Over 45 years old? NT DAMA Opens Australia’s Easiest Pathway to Permanent Residency

Over 45 years old? NT DAMA Opens Australia’s Easiest Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) is a game‑changing pathway for employers to fill critical skill shortages and for visa applicants to secure long‑term residency in Australia.
🌏 What is the NT DAMA?
The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) is a special arrangement between the NT Government and the Commonwealth that allows NT businesses to sponsor skilled and semi‑skilled overseas workers in occupations that are not always accessible under standard migration programs. It is designed to meet the NT’s unique labour market needs and ensure industries can thrive with the right workforce.
📋 Occupations Eligible
The NT DAMA covers 325 occupations, ranging from professional roles to semi‑skilled positions.
Examples include:
Health & Care: Registered nurses, aged care workers, disability support workers
Hospitality & Tourism: Chefs, café managers, hotel service staff, waiters, kitchen hands
Construction & Trades: Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, heavy vehicle mechanics
Agriculture & Regional Industries: Meat workers, farm workers, machinery operators
Fisheries: Ship’s engineers, deck hands, fishing hands
Office & Retail: Managers, supervisors, accounts clerks, general clerks, store persons
This broad coverage makes the NT DAMA one of the most flexible migration agreements in Australia.
🔑 Why Employers Should Access NT DAMA
Expanded access to occupations: Employers can sponsor workers in roles not available under standard visa programs.
Concessions on salary thresholds: Certain occupations allow sponsorship at 10% below the current annual salary threshold ($76,515), making recruitment more affordable.
Annual review of occupations list: The NT Government updates the list based on the NT Skilled Occupations Priority List (NTSOPL) and industry feedback, ensuring it reflects real workforce needs.
Support for regional businesses: Employers gain endorsement through the NT Government, ensuring local labour priorities are respected.
👩💼 Why Visa Applicants Should Apply
Clear pathway to permanent residency: Eligible applicants can transition from provisional visas to permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme.
📊 Concessions Available – The NT DAMA offers targeted concessions:
Age concessions: Some occupations allow applicants up to 55 years old to apply for permanent residency.
English language concessions: Certain occupations offer reduced English proficiency requirements, making the program more accessible.
Regional lifestyle benefits: Living and working in the NT offers unique cultural experiences, career growth, and community support.
Salary threshold: Concessions apply to certain occupations, lowering costs for employers while maintaining fair standards.
Non‑ANZSCO roles: Some occupations outside the standard classification system are included, reflecting NT’s unique labour needs.
🚀 Final Word
For employers, the NT DAMA is a cost‑effective solution to fill skill shortages. For visa applicants, it’s a clear pathway to permanent residency with concessions that make migration more achievable. Together, these benefits make the NT DAMA a cornerstone of workforce development in the Northern Territory.
If you’re an NT employer struggling to find skilled staff, or an overseas worker seeking long‑term opportunities in Australia, the NT DAMA is your gateway to expanding your business and filling the skill shortage right now.
Serious about finding out how you can qualify? Contact us now at (+618) 8948 1995 or book now on https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/3a70fcb68a9