The agreement between the Northern Territory and Australian governments for the NT DAMA II program officially expired on 13 December 2024. Now, a new Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA III) has been finalized, coming into effect on 19 March 2025.

Key Highlights of NT DAMA III:

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• Expanded occupation list to address critical workforce shortages
• Increased nomination places for NT businesses
• Streamlined application processes for faster approvals

Transition and Next Steps:

• The online application portal is being updated and is expected to open for new endorsement applications by 31 March 2025.
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• Until then, the program remains suspended for new applications as the transition to NT DAMA III is completed.
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• Businesses endorsed under NT DAMA II before 13 December 2024 can continue submitting labour agreement and nomination applications to the Department of Home Affairs.
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• Skills assessment applications for endorsed positions under NT DAMA II will continue to be processed.

Preparing for NT DAMA III:

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• Businesses with existing labour agreements under NT DAMA II can continue to lodge nomination applications within their approved ceilings.
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• To access new occupations and concessions under NT DAMA III, businesses must submit a new endorsement application once the portal reopens.
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• Employers are encouraged to start gathering required documentation in preparation for the new application process.

Stay updated via Growmore Immigration for further details as NT DAMA III becomes fully operational.