What Are My Visa Options After My Working Holiday Visa Expires?

If you’re living and working in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462), you might be thinking…
“What comes next?”

Many people return home when their visa ends. But many others choose to stay longer. Some even aim for permanent residency.

The great news?
There are real options to stay in Australia.

Here’s an easy guide to your options after your Working Holiday Visa expires, so you can make confident decisions.

Working Holiday Visas: A Quick Overview

Australia has two working holiday visas:

• Subclass 417 – Working Holiday Visa
• Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday Visa

They allow you to:
✔ Live in Australia

✔ Work while you stay

✔ Explore and travel

However, Working Holiday Visas are temporary. They do not automatically lead to permanent residency. So if your visa is ending soon, now is the best time to plan your next step.

Visa Options After Your Working Holiday Visa

Below are the most common pathways people take when they want to stay longer in Australia.

1. Stay Longer Through Employer Sponsorship

If an employer wants to keep you, employer sponsorship can help you stay.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482

The Skills in Demand (SID) framework is now the main pathway for employer-sponsored skilled workers. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers temporary for up to 4 years for genuine labour needs.

Key points

• You must have a suitable skilled occupation
• You must have the level of skills and experience required for the occupation
• An Australian employer must sponsor you
• You can work in Australia for up to 4 years
• You have a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream

For many Working Holiday Makers, this is one of the most practical next steps if you have proven your value at work.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

This is a permanent residency visa.

If an employer wants to nominate you for a long-term role and you meet the criteria, this visa allows you to:

✔ Live in Australia permanently

✔ Work full-time

✔ Access long-term pathways

✔ Eventually apply for citizenship (if eligible)

Many people transition to this visa through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream after working on an employer-sponsored temporary visa i.e. Subclass 482 for 2 years.

There is also a Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream, which doesn’t require you to hold a Subclass 482 visa, but you must meet the requirements and eligibility criteria to apply.

2. Skilled Migration – Based on Your Skills

If your job is in demand and you have good qualifications, you may apply through SkillSelect.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

✔ Permanent residency

✔ No employer sponsorship required

✔ No state nomination needed

✔ Invitation required through SkillSelect

This visa is highly competitive but very powerful.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

✔ Permanent residency

✔ No employer sponsorship required

✔ Requires state or territory nomination

✔ Invitation based on points and state needs

State nomination can improve your chances of being invited.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

✔ Temporary visa (up to 5 years)

✔ Regional location requirement

✔ Requires state/territory or family sponsorship

✔ Can lead to permanent residency via Subclass 191

This pathway is popular with Working Holiday Makers already living or working regionally.

Note: These visas depend on your age, qualifications, skills, work experience, skilled occupation, English level, points among other requirements.

3. Partner Visas – Stay Because of a Relationship

If you are in a genuine relationship with:

• an Australian citizen,
• a permanent resident,
• or an eligible New Zealand citizen

You may apply for a Partner Visa.

Partner visas let you stay in Australia while your application is processed. Most partner visas eventually lead to permanent residency if you can meet the requirements for the second stage partner visa.

This is a strong option if your life and relationship are now here in Australia.

4. Study and Graduate Paths

Some people choose to study in Australia to stay longer and build skills.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

✔ Study in Australia

✔ Work part-time

✔ Build skills and qualifications

This pathway can help you prepare for:

• skilled visas
• employer sponsorship
• future PR opportunities

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

After completing eligible study, this visa allows you to:

✔ Stay longer in Australia

✔ Work full-time

✔ Gain experience in your field

This visa is often used as a bridge to skilled or employer-sponsored visas.

5. Other Options to Consider

Depending on your situation, there may be additional options including:

• Training Visa (407) – for structured workplace training
• Temporary Activity Visa (408) – in rare circumstances

Your eligibility depends on your personal situation and goals.

Important Tips Before You Apply

✔ Always apply for a valid visa before your current visa ends.

✔ Many visas require skills assessments, English tests and health checks – make sure to have these ready.

✔ Points-based visas depend on age, skills, English and demand.

✔ Immigration rules change regularly — always check official sources.

Final Thoughts

Ending your Working Holiday Visa doesn’t mean the end of your journey in Australia.
You may be able to stay longer, work, study, or even build a life here.

Whether your next goal is:
✨ continuing work with an employer
✨ gaining permanent residency through skills
✨ staying with a partner
✨ expanding your career through study

There are real visa pathways worth exploring.

If you want help figuring out which route is best for you, consulting a migration professional can make the process smoother and more confident. Our team of migration lawyers and registered migration agents are here to help if you need to discuss your visa options.

Official Department of Home Affairs References

Working Holiday Visas
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-462

Employer-Sponsored & Skills in Demand Framework
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-skill-shortage-482

Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186

Skilled Migration / SkillSelect
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect

Student Visa (500)
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500

Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485

February Immigration News 2026: An Anti-Immigration Party Is Rising, State Nomination Updates and the Best Australian Visas for 2026

In this February immigration update, we focus on the information that will help you plan and apply for Australian permanent residency (PR) in 2026.

This month’s key topics include:

• A significant political shift that couldimpactfuture migration settings
• The most popular employer-sponsored visas: Subclass 482 and Subclass 186
• State nomination updates for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491
• DAMAs and regional migration pathways
• Queensland’s approach to the National Innovation Visa
• The predicted new income threshold for employer-sponsored visas

Watch the Full Video:

Political Shift: The Rise of One Nation and Immigration Policy

One Nation is now recording its second-highest approval rating. This is a major political shift that could ultimately lead to a reduction in immigration. This may negatively impact the chances of many people seeking Australian permanent residency.

The Rise of One Nation

To quote the Australian Financial Review on 1 February:

“Following two weeks of Coalition infighting, first-preference support for One Nation has jumped to 26 per cent, up from 17 per cent in December. One Nation overtaking the Liberals and Nationals for the first time ….”

In the same poll, Labor was at 34 per cent.

What are the current immigration policies of One Nation?

According to their website, One Nation’s migration policies include:

• Capping visas at 130,000 per year — referring to permanent residency visas, which are currently set at 185,000 per year
• Deporting 75,000 illegal migrants
• Reintroducing Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs)
• Proposing an eight-year waiting period for citizenship and welfare eligibility

The history of One Nation began with an anti-immigration maiden speech by Pauline Hanson in 1996. There have been many ups and downs since then.

In her maiden speech, she called for multiculturalism to be abolished, with anti-multiculturalism themes continuing to the present.

One Nation is generally anti-immigration, and if it gains more popularity, this could reduce immigration in the future.

For example, major parties could adopt or move closer to One Nation policies. This previously occurred during the John Howard period.

State Nomination News: 190 and 491 Visa Updates

New South Wales 491 Visa Closed

On 19 January 2026, New South Wales opened and closed its 491 Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 on the same day due to exceptionally high demand. Many people missed out simply because they couldn’t apply quickly enough.

Is NSW selecting the best candidates or just the fastest applicants?

South Australia Invitation Rounds

South Australia is currently running invitation rounds on the first Monday of each month.

For February, South Australia invited:

• 227 applicants for the Subclass 190 visa
• 137 applicants for the Subclass 491 visa

Health professionals were the clear winners in this round.

If you are working in healthcare or an allied health occupation, South Australia may currently offer stronger prospects than some other states.

Northern Territory Closure

The Northern Territory has now closed to new applications.

According to the NT Government website:

“The NT Government has now received sufficient applications to fill the nomination allocation for the 2025–26 program year. The NT nomination portal is now closed to new applications. Applications lodged prior to the closure will continue to be assessed, with outcomes to be provided by 30 June 2026.”

We expect more states to start closing soon.

Should You Move States for State Nomination?

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

Work Visa Lawyers is cautious with this advice because every state is dealing with the same issue: large numbers of temporary visa holders competing for a relatively small number of state nomination places.

We are now well into the 2025–26 program year, which ends on 30 June 2026.

There is a real risk that you:

• Relocate
• Spend significant money
• Change jobs
• And then the state program closes shortly after

Relocating is expensive, and finding new employment takes time. Migration decisions should be strategic — not reactive.

Please book an appointment before you move states. 

Employer-Sponsored Visas: 482 and 186 Pathways

This brings us to employer-sponsored visas, such as:

• Subclass 482 (Core Skills stream)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme – Permanent Residency)

If you secure a genuine job offer with strong prospects of sponsorship in your occupation, I am much more open to relocation.

At the moment, employer-sponsored visas can be a more reliable pathway than waiting for state nomination invitations.

Of course, finding an employer willing to sponsor you is not easy. We have published guidance on how to approach employers strategically and position yourself for sponsorship.

DAMAs: A Growing Alternative Pathway

We are seeing increasing interest in Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).

DAMAs are employer-sponsored migration pathways designed for specific regional areas.

Traditionally, interest was driven by:

• A broader range of eligible occupations
• Access for truck drivers, disability carers, and other critical roles
• Age concessions (particularly for applicants aged 45–55)

Increasingly, however, we are seeing applicants turn to DAMAs after years of trying — and failing — to receive invitations for the Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas.

This is especially common for onshore applicants who are not receiving invitations and need a more realistic pathway to Australian PR.

National Innovation Visa: Queensland Focus

We are seeing strong interest in Queensland’s state nomination options under the National Innovation Visa framework.

Queensland currently offers:

• An entrepreneuroptionrequiring a $1 million investment
• An investoroptionrequiring a $5 million investment

Entrepreneurs and investors often do not fit neatly into traditional migration models. Their education may not align with their professional history, they may not suit skills assessments, and they are typically not dependent on a single employer.

The flexibility of the National Innovation Visa is what makes it so attractive.

We offer a free assessment for those wishing to explore whether this pathway could suit their circumstances.

New Income Threshold for Employer-Sponsored Visas

The new income threshold for the upcoming financial year, starting on 1 July, will be announced soon.

If the government applies a similar increase to last year (approximately 4.6%) the minimum salary requirement for employer-sponsored visas such as the Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 could rise from $76,515 to approximately $80,000.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will publish its latest Average Weekly Earnings report on 26 February, which will provide a clearer indication of the likely increase.

If you are close to the current threshold, timing may become critical.

Hate Speech Laws and Migration Policy

Hate speech law changes have now been enacted, and we will continue to monitor how these affect migration policy, visa decision-making, and visa cancellation powers.

Planning Your Australian PR Strategy in 2026

The Australian migration landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and politically sensitive. With tighter state nomination programs, rising income thresholds and potential political shifts influencing migration caps, applicants must approach their Australian permanent residency strategy with careful planning and informed decision-making.

Key takeaways for 2026 include:

• State nomination pathways (Subclass 190 and Subclass 491) are highly competitive

• Employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482 and Subclass 186) may offer greater certainty

• DAMAs are becoming a realistic and structured regional alternative

• Income thresholds for sponsored visas are likely to rise

• Political developments could influence future migration caps and policy settings

In this environment, relying on timing or chance is no longer sufficient. A clear, strategic migration plan — tailored to your occupation, visa history and long-term goals — is more important than ever.

Work Visa Lawyers is recognised as one of Australian’s leading immigration law firms, with extensive experience in skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, DAMAs, partner visas, global talent, national innovation visa and complex migration matters. 

Our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents provides strategic advice through both in-person consultations in Adelaide and secure online consultations for clients across Australia and overseas.

If you are planning your Australian PR pathway in 2026, obtaining professional guidance early can significantly improve your prospects and reduce unnecessary risk.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

Many people planning their future in Australia are asking the same question:

Will I ever get permanent residency in Australia? 

If you are studying, working, or living in Australia on a temporary visa, you may be wondering whether permanent residency is still realistic in 2026 — or whether the system has moved out of reach.

This article looks at the real migration opportunities for 2026, using current data and practical strategies. We also address difficult but important topics, including:

• The lack of invitations for the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa

• Visa cancellations and stricter checks

• How major events, such as the Bondi Beach attack, may influence immigration processing

Our goal is to help you make smarter, more realistic decisions about your migration pathway.

How the Recent Bondi Beach Attack Is Affecting Australian Immigration Processing

We would like to begin by expressing our sincere condolences to the victims and families affected by the tragic Bondi Beach attack in December.

For people living in Australia on temporary visas, this event may have broader implications. We expect to see:

• Stricter background and character checks

• Increased visa cancellations

• Greater scrutiny across visa applications

We will address this topic in more detail in a separate article, as it deserves careful and sensitive discussion.

Are 189, 190 and 491 Visas Still Realistic in 2026?

The reduction in places for the 190 and 491 visas has caused many people to ask whether Australia is still achievable.

The answer is yes — for some people. However, the strategy has changed.

For many years, points-tested visas such as the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa were the primary goal for skilled migrants, with employer sponsorship seen as a second option. That is no longer the case.

Employer-Sponsored Visas: The Strongest Pathway in 2026

If your goal is Australian permanent residency, employer-sponsored visas are now the strongest and most realistic options in 2026.

These include:

• 482 Skills in Demand visa

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme

• 494 Regional Employer Sponsored visa

• DAMA and Labour Agreements

Australian businesses are facing genuine skills shortages across multiple sectors and are actively seeking reliable workers. As a result, we have seen:

• A significant increase in employer-sponsored visas

• A sharp reduction in state nomination places, including the 190 visa and 491 visa

Visas such as the 482 visa provide a pathway from temporary work to permanent residency through the 186 visa and many migrants are using this pathway as the first option.

Book an Appointment

Why State Nomination Is More Competitive Than Ever

Many people ask whether they should target states like Western Australia or Tasmania, which often appear to have more flexible criteria.

However, the reality is this:

• Tasmania has 1,850 nomination places in 2025-26 financial year

• Western Australia has 3,400 places — with 3,355 already issued 

• Combined, that is only 5,250 nominations

You are not competing against hundreds of applicants — you are competing against hundreds of thousands of skilled migrants who already have:

• Skills assessments

• English test results

• Work experience

• Active EOIs

Most applicants, no matter how qualified, will never receive an invitation.

This does not mean the General Skills Migration (GSM) program is dead — but it is highly competitive. 

Which Occupations Are Still Receiving Invitations?

Looking at invitation results from 2025, one thing is clear: Australia is inviting only where there is genuine demand.

If you are under 45 and your occupation is clearly in shortage, it may still be worth:

• Obtaining a skills assessment

• Improving your English score

• Positioning your EOI strategically

High-Demand Jobs in Australia for Skilled Migration

Occupations currently receiving invitations include:

• Construction trades (bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers)

• Construction managers

• Healthcare professionals

• Secondary school teachers

When GSM Is Not the Best Migration Pathway

Some occupations remain on the skilled lists but are not receiving invitations, including:

• Marketing specialists

• Accountants

• Cooks

• Enrolled nurses

• Software engineers

• Contract administrators

• Niche roles such as artistic directors, copywriters, and dog handlers

In these cases, GSM visas may not be your strongest pathway.

Alternative Visa Options to Consider

Instead, you should consider:

• Employer-sponsored visas

• Alternative pathways, such as partner visas if you have an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident partner

We understand that employer sponsorship is not easy — especially if you are offshore — but thousands of applicants succeed each year, and you may be one of them.

Check our blog, “How to Find a Sponsor,” for helpful tips on how to find an Australian business to sponsor you.

Queensland National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) – 2026 Update

Queensland has now opened nominations for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858).

This visa offers direct permanent residency and targets exceptionally talented individuals, including:

• Entrepreneurs

• Innovative investors

• Researchers

• Athletes

• Creatives

Permanent Residency Pathway for Individuals: 

• Up to the age of 55, or higher in exceptional cases 
• High-value entrepreneurs who commit AUD $1 million to new ventures in Queensland 
• Innovative investors who invest AUD $5 million in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem

This is one of the strongest permanent residency pathways currently available.

 
We have published a detailed guide explaining the Queensland NIV nomination process.

 
We also offer a free NIV assessment, where our team can check your eligibility.

Adelaide University Opens: What This Means for Students

Following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, Adelaide University has officially opened enrolments, becoming the largest university in Australia.

This will bring:

• More international students

• Increased investment in South Australia

However, students must have a clear migration strategy before enrolling and applying for a student visa, especially if permanent residency is part of the long-term plan.

Check our blog “Best 8 courses to study in Australia to get PR”. 

Student Visa Changes for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan

Applicants from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan may face increased scrutiny, as Australia has updated student visa assessment levels to strengthen integrity measures.

These changes may have been triggered by reports of widespread fraudulent degree practices. As a result, it is more important than ever for students to submit strong, well-documented applications.

Student Visa Expiry Reminder: Avoid Becoming Unlawful

We are seeing a large number of student visas expiring in March, many around the 15th.

Every year, people make the same mistake — waiting too long.

If your visa is expiring soon:

• Do not wait until the last minute

• Understand your next visa options early

• Lodge a valid application before expiry

Options may include course extensions, graduate visas, or transitions to skilled visas — but timing is critical.

How We Can Help You Plan Your Migration Strategy for Australia in 2026 

Migration to Australia in 2026 is still possible — but it requires realistic expectations, the right strategy, and early planning.

At Work Visa Lawyers, we are widely regarded as one of the best migration lawyers and one of the best registered migration agents in Adelaide, with extensive experience across skilled, employer-sponsored, and permanent residency pathways.

If you would like tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, please book an appointment and talk to our team.

Book an Appointment

Townsville North Queensland DAMA Pathway: PR Up to 54 over 200 Occupations

If you’ve been researching regional visas, DAMA pathways, employer sponsorship options, or whether it’s still possible to obtain Australian permanent residency up to age 54, this guide is for you.

One of the most common questions we receive is whether Queensland offers a DAMA pathway.

The answer is yes — and one of the most flexible options available is the Townsville North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (TNQ DAMA).

This pathway can be particularly valuable if you are:

• Over 45 and struggling to qualify for permanent residency
• Seeking age, English, or salary concessions
• Working in an occupation with limited visa options under standard programs

Below, we explain how the TNQ DAMA works, who it is for, and how it can lead to permanent residency in Australia.

What Is the Townsville North Queensland DAMA?

The Townsville North Queensland DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and Townsville Enterprise, acting as the Designated Area Representative for North Queensland.

The agreement allows approved regional employers to sponsor overseas workers when they are unable to fill roles locally.
Because the program is designed to address regional workforce shortages, it offers greater flexibility than standard employer-sponsored visa pathways.

Why the TNQ DAMA Matters for Employers and Migrants

The TNQ DAMA includes more than 200 eligible occupations, covering both skilled and semi-skilled roles.

For employers, it provides a realistic way to fill genuine labour shortages.
For migrant workers, it opens up migration pathways that do not exist under the standard skilled visa system.

Most importantly, it offers concessions that make permanent residency achievable for people who would otherwise be excluded.

Key Concessions Under the TNQ DAMA

Some of the major advantages of the TNQ DAMA include:

• Age concessions
  In many occupations, applicants can access permanent residency up to age 50 or 54 (instead of the usual age limit of 45).
  Note: with age concessions, applicants must generally be under 54 at the time of Subclass 186 or 494 nomination.
• English concessions
  Lower English language requirements may apply for certain occupations.
• Salary concessions
  Some roles allow reduced salary thresholds compared to standard visa requirements.
• Long-term labour agreements
  Once approved, a DAMA labour agreement can be valid for up to five years.
• Permanent residency pathways, including:
  • Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
  • Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) leading to Subclass 191 PR

Which Regions and Occupations Are Covered? / TNQ DAMA Occupation List

The TNQ DAMA applies to designated areas of North Queensland, as defined by Townsville Enterprise.

The Townsville North Queensland DAMA occupation list is extensive and includes roles that are not available under Queensland’s standard state nomination programs, such as:

• Truck driver
• Kitchen hand
• Hotel receptionist
• Motor mechanic
• Fruit picker
• Numerous health-related occupations

The full occupation list is available on the official Townsville DAMA website and should always be checked carefully, as eligibility and concessions vary by role.

How Employers Can Access the TNQ DAMA

Accessing the TNQ DAMA involves several stages:

Stage 1 – Endorsement

The employer applies to Townsville Enterprise for endorsement as a DAMA business.
This includes submitting:

• DAMA request form
• Business declaration
• Covering letter outlining genuine labour needs
• Job description
• Organisational chart
• Evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment

Stage 2 – Labour Agreement

Once endorsed, the employer applies to the Department of Home Affairs for the labour agreement.

Stage 3 – Nomination

The employer nominates the overseas worker for an approved DAMA occupation.

Stage 4 – Visa Application

The worker lodges their visa application, typically under:

• Subclass 482
• Subclass 494
• Subclass 186

At every stage, employers must demonstrate that Australian workers were prioritised and that labour market testing has been conducted correctly.

How We Can Help

At Work Visa Lawyers, we specialise in employer-sponsored migration and regional pathways, including DAMA labour agreements. Our founder, Chris Johnston, is one of the best immigration lawyers in Australia, with over 20 years of experience in migration law.

We can assist with:

• Assessing whether your business and occupation qualify
• Advising on labour market testing requirements
• Preparing endorsement and labour agreement applications
• Managing communication with the Department of Home Affairs
• Handling sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications from start to finish

Whether you are a North Queensland employer struggling to fill a critical role, or a migrant worker exploring regional migration options, we can guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

With the right strategy, it can provide a realistic pathway to permanent residency — even when other visa options are no longer available.

If you would like personalised advice, we invite you to book a consultation with our team.

Book an Appointment

Sources:

https://www.townsvilleenterprise.com.au/skills-and-migration/designated-area-migration-agreement/

https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/townsvilleenterprise-com-au/documents/townsville_north_queensland_occupation_list_june2025.pdf

Resicare’s Success Story: How Work Visa Lawyers Helped Solve Regional Workforce Shortages Through the DAMA Program

Finding and keeping skilled staff in regional Australia can be a major challenge, especially in some sectors such as disability care. For Resicare SA, a South Australian disability support provider, this issue became critical when many of their staff began moving back to Adelaide.

Thanks to expert guidance from Work Visa Lawyers, Resicare found a long-term solution through the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program, helping them rebuild their workforce and continue delivering essential care services across the state.

The Challenge: Regional Workforce Shortages

Resicare had been operating in regional South Australia for several years, but staffing became increasingly difficult.

As Finance and Operations Manager Haroon explained:

“Around two years ago, people started moving back to Adelaide. We had no options to ask them to stay or work for us, and our services were very impacted.”

Without qualified carers in regional areas, Resicare’s ability to support clients was at risk.

The Solution: Partnering with Work Visa Lawyers

That’s when Resicare contacted Work Visa Lawyers for help. After assessing the company’s situation and workforce needs, our team identified the DAMA program as the best solution.

The DAMA allows approved regional employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers under more flexible conditions, including occupations not usually available under standard visa programs.

With our support, Resicare successfully applied for and received DAMA endorsement, enabling them to sponsor skilled disability carers and rebuild their workforce.

Haroon shared:

“The biggest help we received from Work Visa Lawyers was to guide us through the right path — the DAMA program. We built our team, and it’s been more than a year now that we’ve been providing services all over South Australia.”

Expanding Services with Confidence

Resicare’s success under the DAMA has not only solved their immediate workforce shortages but also set them up for growth.

“If we had not received that help from Work Visa Lawyers, we would not be operating in regional areas,” Haroon said. “Now, our plan for this year is to expand our services to Mount Gambier and Naracoorte. We are again working with Work Visa Lawyers for our DAMA renewals.”

When asked if they would recommend Work Visa Lawyers, Haroon commented:

“Absolutely 100%. They are very professional, and we truly believe they can help others just as they helped us.”

About Resicare SA

Resicare SA provides a wide range of disability and community support services, including:

• Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
• In-home and respite care
• Community participation and complex needs support

Their services extend across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Work Visa Lawyers and the DAMA Program

Work Visa Lawyers has extensive experience assisting employers across Australia to access skilled overseas workers through the DAMA program. Our team has supported a range of industries — including disability care, agriculture, hospitality, and construction — to meet their staffing needs and grow sustainably.

Here you can learn more about Labour Agreements and DAMAs.

We also have many videos on YouTube explaining the different DAMAs available in each state and territory. Check out our DAMA playlist.

If you or your business need assistance applying for a DAMA, please contact our team of experienced immigration lawyers and registered migration agents.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer