Case Study: How this person transitioned from Student Visa to DAMA Sponsorship & PR in Australia

For many international students studying in Australia, the journey from a Student Visa (Subclass 500) to Permanent Residency can feel uncertain. The competitive points system, high English requirements and limited employer sponsorship options in major cities often leave graduates without a clear roadmap.

But for those open to regional employment, the DAMA – Designated Area Migration Agreement – has become a strategic and achievable pathway to PR.

This case study follows the realistic journey of Arjun, who studied Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, worked as a Tyre Fitter (899415) and achieved PR through the WA DAMA Tyre Fitter pathway – available only in designated regional areas.

To explain this more clearly, let’s follow the journey of a hypothetical character, Arjun, a Certificate III and IV (Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis) level qualification from Melbourne – and how he moved from a Student Visa → Graduate Visa → DAMA Sponsorship → Permanent Residency. 

Arjun’s Story – A Pathway

Arjun arrived in Australia in 2021 to complete Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis. After finishing his studies, he secured the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). Despite wanting to build a permanent life in Australia, he faced challenges familiar to many international graduates:

• His employment experience was only as a Tyre Fitter, not a fully qualified motor mechanic
• Mainstream PR pathways (Subclass 189 / 190 / 491) required very high points and that occupation is not even eligible.
• Metropolitan workshops were not in a position to sponsor Tyre Fitter under standard occupation lists

Instead of waiting without certainty, Arjun reached out to our migration team and discovered that Tyre Fitter (899415) is eligible under the WA DAMA – but only in approved regional areas.

This provided major advantages:

• Lower employer sponsorship thresholds
• Concessions on English and skill requirements
• A transparent, employment-based PR pathway

What Is DAMA – And Why It Created a Breakthrough for Arjun?

A DAMA is a labour agreement between the Australian Government and specific regional authorities facing critical skill shortages.

Its benefits include:

• PR pathway via Subclass 494 → 191 or SC 186 TRT concessions (depending on region)
• Occupations not listed in standard skilled migration lists
• Skill, English and age concessions
• High demand for sponsored roles in regional areas

For Tyre Fitters – a role not commonly eligible in metro areas – DAMA opened doors that mainstream pathways could not.

Step-by-Step – From Student Visa to DAMA Sponsorship to PR

Step 1: Complete Studies & Secure Temporary Graduate Visa (485)

What Arjun did:

• Completed Certificate III and Certificate IV
• Applied for Subclass 485
• Started work in a tyre and road-service centre to build local experience
• Even the experience during studying Certificate III and IV can be counted

Step 2: Relocate to a DAMA-Approved Regional Area & Secure Employment

To be eligible, both the occupation and the employer must be located in a designated DAMA region.

Arjun moved to the Regional of Western Australia, where a regional tyre and mechanical service centre offered him full-time employment as a Tyre Fitter under the DAMA program.

Step 3: Labour Agreement Approval + Nomination

The employer applied through the DAMA regional body and demonstrated labour shortages.

Arjun was nominated for Subclass 482 SID – DAMA Stream for the occupation Tyre Fitter (899415), despite not having full Motor Mechanic experience – an allowance made available under DAMA conditions.

Step 4: Work Under DAMA Sponsorship → PR Eligibility

After completing the required period of employment (2 years) under the DAMA agreement, Arjun became eligible for PR via Subclass 186 TRT – DAMA Concession Stream.

Why DAMA Was the Right Strategy for Arjun

For practical, trade-based graduates, DAMA provides a reliable and employment-driven path to PR rather than relying on points.

Key Factors Behind Arjun’s Successful Outcome

• Willingness to move to regional WA
• One year Full-time or equivalent part time employment as Tyre Fitter
• Employer participation in WA DAMA
• Compliance with DAMA work-period requirement
• Gradual improvement in English during sponsorship

FAQs

Q1: Can students who studied automotive apply for PR as Tyre Fitters?

Yes – if the applicant is employed as a Tyre Fitter in a DAMA-approved region and the employer sponsors the occupation. Experience can be from anywhere.

Q2: Does Tyre Fitter require full Motor Mechanic experience?

No – under WA DAMA, concessions allow sponsorship for Tyre Fitters specifically, even without LV technician competency.

Q3: How long does PR take through DAMA?

Typically 2–3 years of sponsored employment, depending on region and concession type.

Q4: Can partners be included?

Yes – partners can be added to the visa with full work access.

Final Thoughts – Turning a Student Journey into an Australian PR Success Story

Like Arjun, thousands of students each year discover that regional Australia opens doors they never considered while living in major cities.

With the right planning, employment support, and guidance, moving from Student Visa → DAMA Sponsorship → Permanent Residency can be a realistic and achievable roadmap.

At Aussizz Group, we specialise in supporting students and graduates to navigate this transition successfully through personalised career and migration strategy consulting – and we have already supported 180,000+ applicants on their path to Australia.

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