DAMA NT – Northern Territory DAMA & Occupation List

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2025 NT DAMA Update: Third Agreement Now Active

The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA NT) is a unique employer-sponsored migration program for businesses operating in the NT. As of March 2025, the third version (NT DAMA III) is now in effect, replacing NT DAMA II and expanding opportunities for employers to sponsor overseas workers.

NT DAMA is available territory-wide and is tailored to meet local labour market needs, with access to unique occupations and program concessions.

What is the DAMA NT Program?

DAMA NT allows Northern Territory employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally.
Key features include:

Coverage of the entire NT region
Custom occupation list, including some roles not on national skilled lists
Concessions on English, age, skill, and salary requirements
Pathways to temporary and permanent residency (subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas)

Key DAMA NT Visas

Skills in Demand (subclass 482) – up to 4 years, renewable, potential PR pathway
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) – 5 years, direct PR option after 3 years
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) – permanent visa

Note: Overseas workers cannot apply for DAMA NT independently—they must be sponsored by an NT employer.

Who Can Use NT DAMA?

Eligible businesses must:

Operate and be financially viable in the NT for at least 12 months
Have a genuine need for full-time workers in occupations on the NT DAMA occupation list here
Demonstrate unsuccessful recruitment efforts for Australians/permanent residents
Offer market-based employment terms in line with local standards
Have no history of not meeting employee obligations

Endorsement by MigrationNT (Department of Trade, Business & Asian Relations) is required before applying for a DAMA labour agreement with Home Affairs.

NT DAMA Occupation List & Unique Roles

The NT DAMA occupation list features over 120 skilled and semi-skilled jobs, including some unique “non-ANZSCO” occupations only available in the NT (e.g., bar attendant supervisor, specialist ethnic cook, skilled horticultural worker, high access maintenance technician, etc.).

View the full NT DAMA occupation list & concessions here

Non-ANZSCO roles have been coded 070499 and have specific requirements—refer to the NT DAMA occupation list for details.

Bar Attendant Supervisor
Civil Construction Site Supervisor
Cook (Specialist Ethnic Cuisine)
Electrical Motor Repairer or Winder
High Access Maintenance and Cleaning Technician
Hospitality Worker
Skilled Horticultural Worker
Waiter Supervisor

2025 NT DAMA Updates & Transition (NT DAMA III)

NT DAMA III was executed on 19 March 2025, replacing NT DAMA II (expired 13 December 2024)
The online portal is open for new NT DAMA III endorsement applications
Businesses with NT DAMA II agreements can continue nominations, but must re-apply for new positions/ceilings under DAMA III if wanting expanded benefits
The latest agreement addresses emerging NT skill needs and expands concessions for select occupations

Concessions Available Under DAMA NT

English language: As low as IELTS 4.5 overall (482/494), IELTS 5.0 (186), with minimum band scores
Age: Up to 55 for skill levels 1–4; up to 50 for skill level 5 (most programs cap at 45)
Salary: Access to reduced income thresholds—minimum 85% of the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which is $65,037 from 1 July 2025 (CSIT: $76,515)
Occupations: Includes non-ANZSCO roles not available through standard programs

Not all occupations have all concessions.
Check the NT DAMA occupation list for specifics.

NT DAMA Application Process for Employers

Check your business eligibility and select a suitable occupation
Apply for endorsement via MigrationNT online portal (with supporting documentation)
Lodge DAMA labour agreement application with the Department of Home Affairs
Nominate and sponsor overseas workers for DAMA NT visa options (482, 494, or 186)

Our team can help you every step of the way, from eligibility assessment to final visa grant.

DAMA Visa NT: Key Requirements for Workers

Relevant qualifications and experience, per occupation & visa type
Age limits: typically under 55 (skill level 1–4) or 50 (level 5)
Skills assessment may be required (varies by visa/occupation)
Must have an NT employer sponsor; cannot apply independently

Salary & Market Rate Rules (2025)

All overseas workers must be paid the higher of the market salary or concessional CSIT (min. $65,037, excluding super)
Some non-cash benefits can count (up to 10%), if they meet strict requirements and are included in the contract

Ready to Sponsor with DAMA NT? Contact Us

Unlock growth for your NT business with DAMA NT.
Our experienced team will guide you through eligibility checks, endorsements, and visa sponsorships—step by step.

📞 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

Related Pages & Further Reading

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Labour Agreement services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

What is the latest update on NT DAMA?

NT DAMA III started March 2025. The new agreement expands eligible occupations and opens the online portal for employer applications.

Can any overseas worker apply for a DAMA visa in NT?

No, you must be sponsored by an eligible NT business.

What are some unique occupations under NT DAMA?

NT DAMA includes rare roles like bar attendant supervisor, skilled horticultural worker, and high access maintenance technician.

Are there age or English concessions?

Yes, DAMA NT offers some of the most flexible concessions in Australia—see the occupation list for details.

How do I start the process?

Contact Jade Immigration Lawyers for a free NT DAMA assessment and expert application support.