Top Occupations on the Perth DAMA Occupation List [2025–2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The Perth DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) occupation list offers skilled workers a pathway to permanent residency in Western Australia with concessions on age, English, and experience—unlike standard skilled visas. Key occupations include chefs, ICT managers, and civil engineers, with streamlined requirements under the 2025–2026 arrangement.

What is a DAMA, and how does the Perth DAMA work?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a tailored labour agreement between a regional area and the Australian Government, allowing businesses in that area to sponsor skilled overseas workers for occupations facing local shortages. The Perth DAMA, specifically the South West DAMA (which covers Greater Perth and surrounding regions), offers concessions on standard visa requirements—such as lower English scores, reduced salary thresholds, and age limits up to 55—to attract talent to Western Australia’s growing economy.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official DAMA information page, these agreements are designed to address labour market gaps not covered by the standard skilled migration program. The Perth DAMA has become increasingly popular in 2025–2026 due to its specific list of occupations and flexibility for employers in key industries like healthcare, IT, and hospitality.

Which occupations are on the Perth DAMA list for 2025–2026?

The Perth DAMA occupation list (also known as the South West DAMA) includes over 70 occupations across skilled, semi-skilled, and specialist roles. As of the 2025–2026 agreement, the most high-demand occupations are:

• Chef and Cook
• ICT Project Manager / Systems Analyst
• Civil Engineer
• Registered Nurse (Aged Care, Medical)
• Electrician
• Motor Mechanic
• Accountant (with CPA/CA)
• Dental Technician
• Aged or Disability Care Worker
• Welder/Boilermaker

Key concessions for these roles include:

• Age concession: Up to 55 years (instead of the standard 45) for most occupations.
• English concession: Reduced IELTS scores (e.g., overall 5.5 with no band below 5.0) for certain roles.
• Skill level exemption: Some roles require less than Diploma-level qualifications.

Always check the Western Australia State Government’s DAMA page for the latest official list, as it updates annually.

Am I eligible for the Perth DAMA if my occupation is on the list?

Your occupation being on the list is only step one. Eligibility involves meeting three core requirements:

1. Employer sponsorship – A business in the Perth region must nominate you under the DAMA. The employer must prove they cannot find an Australian worker (Labour Market Testing).
2. Skills and experience – Minimum 1–2 years paid work in the occupation (less than standard visas). For some roles, on-the-job experience can substitute formal qualifications.
3. English language – Most occupations require IELTS 5.0–6.0 overall (concession levels apply). Use the NovenAI English Level Guide to quickly check your score.

Example: A Chef with 2 years’ experience and IELTS 5.5 can qualify under the Perth DAMA, even if they are 50 years old—unlike a standard ENS visa which caps age at 45.

What are the main differences between the Perth DAMA and standard skilled visas?

For a full assessment of your points and eligibility, try the NovenAI PR Points Calculator—it incorporates DAMA-specific concessions automatically.

How do I apply for the Perth DAMA—step by step?

Applying for the Perth DAMA is a multi-stage process. Follow these actionable steps:

1. Check the current occupation list – Confirm your occupation is on the 2025–2026 list via the WA state migration website.
2. Find a sponsoring employer – Network with Perth businesses, use LinkedIn, or approach recruitment agencies specialising in labour agreements. The employer must apply to nominate you.
3. Gather your documents – Proof of work experience (pay slips, contracts), English test results (IELTS/PTE), and skills assessment (if required).
4. Submit EOI and nomination – The employer lodges a nomination with the Department of Home Affairs, then you apply for the relevant visa (usually Subclass 494 or 482).
5. Use NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor – Input your profile (age, occupation, English score) to see your likelihood of DAMA approval and get personalised tips.

What if my occupation is not on the Perth DAMA list—what are my options?

If your occupation is not listed, consider these alternatives:

• Standard skilled visa – Apply under the subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or 190 (State Nominated) if your occupation appears on the national Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Other regional DAMAs – Explore the Northern Territory DAMA or South Australia DAMA, which may include different roles.
• Employer-sponsored 482 visa – This does not require a DAMA list but demands higher English and age standards.

For a custom evaluation of your chances across all visa types, use the NovenAI PR Points Calculator to score your profile and compare pathways.

Conclusion

The Perth DAMA occupation list for 2025–2026 is a golden ticket for mid-career professionals, tradespeople, and care workers who don’t meet standard visa age or English requirements. With over 70 occupations available and flexible concessions, your path to permanent residency in Western Australia is clearer than ever. Don’t let complex rules hold you back—embrace this tailored agreement designed to fill real skills gaps.

Take the next step today: Check your eligibility for the Perth DAMA with NovenAI’s free tools at https://www.novenai.com—your 24/7 AI migration mentor.