For employers · DAMA · Timeline
DAMA processing time: how long a DAMA visa takes
A DAMA case has four stages: endorsement by the region's representative, the business's labour agreement, the nomination and the worker's visa. Home Affairs publishes processing times only for the visa. Here they are (updated 2 November 2026), with what to expect from the stages it does not publish.
By Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536) since 2015 · WIDEN, Sydney · Reviewed on 11 November 2026 · Check the OMARA register
Keshab Chapagain · MARN 1576536 · Registered since 2015 - 494 (DAMA) visa
- 50% in 86 days
- 482 (DAMA) visa
- 50% in 6 months
- 186 (DAMA) visa
- 50% in 44 days
- Endorsement
- Set by each region
The migration agent that other migration agents learn from. WIDEN is an OMARA-approved CPD provider — our training is rated ★4.8 by 40+ registered migration agents.
About the CPD →The four stages
- Endorsement. The business applies to the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for the region, showing it has genuinely tried to recruit Australians first. A DAMA will not be endorsed where an industry labour agreement already covers the industry.
- Labour agreement. With the endorsement, the business lodges a labour agreement request in ImmiAccount. An approved agreement generally lasts five years and sets the occupations, numbers and concessions it can use.
- Nomination. Each position is nominated under the agreement.
- Visa. The worker applies for the 482, 494 or 186 in the labour agreement stream.
Visa processing times
| Visa (DAMA uses this stream) | 50% within | 90% within |
|---|---|---|
| 494, Labour Agreement stream | 86 days | 13 months |
| 482, Labour Agreement stream | 6 months | 10 months |
| 186, Agreement Pathway | 44 days | 13 months |
Source: Home Affairs global visa processing times, updated 2 November 2026. These cover all labour agreement cases, not DAMA cases alone, and describe applications already finalised. The wide gap between the 50% and 90% figures for the 494 and 186 means a start date should be planned on the longer figure.
What slows a DAMA case
- Weak evidence of local recruitment. Both the DAR and Home Affairs expect a genuine attempt to hire Australians first.
- An occupation or concession the agreement does not cover. Each head agreement has its own list and terms; check them with the DAR before you apply.
- An industry already covered by an industry labour agreement, where Home Affairs says a DAMA will not be endorsed.
- Incomplete labour agreement requests, which lead to requests for more information.
- A worker whose evidence is not ready when the nomination is approved.
Home Affairs also says it is supporting a transition to state and territory-led DAMAs, so confirm the current terms with your representative before you start.
Find your DAMA
Home Affairs lists 13 DAMAs. Each region's page gives the representative, the area covered and the steps: DAMA by region.
Plan the DAMA timeline before you recruit
In a consultation Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536, registered since 2015) checks whether your business, location and occupations fit a DAMA (or whether an industry agreement or the standard 494 is quicker), what the endorsement and agreement request need, and a realistic timeline. A$330 inc. GST for 30 minutes or A$550 for 60 minutes, credited in full if you engage the practice. No processing time or outcome can be promised.
In other currencies: A$330 is about US$225, €205 or £170; A$550 is about US$380, €340 or £285 (approximate, November 2026).
General information, not migration advice. Sources: Home Affairs DAMA page and global visa processing times, read 11 November 2026.
Not sure which visa fits you?
Answer three questions. An automated guide points you to the route that usually applies. General information only.
Book 30 minutes with Keshab.
Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536), reads your situation with you and tells you which route fits, what it costs and what happens next.
Video consultation. A$330 inc. GST for 30 minutes, credited in full if you go ahead. Advice on your own case is given in the consultation, and you leave it with a clear plan in writing.
What you get
- 30 minutes (A$330) or 60 minutes (A$550) by video with a registered migration agent, Keshab Chapagain, MARN 1576536.
- A written summary of your options and next steps after the session.
- What to bring: ABN, what the business does, the role and salary, the candidate’s CV and current visa.
- Prefer no call? The sponsorship readiness check is done in writing, A$550.
Book an employer sponsorship consultation — A$330 inc. GST, credited In writing, no call — A$550
Need 60 minutes, or bringing a partner, employer or documents to go through? Extended consultation, A$550 inc. GST.
MARN 1576536 · practising since 2015 · contact details
Questions we get asked first
How long does a DAMA visa take?
DAMA visas are processed in the labour agreement streams. Home Affairs reports 50% of 494 Labour Agreement visas decided within 86 days (90% within 13 months), 482 Labour Agreement visas within 6 months (90% within 10 months) and 186 Agreement Pathway visas within 44 days (90% within 13 months), updated 2 November 2026. The employer's endorsement and labour agreement come first.
How long does DAMA endorsement take?
Each Designated Area Representative sets its own process, and Home Affairs publishes no time for endorsement or for the labour agreement request that follows. Ask the representative for its current timing, and plan in months for the agreement stage.
Can the worker apply as soon as the business is endorsed?
No. After endorsement the business lodges a labour agreement request with Home Affairs; only once the agreement is approved can it nominate the worker, and the visa follows the nomination.
Is the DAMA program changing?
Home Affairs lists 13 DAMAs in place and says it is supporting the transition to state and territory-led DAMAs. Check the representative's page for the current occupation list and terms before you start.
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