Need help? We are available to speak to you 7 days a weekRead More

Australia's largest independent migration law firm. Get a FREE Consultation T&C's apply

Need help? We are available 7 days a week.

Cross symbol icon
Blank Image
0800 010 010
About UsAwardsVisa GuidesMediaResultsNews & UpdatesCareersCalculators
Partner Visas
Family & Parent Visas
Skilled & Work Visas
Protection Visas
Appeals & Cancellations
Other Visas
Open 7 days
Smartphone icon
1300 150 745

Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement

Sponsor Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers Across Regional NSW

If your business in regional NSW is facing a skills shortage it cannot fill locally, the Orana DAMA gives you access to a broader occupation list and concessions on standard visa requirements. It now covers the Orana, Central West, Southern Inland, Murray, and Riverina RDA regions. At Australian Migration Lawyers, we guide employers across these regions through the DAMA process, from endorsement through to visa grant.

Ranked Best Lawyers
2026 & 2027

Winner of the
Australian Law Awards

Ranked Best Law
Firms Australia 2027

Ranked in Doyle’s
Guide Leading Immigration
Lawyers 2023-26

Chat icon graphic

Claim your consultation

Tell us about your situation, and we will get back to you shortly.

‍

Disclaimer copy

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Chat icon graphic

Claim your consultation

Tell us about your situation, and we will get back to you shortly.

‍

Disclaimer copy

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Overview

A Five-Year Agreement That's Expanded Well Beyond Orana

The Orana DAMA is a five-year labour agreement between the Australian Government and Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana. What started as an agreement for the Orana region alone has since grown to take in the Central West, Southern Inland, Murray, and Riverina RDA regions too. Businesses in any of these areas can draw on a wider set of eligible occupations than standard skilled migration allows, along with negotiated flexibility on things like age, English language, and salary, where local recruitment hasn't worked.

Who Administers This DAMA

The Designated Area Representative (DAR) for this DAMA is RDA Orana. RDA Orana assesses employer endorsement applications on the region's behalf before the Department of Home Affairs considers a labour agreement request. The two approvals are separate, and endorsement does not guarantee that Home Affairs will approve the subsequent labour agreement or visa.

Who This DAMA Is For

This DAMA is for employers, not individual workers. A worker cannot apply for a DAMA labour agreement independently and must have a genuine job offer from a business that already holds, or is seeking, endorsement under this DAMA.

The Australian Migration Lawyers difference

Eligibility for Employers

To be endorsed by RDA Orana for this DAMA, a business must show:

Genuine operation within one of the DAMA's participating RDA regions

A workforce need it has been unable to meet through the Australian labour market, despite genuine recruitment efforts

Compliance with standard sponsorship obligations under the Migration Regulations

That the requested occupation is on the current Orana DAMA occupation list, noting that a small number of occupations are only available under this DAMA where the employer's industry differs from an existing Industry Labour Agreement covering that same occupation

Eligibility for Skilled Workers

To be sponsored under the Orana DAMA, a worker generally needs:

A genuine, full-time job offer from a business that holds, or is actively seeking, DAR endorsement for this DAMA

An occupation listed on the current Orana DAMA occupation list

Skills, qualifications, and experience matching the nominated occupation's requirements, including a skills assessment where required

English language test results meeting the standard visa requirement, or the concession available for the specific occupation

Health and character clearances

50+ years

years of combined experience

100% success rate

for Partner visas for genuine and continuing spousal relationships

Experienced

migration lawyers and migration agents representing clients at tribunal and court level

Award winning

law firm, recognised as leading migration lawyers and migration agents

Occupation List and Concessions

The Orana DAMA currently covers 129 eligible occupations across sectors experiencing genuine shortages in regional NSW, farming and food production, healthcare, hospitality, trades, and transport among them. Concessions vary by occupation, not every occupation qualifies for every concession type, and all concessions must be specifically requested as part of the endorsement application.

Selected Occupations Under the Orana DAMA

Occupation ANZSCO Code Skill Level Salary Concession English Concession Age Concession
Aged or Disabled Carer4231114YesNo55
Registered Nurse (Aged Care)2544121NoNo55
General Practitioner2531111NoNo55
Motor Mechanic (General)3212113YesYes55
Electrician (General)3411113NoNo55
Chef3513112NoYes55
Cook3514113YesYes55
Butcher or Smallgoods Maker3512113YesYes55
Meat Process Worker8313115YesYes50
Fruit or Nut Picker8412125YesYes50
Vegetable Picker841215/8422215YesYes50
Truck Driver (General)7331114NoYes55
Forklift Driver7213114YesYes55
Excavator Operator7212144YesYes55
Bricklayer3311113NoNo55
Carpenter3312123NoNo55
Storeperson7411114YesYes55
Child Care Worker4211113YesNo55
Café or Restaurant Manager1411112YesNo55
Veterinary Nurse3613113YesNo55

This is a representative selection across skill levels and industries, not the full list. Contact us and we can confirm where your occupation sits and which concessions apply.

Age Concession

  • Skill Level 1 to 4 occupations: age concession up to 55 years
  • Skill Level 5 occupations: age concession up to 50 years

English Language Concession

Subclass 482 and 494: eligible occupations may accept an overall score of 5.0 (IELTS or equivalent), with no minimum score required in any individual component, unless a registration or licensing body requires a higher standard.

Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): eligible occupations may accept an overall IELTS score of 5.0, with no individual component below 4.0, or the equivalent accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.

Employers seeking this concession must explain, as part of the endorsement request, why a lower English standard is appropriate for the role and how any workplace health and safety risk will be managed.

Salary Concession

The Orana DAMA offers two salary concession types against the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), currently $79,423 excluding superannuation:

  • Type 1: monetary earnings alone must be at least 90 per cent of TSMIT/CSIT, approximately $71,481, while still meeting the relevant industrial award and Annual Market Salary Rate for the occupation and location
  • Type 2: monetary earnings must be at least 90 per cent of TSMIT/CSIT, with non-monetary earnings such as food and board making up no more than 10 per cent, but here the total package, monetary plus non-monetary combined, must still equal at least the full TSMIT/CSIT

Guaranteed earnings such as housing, a company car, or guaranteed overtime can count toward either type if they're genuinely valued and written into the employment contract. Not every occupation on the Orana DAMA list qualifies for a TSMIT/CSIT concession, check the current occupation list for the specific occupation.

Fee image

DAR Endorsement

RDA Orana charges an endorsement processing fee of $990 excluding GST per position for the first five positions requested, and $550 excluding GST per position after that. Other costs may apply separately, including skills verification for selected occupations, the Department of Home Affairs nomination and visa application charges, and the Skilling Australians Fund levy.

How the Process Works for This DAMA

1

Step 1: DAR Endorsement

The employer applies to RDA Orana for endorsement, with evidence of business operations, genuine workforce need, and recruitment efforts, along with the processing fee.

2

Step 2: Labour Agreement and Nomination

Once endorsed, the employer applies to the Department of Home Affairs for a labour agreement, then nominates the specific position and worker.

3

Step 3: Visa Application

The worker lodges a Subclass 482, 494, or 186 visa application against the approved nomination.

Book consultation
Residency image

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Orana DAMA includes a genuinely shortened pathway to permanent residency for eligible workers. A worker sponsored under this DAMA on a Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa may become eligible for the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa after living and working in the Orana DAMA region for just 2 years, rather than the standard 3.

A worker on a Subclass 494 visa under this DAMA can apply for the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence Skilled Regional) visa after the standard 3 years, this pathway sits outside the DAMA itself and does not require employer nomination.

Talk to Our Migration Lawyers About the Orana DAMA

If your business operates in regional NSW and has a genuine skills shortage it cannot fill locally, our migration lawyers can confirm whether the Orana DAMA applies to you and guide you through endorsement, labour agreement, and visa stages.

Book consultation

Ask about our No Visa, No Fee options. T's and C's apply.

Australian Migration Lawyers

Award-winning Immigration Lawyers

Our office brings nationally recognised immigration law expertise directly to the clients. Every award listed below was earned through independent assessment, including peer review, client feedback, and workplace audits. When you work with our immigration lawyers, you are working with a firm whose quality has been verified from the outside.

2027
|
Best Lawyers
Best Law Firms Australia

Australian Migration Lawyers is ranked in the 2027 Best Law Firms - Australia edition by Best Lawyers. Firm rankings are determined through client feedback, peer nominations, and overall market reputation. Inclusion confirms the firm delivers top-tier legal services in immigration law at a national level.

Read More
2027
|
Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers in Australia™ Immigration Law

Perry Q. Wood is recognised in the 2027 Best Lawyers in Australia™ edition for Immigration Law. This ranking is awarded exclusively through confidential peer review by senior lawyers in the same practice area. It is the leading global legal directory benchmark.

Read More
2026
|
Doyle's Guide
Leading Immigration Law

Perry Q. Wood is ranked as a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Victoria in Doyle's Guide 2026. Four consecutive years of inclusion in Doyle's Guide establishes a verified, long-term record of excellence and peer recognition in Australian immigration law.

Read More
View all awards

Meet your Australian Migration Lawyer

We’re a diverse team of professionals with decades of combined experience. We care about your situation and will make sure you always get the support and advice you need.
Perry Q Wood

Perry Q Wood

Partner

View Profile
Dr Cindy Zhao

Cindy Zhao 趙青

Partner - Legal & Medical/Health Practice Lead

View Profile
Madeleine Scanlon Headshot

Madeleine Scanlon

Partner

View Profile

Benjamin Magill

Associate Partner - Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
Don (Susantha) Katugampala

Don (Susantha) Katugampala

Accredited Specialist

View Profile
Saemeh Ghasemi Australian Migration Lawyer

Saemeh Ghasemi

Associate Partner - Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile

Arthur Seremetis

Special Counsel

View Profile
headshot of Cherlyn Teo

Cherlyn Teo (CPA)

Head of Finance and Trust Accounting

View Profile
Neil Williams Headshot

Neil Williams

Chief Information Officer

View Profile
Shereen El-Ali

Shereen El Ali

Special Counsel

View Profile

Kate Colston

Head of Client Experience

View Profile

Andrew Euan

Regions Manager

View Profile
Walt Calis

Walt Calis

Senior Associate - Senior Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile

Nicholas Merlin Esq.

Senior Associate - Senior Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
headshot of joshua coulson

Joshua Coulson

Senior Associate - Senior Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
Oliver Thomas Christensen

Oliver Thomas Christensen

Senior Associate - Senior Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile

Ella Pullin

Senior Associate - Senior Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile

Larisa Stoian

Senior Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile

Olivia Parrott

Assistant Manager

View Profile
headshot of taahira rajudin

Taahira Rajudin

Managing Associate – Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
headshot of micah schembri

Micah Schembri

Managing Associate – Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
Carolyn Salman

Carolyn Salman

Managing Associate - Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
headshot of yasmin hicks

Yasmin Hicks

Associate – Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
headshot of mariam hassan

Mariam Hassan

Associate - Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
Terrance Chu Headshot

Terrance Chu

Associate - Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
headshot of annalise pope

Annalise Pope

Associate - Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
Moniroth Ieng

Moniroth Ieng

Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile

Myra Sehgal

Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
Sam Prasad

Sam Prasad

Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile

Jessica Myers-Denton

Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile

Tabarak Nader

Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile

Maryam Sadah

Australian Migration Lawyer

View Profile
Ali Shefaju

Ali Shefaju

Legal Secretary

View Profile

Evette Sheridan

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile
headshot of jenny zhou

Jenny Zhou

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile
Crystal Johnston posing with a professional backdrop.

Crystal Johnston

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile
Gerard Gupit Australian Legal Executive

Gerard Gupit

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile

Zhara Pope

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile

Sophia Smith

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile
Hannah Warner Headshot

Hannah Warner

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile
Hayley Kim Australian Legal Executive

Hayley Kim

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile
Australian Legal Executive

Mimi Tran

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile
Adele Papon

Adele Papon

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile
Kristy Man

Kristy Man

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile

Sonia Duggal

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile

Ash Torre

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile

Nina Kanoun

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile

Alvin Lin

Australian Legal Executive

View Profile

We have experience working with LGBTIQ+ visas across Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a labour agreement between the Australian Government and RDA Orana, now covering the Orana, Central West, Southern Inland, Murray, and Riverina RDA regions, allowing endorsed employers to sponsor overseas workers in occupations experiencing genuine skill and labour shortages.

No, not anymore. It has expanded to also cover the Central West, Southern Inland, Murray, and Riverina RDA regions of NSW.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana administers endorsement for this DAMA.

Yes. RDA Orana charges $990 excluding GST per position for the first five positions, and $550 excluding GST per position after that.

Yes, for the Subclass 482 to Subclass 186 pathway. Eligible workers may become eligible after 2 years living and working in the region, rather than the standard 3.

This page provides general legal information, not legal advice, and doesn't take into account your individual circumstances. If your situation is time-sensitive, we'd encourage you to book a consultation with our team as soon as possible to get advice specific to you.

Claim your free consultation

Tell us a little about your situation, and one of our migration lawyers will contact you as soon as possible.

AML logo
Visas
Partner and family visasWork and skilled visasProtection visasVisa Appeals
Company
About usNews & UpdatesCareersContactWhite smartphone illustration
1300 150 745
Visas
Partner VisasParent VisasFamily VisasProtection VisasSkilled & Work VisasSkills In Demand VisaEmployer Nomination Scheme VisaVisa Appeals & Cancellations
Locations
Migration Lawyers AdelaideMigration Lawyers BrisbaneMigration Lawyers CanberraMigration Lawyers DarwinMigration Lawyers Gold CoastMigration Lawyers HobartMigration Lawyers MelbourneMigration Lawyers PerthMigration Lawyers Sydney
Resources
Create An IMMI AccountSuccess StoriesNews & UpdatesVisa GuidesPartner Visa Pathway AssessmentSkilled Visa Fee EstimatorEmployer - Sponsored Visa Fee CalculatorPR Points CalculatorCitizenship Practice Test
Company
About UsAwardsAreas We ServeCareers
Terms & Conditions

|

Privacy Policy

*Terms only available for selected circumstances and visa types

Australian Migration Lawyers © 2026 - Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Legal Practitioner Number 5513032.

Important Information Regarding the Use of the Term 'Partner'

We are an incorporated legal practice which is a corporation for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001. The use of the title ‘Partner’ by a lawyer in this practice is used to denote seniority and does not and is not intended to signify that the practice is contracting otherwise than as a corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, any such title does not and is not intended to signify that a partnership within the definition of the Partnership Act exists at law.