Step-by-step guide to the DAMA application process for the Orana region

Step 1:

Have a good read of the information contained on this website.

Step 2:

Make an appointment for a pre-lodgement meeting with RDA Orana. At this meeting, RDA Orana will discuss your suitability for endorsement under the Orana DAMA. If you have already had previous discussions with us in regard to an application or are a migration agent, you can skip this step. This initial interview will check that:

1. The applicant business meets the requirements for business endorsement by the Orana Designated Area Representative (DAR) for the Orana DAMA
2. The intended position is on the current skills list for the Orana DAMA
3. Confirm that Labour Market Testing (LMT) has been correctly conducted
4. Determine what concessions will be required for each intended position
5. You have the documents required on the 2204-ORANA DAMA DOCUMENT CHECKLIST 

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will then be able to apply. This is another great chance to discuss any of your concerns before submission.

Step 3:

If you’ve met the labour market testing requirements, complete the form supplied to you following your meeting with us and work through the requirements using the checklist.

Step 4:

Electronically complete and lodge your application form via email dama@rdaorana.org.au, with the required evidence and supporting documents. We will issue you an invoice for payment (please note that the assessment will not commence until RDA Orana has received your payment of the application fee).

RDA Orana Designated Area Representative (DAR) Endorsement Fees:
Endorsement Fees – $990.00 plus GST per position for the first five positions. After five positions, $550.00 plus GST per position.

Please note any request for DAMA variation will require a payment of $880 inc GST per position.

Step 5:

RDA Orana will assess your application for endorsement and provide initial feedback where required within 10 business days of the date of lodgement. Your application for endorsement will be valid for three months from the date of lodgement, to enable time for the provision of additional information to us, where requested. If the business is endorsed by RDA Orana, you will receive a letter of endorsement within 10 business days of the positive assessment. This letter must be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs with your application for a labour agreement under the Orana DAMA. If your application is unsuccessful, you will also be advised. Your Business Endorsement under the Orana DAMA is valid for a period of 12 months.

Step 6: The employer lodges the labour agreement application with the Department of Home Affairs via ImmiAccount

RDA Orana will provide you with an online application guide (from the Department of Home Affairs) which will guide you through the online DAMA labour agreement request process. This guide provides very specific instructions and assistance with the overall process for lodging a request through your ImmiAccount. There is no charge to lodge a Labour Agreement application with the Department of Home Affairs. Within 1-3 months, the Department of Home Affairs will contact you to:

1. Request more information
2. Notify your business of the labour agreement request outcome.

Once your Labour Agreement has been approved, your business has 12 months to nominate a particular applicant.

Step 7: The employer lodges the nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs

Follow the instructions in the Nomination Application Guide: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/programs-subsite/files/tss-nomination-form-guide-for-applicants.pdf At this stage, you will pay the nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy that is applicable to your business size. Once your application is lodged and paid, you will be issued an acknowledgement email containing your transaction reference number (TRN). Your nominee (employee) will need this number to lodge their visa application.

Step 8: The employee lodges their visa application with the Department of Home Affairs

The nominee/ employee lodges their visa application using the nomination TRN provided to the endorsed business.