A new Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA III) was signed on 19 March 2025, replacing the previous agreement (NT DAMA II), which expired on 13 December 2024. This change affects employers in the Northern Territory who rely on overseas workers to fill local labour shortages. NT DAMA III introduces more eligible occupations, additional nomination places, and a simpler application process.
The NT DAMA III endorsement portal officially reopened on 31 March 2025. Employers can now apply for new endorsements or continue lodging nominations under existing agreements. Businesses should prepare documentation to access new occupations and expanded nomination places.
NT DAMA II expired on 13 December 2024
The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) II officially expired on 13 December 2024. This program enabled NT employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for roles where local labour was unavailable. It offered key concessions such as lower English language requirements, reduced salary thresholds, and pathways to permanent residency.
NT DAMA III executed on 19 March 2025
The new Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA III) was officially executed between the NT Government and the Australian Government on 19 March 2025. This new agreement brings expanded occupation lists, additional nomination places, and streamlined application processes, offering greater flexibility and support for employers in the Northern Territory.
Endorsement applications
All endorsement applications under NT DAMA II submitted before 13 December 2024 have been finalised. The NT Government’s online application portal officially reopened on 31 March 2025, and is now accepting new endorsement applications under NT DAMA III. Businesses can now apply for endorsements aligned with the updated framework, including expanded occupations and streamlined processes.
Labour agreements and nomination applications
Businesses endorsed under NT DAMA II by 13 December 2024 can continue to lodge labour agreement requests and nomination applications with the Department of Home Affairs. These applications will be assessed as usual, ensuring business continuity for those with existing approvals. Employers with existing labour agreements under NT DAMA II can continue to lodge nomination applications within their approved ceilings.
Accessing new occupations or additional places under NT DAMA III
If businesses with existing DAMA II labour agreements wish to access new occupations or additional nomination places under NT DAMA III, they must submit a new endorsement application. The online portal reopened on 31 March 2025, and updated eligibility criteria are available on the NT Government website.
Skills assessments still accepted
Skills assessment applications for occupations previously endorsed under NT DAMA II continue to be accepted and assessed. Employers with existing labour agreements can proceed with migration planning and nominations. The endorsement portal officially reopened on 31 March 2025, allowing new applications under the NT DAMA III framework, which includes updated occupations and expanded nomination opportunities.
Preparing for NT DAMA III
Employers are encouraged to begin preparing their endorsement applications under NT DAMA III, which officially opened on 31 March 2025. The new agreement offers expanded occupations, additional nomination places, and simplified processes to support NT businesses facing workforce shortages.
To ensure a smooth and timely application, businesses should review the updated documentation requirements available on the NT Government website. This typically includes information about business operations, financial capacity, labour market testing, and the roles needing to be filled.
Preparing early will help employers respond quickly to new opportunities and submit complete, accurate applications under the updated DAMA III framework.
How Absolute Immigration Legal can support your business
The transition from NT DAMA II to NT DAMA III presents both opportunities and complexities for Northern Territory employers. Navigating the requirements from endorsements and labour agreement applications to nominations and visa processing requires strategic planning and expert guidance.
At Absolute Immigration Legal, we help NT businesses navigate NT DAMA III, ensuring compliance, accessing new occupations, and supporting skilled workforce needs through tailored immigration solutions.
For personalised assistance, contact us at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com