WA Goldfields DAMA Enters Transition Period

On 5 June 2026, the Migration Institute of Australia published MIA Notice 63, confirming that the WA Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) has formally entered its transition period. This development has direct consequences for employers operating under the agreement and for skilled workers holding or seeking visas under the Subclass 494 or Subclass 482 framework tied to this DAMA.

The Goldfields DAMA covers the Kalgoorlie-Boulder region and surrounding areas in Western Australia. It provides access to a broader occupational list and more flexible skills and English language concessions than standard employer-sponsored visa programs. Its transition status means that existing arrangements are being wound down under a defined timetable.

What Is a DAMA Transition Period?

A DAMA transition period occurs when a Designated Area Migration Agreement approaches its expiry and the relevant parties, being the Australian Government and the designated area authority, have not yet executed a renewed agreement. During this window, the agreement is not immediately cancelled, but new labour agreements under the DAMA framework are generally no longer available to employers who have not already executed an individual labour agreement.

Critically, employers who already hold an executed individual labour agreement (ILA) under the Goldfields DAMA may continue to sponsor and nominate workers under the existing terms, subject to the specific conditions and expiry date of their ILA. Employers who have not yet executed an ILA will generally be unable to access the DAMA concessions going forward.

Who Is Affected?

The transition affects three distinct groups.

Existing 494 visa holders sponsored under the Goldfields DAMA retain their current visa conditions for the duration of their visa grant. However, any pathway toward the Subclass 186 permanent residence visa via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream requires careful timing. The 186 TRT nomination must generally be lodged while the nominating employer's ILA remains valid.

Existing 482 visa holders sponsored under the Goldfields DAMA are similarly protected for the life of their current visa grant. If renewal or extension is required, the employer's ILA status becomes a critical factor. Where an ILA has lapsed or was never executed, the worker may need to transition to the standard 482 program, which carries different occupation and skills requirements.

Employers with pending or intended nominations must act promptly. If your organisation has an executed ILA that remains valid, lodge any outstanding nominations before the ILA's expiry date. Do not assume an extension or renewal is automatic.

Pathway to Permanent Residence: Timing Is Critical

For workers on a Subclass 494 visa under the Goldfields DAMA, permanent residence is accessible through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence, Skilled Regional) visa after three years of regional residence and employment. This pathway is tied to the worker's visa grant, not to the DAMA's status, so most existing 494 holders are not immediately disrupted on their PR timeline.

For workers on a Subclass 482 visa pursuing permanent residence via the 186 TRT stream, the two-year employment requirement with the same employer must be satisfied while the employer's sponsorship and nomination capacity remain active. If an employer's ILA lapses before the TRT lodgement, legal advice should be sought immediately.

Practical Steps for Employers

1. Locate your executed ILA and confirm its expiry date.
2. Identify all current employees sponsored under the Goldfields DAMA and the visa expiry dates for each.
3. Determine whether any 186 TRT nominations are eligible to be lodged now, before the ILA expires.
4. For any workers not yet nominated, assess whether the standard 482 or 494 program (without DAMA concessions) can accommodate their occupation and skills profile.
5. Seek legal advice before the ILA expiry date. Do not wait for a reminder from the Department of Home Affairs.

Practical Steps for Visa Holders

1. Confirm with your employer whether the organisation holds an executed ILA and its current status.
2. Check your current visa grant period and identify the earliest date you become eligible for a permanent residence pathway.
3. If you are on a 482 visa and intending to apply for 186 TRT, verify that your two-year employment requirement will be met before your employer's ILA lapses.
4. Do not rely solely on your employer to manage DAMA-related deadlines. Engage an independent migration lawyer to assess your individual position.

Key Takeaways

• MIA Notice 63 (5 June 2026) confirms the WA Goldfields DAMA is in transition.
• Subclass 494 and 482 visa holders sponsored under this DAMA retain their current visa conditions, but future sponsorships and nominations depend on the employer's ILA status.
• Employers without an executed ILA can no longer access Goldfields DAMA concessions for new nominations.
• Workers pursuing permanent residence via the 186 TRT stream must verify that their employer's ILA remains valid at the time of nomination lodgement.
• Proactive legal advice is strongly recommended for both employers and workers before any ILA expiry date is reached.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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