One year extension of the Northern Territory DAMA
The Northern Territory (NT) DAMA II has recently been extended for one-year, prolonging its validity until December 13, 2024. Notably, significant changes have been implemented to facilitate easier access for NT employers to the program.
The key modifications include:
Addition of 11 new occupations, expanding the list of eligible occupations to a total of 135.
Implementation of a reduced Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $55,000 for selected occupations.
Introduction of a more straightforward and streamlined pathway to permanent residency. Overseas workers can now be nominated for the permanent subclass 186 visa after dedicating at least 2 years of full-time work in eligible occupations within the NT.
What is the NT DAMA?
The NT DAMA facilitates the sponsorship of overseas workers by NT employers for positions that cannot be filled locally and may otherwise not be available for sponsorship through standard visa programs.
The second iteration of the NT DAMA is applicable across the entire NT and is specifically designed to tackle existing and anticipated labor market shortages.
The NT DAMA allows NT employers to sponsor overseas workers under the following visa programs:
4-year Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa;
5-year Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 visa (this allows for an independent route to get permanent residency after 3 years without requiring further sponsorship from employer.) or
Permanent Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa
Concessions to Standard Employer Sponsored Visa Program
Age Concessions: the Subclass 494 and 186 require that applicants are under 45 years of age. Under the NT DAMA employers are able to sponsor workers who have not turned 55 years of age.
English Language concessions: a lower level of English is required for workers nominated in eligible occupations except for engineers.
482/ 494 concession: overall score of IELTS 4.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 (or equivalent) in each band.
Subclass 186 ENS concession: overall score of IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent), with a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 (or equivalent) in each band.
TSMIT Concessions: under the NT DAMA, specific occupations benefit from a reduced TSMIT of $55,000, (guaranteed annual earnings not including superannuation). When a TSMIT concession is applicable, sponsored workers must receive compensation equal to or higher than the reduced TSMIT of $55,000, or the market salary, whichever is greater.
One Planet Migration Law has provided expert assistance to a variety of businesses in successfully securing access to DAMAs. Our specialisation lies in facilitating sponsors to engage foreign workers across sectors like hospitality, agriculture, technology and infrastructure, aged care, and healthcare. If your talent needs extend beyond the conventional visa programs, don't hesitate to get in touch with our experienced team.
Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalized advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations and the impact of evolving case law on legal interpretation, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for up-to-date insights tailored to your individual circumstances. We strongly advise seeking professional guidance to navigate the complexities of Labour Agreements effectively and to achieve the most favorable outcomes for your immigration journey.
