Build Your Future in the Northern Territory with the DAMA Program

Q: What is the NT DAMA program?

A formal migration agreement allowing NT employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers in occupations critical to NT.

Q: Which visas can be used?

Subclass 482 , 494 , and 186 via labour agreement streams.

Q: What concessions apply?

Salary (85% CSIT), English test concessions, and age up to 55.

Q: How long until PR?

482 → 186 after 2 years; 494 → 191 after 3 years.

Q: Do I need to pass the points test?

No, DAMA visas are employer-sponsored, not points-based.

Q: Are there NT Government fees?

No, endorsement and skills verification are free.

Q: What happens if I change jobs?

You must be re-nominated by another endorsed NT employer under DAMA .

Q: What if my occupation is not on the list?

You cannot apply under DAMA; you may need to explore Skilled Migration pathways.

The Northern Territory DAMA (NT DAMA III) allows employers across Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and other regional NT areas to sponsor overseas workers in critical shortage roles under Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas. It provides unique concessions on age, English, and salary thresholds — creating a direct pathway to permanent residency.

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Northern Territory DAMA

The Northern Territory DAMA program enables employers in regional Northern Territory to sponsor skilled workers for Subclass 482, Subclass 494, and Subclass 186 visas, helping to fill critical labour shortages.

PR pathways after 2–3 years

No points test required.

Concessions available:

Age up to 55 years for some occupations.

Reduced English language thresholds.

Salary concession: employers may offer 85% of the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), currently AUD 65,037.

Family inclusion: spouse and children can join with full rights.

Employer endorsement by the NT Government is mandatory before any nomination.

NT DAMA Program Overview

The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Commonwealth and the NT Government.

Latest version: NT DAMA III (commenced 19 March 2025, runs to 30 June 2030).

Scope: Provides over 325 approved occupations, including roles not normally eligible for sponsorship.

Purpose: Helps address persistent skill shortages in aged care, hospitality, agribusiness, healthcare, and construction.

Regions covered: Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and all other NT regional areas.

👉 Unlike standard migration programs, NT DAMA is tailored to NT’s needs — with occupation lists, concessions, and PR pathways designed specifically for employers and workers in the Territory

Eligibility

For Employers

Employers must:

Be legally established and operating in NT for 12 months or more.

Demonstrate Labour Market Testing (LMT) to prove no suitable local worker is available.

Apply for endorsement from MigrationNT (NT Government).

After endorsement, apply for a labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.

Comply with all workplace and sponsorship laws, including fair pay and working conditions.

👉 Example: A Darwin-based aged care facility needing Registered Nurses must first advertise locally, apply for NT endorsement, then nominate a candidate via a labour agreement.

For Skilled Workers

Workers must:

Hold an occupation on the NT DAMA list.

Have relevant skills and experience.

Satisfy health and character checks.

Meet concession rules (if applicable):

Age: up to 55 years for most skill levels (1–4); up to 50 years for level 5.

English: reduced IELTS or equivalent scores may apply.

Salary: employers can offer 85% of CSIT (AUD 65,037) if AMSR is also met.

👉 Example: A chef in Alice Springs may be sponsored at a lower English threshold and still progress to permanent residency after 2–3 years.

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

Check eligibility and confirm occupation is on NT DAMA list.

Apply for NT endorsement with MigrationNT.

Lodge a labour agreement with Home Affairs.

Nominate the worker under the approved visa subclass.

Applicants

Secure a job offer from an endorsed NT employer.

Confirm concessions (English, salary, age) that apply to your occupation.

Lodge visa application (Subclass 482, 494, or 186 – labour agreement stream).

Submit documents: passport, job offer, skills assessment (if required), health + police checks.

Wait for decision — processing generally 6–12 months depending on case.

👉 Employers and workers must work together: without endorsement, no application can proceed.

Visa Subclass Pathways

Visa	Duration	PR Pathway	Key Features
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa	1–4 years (5 for HK/BNO)	Subclass 186 after 2 years	Age/English/salary concessions
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional	Up to 5 years	Subclass 191 after 3 years regional work	Broader occupations via NT DAMA
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)	Permanent	Direct PR (labour agreement stream)	Employer-sponsored, no points test

Visa Fees & Charges

NT Government (MigrationNT) – Fees
Endorsement	AUD 0
Skills verification	AUD 0
Labour agreement application	AUD 0
Note: MigrationNT does not charge fees for endorsement or agreements.

Employer Charges (Home Affairs)
Standard business sponsorship (482)	AUD 420
Nomination (482)	AUD 330
Nomination (494)	AUD 330
Nomination (186)	AUD 540

Visa	Turnover < $10m	Turnover ≥ $10m	Notes
Subclass 482	AUD 1,200 / visa year	AUD 1,800 / visa year	Per visa year
Subclass 494	AUD 3,000	AUD 5,000	One-off
Subclass 186	AUD 3,000	AUD 5,000	One-off

Visa Application Charges (approximate, as at 1 July 2025)

Applicant	Subclass 186	Subclass 482 (SID)	Subclass 494
Primary	AUD 4,910	AUD 3,210	AUD 4,910
Dependent ≥18	AUD 2,455	AUD 3,210	AUD 2,455
Dependent <18	AUD 1,230	AUD 805	AUD 1,230

💡 Use the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator for current charges.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NT DAMA program?

A formal migration agreement allowing NT employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers in occupations critical to NT.

Which visas can be used?

Subclass 482, 494, and 186 via labour agreement streams.

What concessions apply?

Salary (85% CSIT), English test concessions, and age up to 55.

How long until PR?

482 → 186 after 2 years; 494 → 191 after 3 years.

Do I need to pass the points test?

No, DAMA visas are employer-sponsored, not points-based.

Are there NT Government fees?

No, endorsement and skills verification are free.

What happens if I change jobs?

You must be re-nominated by another endorsed NT employer under DAMA.

What if my occupation is not on the list?

You cannot apply under DAMA; you may need to explore Skilled Migration pathways.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.