Construction Workers & WA Employers: How to Benefit from the Construction Visa Subsidy Program & WA DAMA

Are you a construction worker looking for job opportunities in Australia? Or are you a Western Australian employer struggling to find skilled workers for your business?

There’s great news! The Australian government has launched the Construction Visa Subsidy Program, making it easier for WA employers to sponsor overseas construction workers under the Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement (WA DAMA).

Even if you're over 45, the WA DAMA program allows you to qualify for an employer-sponsored visa with age, English, salary, and work experience concessions—opportunities not available under standard employer-sponsored visas.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

✅ How the Construction Visa Subsidy Program works

✅ How WA businesses can sponsor skilled construction workers under DAMA

✅ The benefits of WA DAMA for workers over 45

✅ Why NOW is the best time to take advantage of these programs

Construction Visa Subsidy Program – What You Need to Know

The Construction Visa Subsidy Program is an initiative by the Western Australian government to support businesses and skilled workers in the construction industry.

🔹 How does it work?

The program provides financial support to eligible construction businesses and skilled workers to cover visa and relocation costs.

The goal is to tackle WA’s critical construction worker shortages and help speed up visa processing.

The subsidy is available for various employer-sponsored visas, including:✔ Temporary Skill Shortage (482) Visa✔ Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) Visa✔ Employer Nominated Scheme (186) Visa

🔹 Who benefits from this subsidy?

✅ Construction workers wanting to migrate to Australia

✅ WA employers who need skilled workers but struggle with sponsorship costs

✅ Businesses looking for government support to bring in overseas workers

If you work in construction, this is the perfect opportunity to secure a sponsored visa and move to Australia!

WA DAMA – A Game Changer for Employers & Workers

The Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement (WA DAMA) allows businesses to sponsor skilled o

verseas workers with unique concessions that make migration more accessible.

🔹 What makes WA DAMA different from standard employer-sponsored visas?

✅ Age Concession – If you're over 45, you may still qualify for an employer-sponsored visa and permanent residency (up to 55 years old).

✅ English Language Concession – Lower English requirements for many occupations.

✅ Salary Concession – Some roles allow a lower salary threshold under DAMA.

✅ Work Experience Concession – Reduced experience requirements for skilled workers.

✅ Fast-Tracked Employer Sponsorship – WA businesses can fill workforce shortages quickly.

🔹 Which visas are eligible under WA DAMA?

✔ Temporary Skill Shortage (482) Visa

✔ Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) Visa

✔ Employer Nominated Scheme (186) Visa (Permanent Residency Pathway)

WA DAMA is perfect for construction workers looking for a smoother and more flexible migration pathway to Australia.

WA Employers – How to Sponsor Skilled Construction Workers Under WA DAMA

Western Australia is experiencing a major skills shortage in construction, and WA DAMA makes it easier for businesses to fill these gaps

📌 Steps for WA Businesses to Sponsor Workers Under DAMA

✔ Obtain Endorsement – Businesses must first get WA DAMA Endorsement from the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

Apply for a Labour Agreement – Once endorsed, businesses can apply for a Labour Agreement with Home Affairs.

✔ Nominate Skilled Workers – Employers can sponsor workers for a 482, 494, or 186 visa under WA DAMA, with age, salary, and English concessions.

🔹 Common Construction Occupations Eligible for WA DAMA Sponsorship:

✔ Carpenters

✔ Bricklayers

✔ Electricians

✔ Plumbers

✔ Civil Engineers

✔ Construction Estimators

✔ Heavy Vehicle Mechanics

✔ Fencers

✔ Scaffolders

And many more skilled construction roles!

If you are an employer in WA, now is the time to sponsor overseas workers and secure government support for hiring!

Over 45? You Can Still Get Sponsored Under WA DAMA!

One of the biggest challenges for older workers is age restrictions on skilled visas. But under WA DAMA, the maximum age limit is extended from 45 to 55 for certain occupations.

📌 Key Benefits for Workers Over 45:

✅ Qualify for an employer-sponsored visa even if you're over 45

✅ English test concessions – No need for high scores

✅ Lower salary & work experience requirements for some occupations

✅ Pathway to Permanent Residency under the ENS (Subclass 186) Visa

So, if you’ve been told you’re too old for skilled migration, this is your chance to secure an Australian work visa!

Final Thoughts & How We Can Help

📌 The Construction Visa Subsidy Program and WA DAMA sponsorship provide huge opportunities for construction workers and employers.

🔹 If you’re a construction worker – this is your best chance to migrate to Australia under an employer-sponsored visa.

🔹 If you’re an employer in WA – now is the time to sponsor overseas workers while government support is available.

Need help with the process?

Our team of highly experienced registered migration agents specializes in employer sponsorship, skilled migration, and complex visa cases.

Disclaimer:

The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education is for general informational purposes only. While accurate at the time of publication, details may change. This content is not intended as legal or migration advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please book a consultation with a