominations after it reached its quota from the Australian Government for the 2018/19 program year.

It was recently announced by the Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall, that the state would be home to the latest Mortal Kombat film production. Using the facilities at Adelaide Studios, the production is expected to generate 780 jobs and inject $70 million into the local economy.

The South Australia government has released new details on the state's Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), including the list of eligible of occupations. 

DAMAs assist employers in filling skilled and semi-skilled positions which are facing a labour shortage in a designated area. A DAMA offers greater access to occupations and concessions on other criteria when compared to the standard Temporary Skill Shortage subclass 482 visa. Applications under the SA DAMA are also afforded priority visa processing with the Department of Home Affairs.

Applications under the SA DAMA will commence in early July 2019.

SA DAMA summary

The SA DAMA will come under two separate agreements, each with their own list of eligible occupations and concessions available:

Adelaide Innovation and Technology Agreement

• 60 occupations are eligible
• Restricted to employers in the Adelaide Metropolitan region (Greater Adelaide)
• Age concessions to facilitate a permanent residency pathway
• All occupations have a pathway to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa.

 The full occupation list can be viewed here.

South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement

• 114 occupations are eligible;
  • 78 occupations eligible for employers in the whole of South Australia.
  • 36 occupations eligible for employers in the postcode range 5110 to 5734 (non-metropolitan SA)
• Concessions vary per occupation and include:
  • Skills and experience;
  • Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT);
  • English;
  • and age concessions to facilitate a permanent residency pathway
• Only certain occupations have a pathway to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa.

The full occupation list can be viewed here.

Concessions explained

It is important to note that not all concessions apply to every occupation. You will need to check your individual occupation on the list to see which apply. There are also several occupations listed that have no concessions available and are already eligible for the standard subclass 482 visa. In these cases it may not be necessary to apply under the DAMA , however priority processing will still be an advantage over the standard subclass 482 visa.

Occupation inclusions

The SA DAMA includes several popular occupations that will be of great interest to employers and prospective migrants. Some examples are:

• Baker (351111)
• Cook (351411)
• Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212)
• Enrolled Nurse (411411)
• Motor Mechanic (General) (321211)

There are also a number of occupations included in the SA DAMA that are not on any other skilled occupation list. Below are some examples listed by the industry they will directly benefit:

Agriculture

• Farm, Forestry and Garden Workers nec (841999)
• Fishing Hand (899212)
• Meat Process Worker (831311)
• Production Horticulturalist *
• Senior Production Horticulturalist *
• Slaughterer (831212)

Healthcare

• Aged or Disabled Carer (423111)
• Nursing Support Worker (423312)
• Personal Care Assistant (423313)
• Therapy Aide (423314)

Mining and Construction

• Driller (712211)
• Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) (721211)
• Loader Operator (721216)
• Miner (712212)
• Sand Blaster (711913)
• Scaffolder (821712)
• Shot Firer (712213)
• Truck Driver (General (733111)

Film and Gaming

• Digital Artist *
• Senior Digital Artist *

Hospitality and Tourism

• Passenger Coach Driver (731213)
• Gaming Worker (431311)
• Hotel or Motel Receptionist (542113)
• Waiter (431511)

Note: * denotes that the occupation is not listed in ANZSCO and has been identified by the SA government.

Skills and experience

An applicant for the standard subclass 482 visa must hold the relevant skills assessment for the nominated position, however under certain occupations in the SA DAMA this will not be required. Currently only lower skilled occupations are eligible for this concession (ANZSCO skill level 4). Further details on whether there will be any concession to the two years of work experience requirement are not yet available. 

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

The TSMIT which applies to the standard subclass 482 visa is currently set at AUD53,900 per annum. Under the SA DAMA concession, the TSMIT can be reduced by up to 10%, which indicates a minimum salary of AUD48,510 per annum. This amount is more closely aligned to award rates, particularly in trade occupations.

English

The standard subclass 482 visa has an English language requirement equivalent to an IELTS overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 5 in each of the test components. The English concession available under the SA DAMA for certain occupations is equivalent to an IELTS overall band score of at least 4.5 with at least 4 in each of the test components.

Age

While the standard subclass 482 visa does not have any age requirements, applicants accessing permanent residency via the standard Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa must be less than 45 years of age. The SA DAMA includes an age concession that extends this to 50 or 55 years of age for selected occupations to facilitate permanent residency.

This concession is major advantage to those workers in the 45-54 age bracket who now have a much more promising pathway to permanent residency.

Pathway to permanent residency

The SA DAMA offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa for a majority of the occupations listed. However full details of the requirements to qualify for permanent residency via this process are still to be provided. It is also important to note that the occupation must still be on the list at the time of the permanent residency application.

It is expected that applicants will need to hold the 482 visa for at least three years before being eligible for permanent residency. So even with some age concessions in place, applicants will need to consider what their age will be at the time of lodgement for permanent residency. For example, if there is a permanent residency age concession of up to 50 years of age, but if the applicant is 48 when they are granted the 482 visa, they will not be eligible to apply after three years having turned 51. 

How long will a DAMA application take?

At this early stage, it is expected that a DAMA application will take at least three months. This includes around one month to be endorsed by the state government and around two months to receive a standard employer sponsorship approval. Once applications commence, we will have a better understanding of how long the process takes, but it is reasonable to say that a DAMA will not be able to address an employer's urgent need for staff.

What does this mean for industry and employers?

The SA DAMA provides a range of benefits to South Australia industries and employers. Of particular note are industries such as film and gaming, hospitality and tourism, agriculture, mining and construction, and the healthcare sector. In particular, several occupations that are otherwise not available for skilled migration have been included meaning that employers will now be able address these skills shortages. The TSMIT concessions will benefit employers in regional areas and bring salaries closer in-line with award rates for trade occupations.

In the development of the SA DAMA, industry and employers were able to provide input into the occupation list and concessions. It is positive to see that many aspects of the submission by the Migration Institute of Australia (SA Committee) have been adopted, particularily around the expansion of occupations available in the agriculture, construction and mining sectors.

What does this mean for employees and graduates?

The concessions provided in the SA DAMA, particularly around age and pathways to permanent residency, means that people will have more opportunities to stay in South Australia. Whether any work experience concessions will be available, a requirement that is otherwise difficult for international graduates to achieve, are yet to be made available.

Overall, the SA DAMA provides more opportunities for skilled migrants to work and settle in South Australia.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Partner Visas, Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas and other Family Migration visas as well as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Review, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On 28 February 2019, Immigration SA has introduced some changes to its general skilled migration nomination policies. These changes are aimed to enhance South Australian immigration by encouraging skilled international graduates to remain and reside in South Australia.

Even though the Business Talent 132 visa is available throughout all of Australia, South Australia sponsors over 50% of all 132 visa applicants every year.

So, why is South Australia so attractive to 132 visa migrants?

In the past month, the South Australian government has finalized some ground-breaking developments for the state. First, we witnessed the creation of a new visa, the SISA visa, which aims to attract an array of young dedicated entrepreneurs. Second, a massive contract has been signed to transform Whyalla steelworks industry. Most notably though, this morning Adelaide has been granted the headquarters for Australia’s first dedicated space agency.

“This Is what vision looks like”

- Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Work Visa Lawyers was pleased to accompany some of our business visa holders to the ACBC South Australian & Immigration SA Central Adelaide Trade Showcase. We would like to thank Immigration SA, as well as the China Business Council (ACBC), and KPMG for hosting the fantastic event.

South Australian immigration has a new investment visa; The subclass 408 Temporary Activity – Supporting Innovation in South Australia stream. Also known as the South Australian Entrepreneur visa, the subclass 408 pilot program will run from 21 November 2018 to 30 November 2021. The strong focus of this visa on entrepreneurship moves migration in South Australia into a new space, as the South Australian government strives to stimulate innovation.

Who is the new South Australian Entrepreneur Visa for?

The Supporting Innovation in South Australia (SISA) - Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa is aimed towards promising and successful overseas entrepreneurs. According to Migration SA , South Australia will be looking for migrants who are innovative, have an entrepreneurial idea or concept, or are working on an innovative early-stage business ideally with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

The visa will likely be more successful for many entrepreneurs than the current Entrepreneur Visa, which requires capital backing of at least $200,000. Instead of requiring this funding,, applicants’ proposals will be vetted by State or Federal Government entities, with these entities able to partner with incubators and accelerators to identify potential applicants for nomination.

What will the South Australian Entrepreneur Visa allow me to do?

Successful applicants will receive a 408 visa that will be valid until November 2021. Applicants will have until this time to establish and grow their business in South Australia. While living in South Australia during this period, visa holders will be able to apply for other visas if they wish to do so. This was confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs in their  Supporting Innovation in South Australia media release .The usual pathways to permanent residency will be available, and if the visa holder’s business operations in South Australia are running well then this will be helpful to them in any further visa applications.

How do I secure a South Australian Entrepreneur Visa?

The first step in the process is to secure an endorsement by the government of South Australia. Before applying, for government endorsement, applicants have the option of seeking support from one of the four South Australian innovation eco-system service providers. According to the Immigration SA website, priority for government endorsement will be given to applications that have secured the support of one of these providers. It is therefore strongly recommended that applicants secure the support of one of the providers before applying to Immigration SA (the relevant South Australian government body) for endorsement.

To seek support from an eco-system service provider,  email the provider briefly explaining your business concept and asking if they would be willing to accept and support your application to the government of South Australia. For information on each of the four providers, see the ‘South Australian innovation eco-system service providers’ section below.

The Immigration SA website provides detailed information on the steps an applicant must follow.

Once the endorsement of the South Australian government has been secured, an application must be lodged with the Department of Home Affairs for a 408 visa. The relevant stream for SISA applicants is the ‘Australian Government endorsed event’ stream.

What are the eligibility requirements?

The following requirements must be satisfied in order to secure an endorsement by the South Australian government.

• Commitment to SA: Maintain primary residence in SA throughout the visa period
• Be under 45 years of age
• Demonstrate at least vocational English (unless a citizen of the UK, Canada, NZ, USA, or Ireland)

Have a business concept, idea or proposal that satisfies the following:

• You have in-depth knowledge or expertise in the product or service you are targeting
• Business concept demonstrates genuine innovation, novel intellectual property, or high barriers to entry
• Commitment to developing a start-up project in SA
• Secured support of a selected service provider who has reviwed your project proposal
• The project has strong potential to create local employment and export revenue for SA
• The project will have at least 50% of its assets and 50% of staff located in SA

Proposals in the following industry sectors will receive priority:

• Defense and Space
• Cybersecurity, big data, digital and blockchain
• Food, wine, and ag. Tech
• Health and medical technology
• Robotics
• Media and film

The following business types are not eligible for endorsement:

• Cafes and restaurants
• Consulting firms and employment agencies
• Export/import businesses/companies
• Franchises
• Foot reflexology
• Massage parlours
• Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine
• Herbal dispensing businesses
• Geomancy/Fengshui business
• Retail

If you currently hold one of the following visas you will not be eligible for endorsement

• Student visas (including subclasses 500, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574)
• 403
• 771

o If you are currently on a subclass 485 visa, you must be presently engaged in a structured program offered by an identified South Australian innovation eco-system provider to be considered

Financial capacity – You must satisfy the requirements in the table below

If you satisfy the above requirements, you will be eligible for endorsement by the South Australian government. Satisfaction of these requirements is sufficient to satisfy the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the 408 visa. Therefore, if SA government endorsement is received then you will be eligible for a 408 visa.

South Australian innovation eco-system service providers

The Innovation and Collaboration Centre

The Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC) is a partnership between the government of South Australia, the University of South Australia, and DXC Technology. The ICC supports early-stage startup businesses throughout the stages of idea generation, startup, and scaleup. The ICC provides a unique environment that offers services and expertise in business growth, business management, strategy and marketing, commercialization, design, and technology. They have particular expertise in the space sector, and Immigration SA recommends applying to the ICC for support ‘if you are building a company using space technologies or creating tech, services or products for the space industry’.

• If you would like to apply to ICC for support, you can do so by sending them an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Explain in 50 words or less your business proposal, and including your contact details. The subject of the email should read ‘SISA Business concept inquiry’.

The Moonshine Laboratory

The Moonshine Lab is a tech startup co-founder that is looking to help entrepreneurs launch their ideas.  Moonshine Labs recognizes that every entrepreneur is different and will be at different stages in their start-up journey and can assist accordingly. They focus on connecting entrepreneurs with the contacts they need to get their idea off the ground.

• Contact email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Explain your business proposal in 50 words or less, with the subject line ‘SISA Business concept inquiry’.

The New Venture Institute (NVI)

The New Venture Institute is an institute of Flinders University. The NVI aims to build the capacities of individuals, businesses, educators, and researchers so that they thrive in uncertainty. NVI does this by linking business, government and the community sector to the University. If you have an idea that would benefit from this sort of connection, the NVI might be the eco-system service provider for you.

• Contact email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Explain your business proposal in 50 words or less, with the subject line ‘SISA Business concept enquiry’.

ThincLab

ThincLab is the University of Adelaide’s startup incubator with headquarters in South Australia and a global network of sister-sites. ThincLab supports entrepreneurs and founders from any industry sector with mentoring, training programs, workspace, prototyping facilities and access to investors.

• Contact email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Explain your business proposal in 50 words or less, with the subject line ‘SISA Business concept enquiry

Ongoing obligations

If the applicant can meet the requirements and is issued the SISA Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa, there are certain obligations that must be met throughout the visa period. According to Immigration SA, applicants who are issued with the SISA Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa must:

1. Observe and participate in the schedule planned for you by the service provider if you used this pathway – all participation arrangements will be between you and the service provider;
2. Actively participate in South Australian Government planned innovation and entrepreneurial events relevant to your project/idea/proposal;
3. Participate in surveys related to SISA that may be conducted by your service provider or the South Australian Government;
4. Create a business that has the potential to become a sustainable high-growth start-up, with the future potential to employ South Australians;
5. Assist in building the capacity of the South Australian business community through engagement with the local entrepreneurial and innovation community;
6. Maintain primary residence in South Australia and contribute to the South Australian economy and community.

Immigration SA also provides a more detailed list of obligations.

408 Temporary Activity Visa processing times

According to Immigration SA, it currently takes eco-system service providers an average of 8 weeks to process applications for support. It then takes Immigration SA a further 2 weeks to process applications that have secured service provider support. Once SA government endorsement is secured, the application to the Department of Home Affairs is merely a formality. However, this may still take some further time to be processed.

Do You Need Help with An Australian Visa Application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications, including state sponsorship applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer-Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as Migration Review Tribunal, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sources:

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/resources/faq/supporting-innovation-in-south-australia-sisa#06

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/entrepreneur/endorsement-application-process

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/upload/publications/State%20nomination%20migration/Temporary_Activity_visa_checklist.pdf

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-activity-408

https://apply.migration.sa.gov.au/user/login.php

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/resources/faq/supporting-innovation-in-south-australia-sisa?q=SISA

https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/services/temporary-activity-training-specialist-visas/temporary-activity-visa.html

https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/peterdutton/Pages/supporting-innovation-in-south-australia.aspx

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/entrepreneur/eligibility-criteria-and-requirements?q=SISA

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/entrepreneur/south-australian-innovation-eco-system-providers

Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) State Nomination 188/132 Re-Opened for South Australia

Immigration SA has re-opened the application system for Business Innovation and Investment State nomination 188/132 on Monday 9^th July 2018. With the re-opening of the Business and Investment State nomination 188/132 applications it is very important to remember that there is a quota that determines the availability of applications. This means that there are limited places available and that the system will close again. As a result, it is important to apply as soon as possible.