Build Your Future in Northern Territory with the DAMA Program

The Northern Territory DAMA program helps employers in Darwin and regional NT sponsor skilled workers, addressing labor shortages and providing a pathway to permanent residency.

The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for regional migration visas. Below are the key highlights:

Regions Covered

Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and other regional areas.

Key Benefits

- Permanent Residency Pathway: Available after 2-3 years of regional work.
- No Points Test: Relaxed eligibility requirements, including lower salary thresholds and age limits.
- Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application.

How to Apply

Employers must first obtain endorsement from the Northern Territory Government before nominating workers for the DAMA program.

The Northern Territory DAMA program covers key regions within the Territory, with specific visa pathways for each region:

Regions Covered:

Darwin City (NT)

Alice Springs (NT)

Katherine (NT)

Tennant Creek (NT)

Other regional NT areas as identified in specific agreements.

Benefits:

Relaxed eligibility for key sectors, including healthcare, construction, agriculture, and hospitality.

Workers in these regions have a clear pathway to permanent residency after 2-3 years of work under Subclass 186 or Subclass 494.

Subclasses

This visa stream allows employers in NT to sponsor skilled workers for Subclass 494, Subclass 482, and Subclass 186 visas.

Eligibility

No points test and more flexible requirements compared to other visa subclasses.

PR Pathway

After 2 years of regional work in NT, eligible workers can transition to permanent residency through Subclass 186.

The Northern Territory DAMA program includes a range of occupations that are in high demand, including:

Healthcare

Registered nurses, medical practitioners.

Construction:

Electricians, plumbers.

Hospitality:

Chefs, restaurant managers.

The NT is facing critical shortages in the following occupations:

Aged Care

Carers, registered nurses.

Agribusiness

Farm workers, horticulturists.

Hospitality

Chefs, hotel managers.

Trades:

Electricians, welders, and plumbers. These sectors offer priority for DAMA sponsorship.

Subclass 186 PR Pathway

After 2 years of regional work in NT, workers can transition to permanent residency through Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme).

Subclass 494 PR Pathway

After 3 years of regional work in NT, workers may apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191.

Key Benefits:

Regional Employer Sponsorship

Employers in NT can sponsor skilled workers for Subclass 494 and Subclass 482 visas.

Relaxed Eligibility

Lower age, salary, and English requirements.

Permanent Residency Pathway

Eligible for Subclass 186 after 2 years of regional work.

Targeted Occupations

Focus on aged care, agribusiness, hospitality, and trades.

Support from Designated Area Representatives (DAR)

Work with regional authorities to fill labor shortages.

Common Mistakes & Tips

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Double-Check Your Skills Assessment.

Ensure your English proficiency meets the requirements.

Consult with a registered migration agent to ensure accurate applications.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect ANZSCO codes for occupations.

Incomplete documentation.

Unsupported claims for experience or qualifications.

Using expired test results.

Family Members You Can Include After Visa Grant

Eligible Family Members:

Spouse or De Facto Partner

Full work rights.

Dependent Children

Eligible for Medicare and study rights.

Children over 18 (if dependent)

May qualify for a PR pathway.

Adopted or Declared Dependents

Eligible if they meet health and character criteria.

Type	Details
Visa Application Fee	AUD 4,640 (primary applicant), additional charges for dependents.
Processing Time	Typically 6-12 months, depending on the complexity of the application.

🧰 Tools & Downloads

Discover free tools to help you plan, prepare, and lodge your visa with confidence — including points Points Calculator,EOI Tracker and Visa Checklist PDF

Frequently Asked Questions❓

What is the DAMA program in Northern Territory?

The DAMA program allows regional employers in NT to sponsor skilled workers for Australian visas.

Can I include my family members?

Yes, eligible family members (spouse, dependent children) can be included in your application.

What happens after the visa is granted?

You will receive permanent residency with full work rights in Australia.