Securing Your Future: How NT DAMA Opens Doors for International Graduates

The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) offers overseas workers and international post-study graduates access to Australia. It provides tailored visa programs. This guide details occupations, visa options, and annual reviews, aligning with the Northern Territory's labor market demands. 

Visa Programs Under NT DAMA

NT DAMA provides three main visa avenues for potential migrants:

  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa: A 4-year visa for those meeting specific skill shortages in the NT.
  • Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa: Offers a permanent residence pathway for eligible candidates.
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa: A 5-year visa designed to address regional skill shortages.

The Annual Review Process

The NT DAMA occupations list is not static. It undergoes an annual review, a collaborative effort between the NT Government and the Australian Government. This process is informed by:

  • NT Skilled Occupations Priority List (NTSOPL): The foundational document for developing the NT DAMA occupations list.
  • Labour Market Intelligence: Insights from industry peak bodies and labor market analyses contribute to the review.

Feedback on occupation shortages is vital and can be directed to the Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT), which plays a crucial role in labor market analysis and recommendations. 

Occupations Eligible for Sponsorship

The NT DAMA categorizes occupations from A to K, reflecting diverse requirements in skills, age, English proficiency, and salary thresholds. Notably, some occupations marked with an asterisk (*) are unique creations, stepping outside the standard classification framework to meet specific regional needs.

Key Requirements and Concessions

Each occupation under the NT DAMA has its set of requirements, including:

  • Age
  • English Language Proficiency
  • Skills and Experience
  • Salary Threshold (TSMIT)

Concessions are available, offering flexibility in certain criteria to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the Northern Territory.

Exploring the Occupations List

The NT DAMA lists 135 jobs on the NT Government site. It's key for understanding opportunities and pathways in the Northern Territory. See here: NT DAMA Occupations List. 

NT DAMA Opportunities: A Snapshot

We categorized jobs into four groups to show the NT's diverse employability: Healthcare, Business, Education, Hospitality and Construction industry. Each highlights 10 roles, showing varied career pathways in the Northern Territory. Here's a quick guide to these opportunities.

Group 1: Healthcare and Community Services

  1. Aeroplane Pilot
  2. Aged or Disabled Carer
  3. Child Care Centre Manager
  4. Community Worker
  5. Dental Assistant
  6. Disabilities Services Officer
  7. Family Support Worker
  8. Nursing Support Worker
  9. Personal Care Assistant
  10. Therapy Aide

Group 2: Business and Administration

  1. Accounts Clerk
  2. Bookkeeper
  3. Conference and Event Organiser
  4. Customer Service Manager
  5. General Clerk
  6. ICT Customer Support Officer
  7. ICT Support Technicians
  8. Office Manager
  9. Program or Project Administrator
  10. Web Administrator

Group 3: Education and Training

  1. Early Childhood Teacher
  2. Middle School Teacher
  3. Primary School Teacher
  4. Secondary School Teacher
  5. Special Education Teachers
  6. Special Needs Teacher
  7. Child Care Worker
  8. Out of School Hours Care Worker
  9. Education Advisor
  10. Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Group 4: Hospitality and Tourism

  1. Barista
  2. Café or Restaurant Manager
  3. Chef
  4. Cook
  5. Hotel or Motel Manager
  6. Hotel or Motel Receptionist
  7. Hotel Service Manager
  8. Tour Guide
  9. Waiter Supervisor
  10. Travel Consultant

Group 5 Construction and Building

  1. Carpenter
  2. Plumber 
  3. Electrician 
  4. Construction Project Manager 
  5. Structural Steel and Welding Trades Worker
  6. Building and Construction Manager 
  7. Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic 
  8. Painting Trades Worker 
  9. Bricklayer
  10. Roof Tiler 

NT DAMA - Unlocking Opportunities in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) provides a diverse range of service-oriented roles across key sectors like Healthcare, Business, Education, and Hospitality. These carefully selected categories not only mirror the current demands within the NT's labor market but also offer substantial opportunities for international graduates to build meaningful careers. Whether your interest lies in contributing to the community, leading business innovations, shaping future minds, or enhancing the hospitality experience, the NT DAMA presents a unique key to unlocking your career potential and securing a promising future in the dynamic environment of Australia's Northern Territory.