The Albanese Government has announced the launch of the Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA III), officially executed on 19 March 2025. This landmark agreement extends employer access to overseas skilled workers in the NT until 30 June 2030, reinforcing the Territory’s long-term commitment to addressing regional workforce shortages.
Key Highlights of NT DAMA III
Extended Duration & Increased Nominations
NT DAMA III will remain in effect until 30 June 2030, providing employers with long-term stability.
- The annual cap for approved nominations has more than doubled, rising from 625 to 1,500.
- These nominations cover both the Skills in Demand Visa and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa programs.
Significantly Expanded Occupation List
The number of eligible occupations has increased from 135 to 325, covering ANZSCO skill levels 1 to 5 and representing a wide range of industries across the Territory.
Bulk Endorsement for Workforce Planning
Employers can now apply for 5-year bulk ceilings, simplifying long-term workforce planning and reducing the administrative burden of frequent applications.
Automatic Concessions
To improve access and flexibility for employers:
- Age Limit: Up to 55 years for most skill levels, and 50 years for skill level 5
- English Language: Automatic concessions are available for eligible occupations
- Salary Threshold: A 15% concession off the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), currently $62,177, applies
- Employers can also include up to 10% (approx. $6,217) in non-monetary benefits such as housing or vehicle allowances
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
LMT is mandatory at both endorsement and nomination stages, ensuring that local recruitment efforts are demonstrated.
Streamlined Verification for Agents and Lawyers
Migration agents and immigration legal practitioners can now use a built-in client verification workflow in the MigrationNT portal, simplifying the process of lodging endorsement applications.
Why NT DAMA III Matters
As the first Australian jurisdiction to establish a DAMA in 2015, the NT continues to lead in designing flexible migration solutions tailored to regional needs. The latest DAMA builds upon this legacy by:
- Addressing evidence-backed labour shortages, with support from Jobs and Skills Australia
- Aligning with state and territory migration plans
- Supporting multi-year workforce planning
Since its inception, the NT DAMA has empowered employers to fill critical skills gaps with a level of flexibility not available under standard skilled migration programs.
Endorsement applications are now open via the MigrationNT portal, offering a robust pathway for NT employers to address critical skills shortages with overseas talent.
Stay tuned for further updates and insights into how these changes may impact employer-sponsored migration in Australia.
