South Australian employers have welcomed the news that both of the state’s Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) have been extended until 30 June 2026, ensuring continued access to skilled overseas workers in critical sectors across the state. Alongside the extension, a significant update has been announced: eligible 482 visa holders under the Skills in Demand (SID) program can now apply for permanent residency (PR) through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after just two years.
This change reduces the required waiting period from three years to two, giving businesses a stronger tool to attract and retain international talent. South Australia also continues to offer major DAMA concessions including relaxed age, income, English, and work experience requirements, providing greater flexibility compared to standard skilled migration pathways.
Extension of both DAMAs until 30 June 2026
The extension applies to:
- Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA – covering metropolitan areas and high-growth industries such as defence, space, and advanced technology
- South Australian Regional Workforce DAMA – spanning the entire state, including key regional industries such as agriculture, health, construction, and hospitality
Both agreements retain the full list of approved occupations, accessible on the Move to South Australia website. These DAMAs help businesses address local skill shortages by allowing sponsorship of workers in roles not included in standard skilled occupation lists.
Concessions that make hiring easier
Key program concessions continue to apply, including:
- An age concession up to 55 years, allowing businesses to tap into experienced global talent
- A 10% reduction to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which lowers the salary floor when nominating workers, making recruitment financially more viable
- English language and work experience concessions, enabling employers to access candidates who meet the role requirements but may not fully satisfy standard visa thresholds
These settings are especially useful in regional and hard-to-fill roles, providing flexibility where it’s needed most.
New PR pathway after two years on a 482 visa
A standout feature of this extension is the reduction in the transitional period from a Skills in Demand (SID) subclass 482 visa to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa. Eligible workers can now apply for permanent residency after only two years on the 482 visa, down from the previous three-year requirement.
This adjustment gives South Australian employers a competitive edge in attracting and retaining skilled overseas staff. By offering a faster, more defined path to permanent residency, employers can increase the appeal of job offers and improve workforce stability.
Industry Labour Agreements to take precedence from 1 July 2025
From 1 July 2025, employers must note an important restriction: if an occupation is included under a specific Industry Labour Agreement (ILA), it can no longer be accessed via the South Australian DAMA. This change affects industries such as aged care, meat processing, dairy, horticulture, fishing, and hospitality, which now have their own dedicated labour agreements with fixed terms and conditions.
For example, Aged Care providers must now use the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) to sponsor direct care workers such as Personal Care Assistants and Aged or Disabled Carers. These ILAs offer tailored settings including streamlined pathways, English concessions, and minimum salary thresholds specific to the sector.
Employers using DAMA arrangements should review their occupation lists and assess whether an ILA applies, as incorrect program use could result in visa refusals or compliance breaches.
Looking ahead: a new five-year statewide DAMA in development
In addition to this extension, the South Australian Government has confirmed it will enter negotiations with the Commonwealth Government during 2025–26 to establish a new five-year statewide DAMA. This future agreement aims to consolidate migration settings and potentially widen access to more regions and occupations, aligned with economic development strategies and emerging workforce priorities.
For now, the extension to June 2026 provides welcome certainty for employers already operating under DAMA arrangements, while encouraging new businesses to explore this targeted migration solution.
What businesses should consider now?
With the South Australia DAMA extended and a new PR pathway available, employers should take proactive steps to align their workforce strategy:
- Review sponsored positions: to confirm whether they remain eligible under the SA DAMA or now fall under an Industry Labour Agreement (ILA).
- Plan PR nominations: to leverage the shortened two-year 482 to 186 visa pathway for eligible candidates.
- Use DAMA concessions: to attract skilled workers, especially where English, income, or age may have previously been barriers.
- Prepare for compliance updates: from 1 July 2025 to avoid delays or nomination refusals.
- Adjust recruitment timelines: to benefit from current program settings before the new statewide DAMA is introduced.
Need strategic guidance on DAMA or industry labour agreements?
Understanding which migration pathway best suits your workforce needs, whether through a Designated Area Migration Agreement or a specific Industry Labour Agreement, can be complex, especially with changing eligibility rules and program concessions
At Absolute Immigration Legal, we work closely with businesses to ensure your recruitment and sponsorship strategies are fully compliant and aligned with current migration frameworks, including DAMA access, PR pathways, and visa nomination planning.
Contact our team at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com for expert advice on how to make the most of South Australia’s DAMA program and navigate recent changes with confidence.