On July 31 2025 Australia launched a big new regional visa scheme called DAMA 3. This is for the Northern Territory. The program lets people work in many jobs without needing an IELTS or a university degree. It is open to people aged 18–55. The goal is to fill jobs fast in remote areas.
What Is DAMA 3
DAMA 3 stands for Designated Area Migration Agreement 3. It is a regional deal between the Australian Government and the Northern Territory. It runs from March 19 2025 to June 30 2030. It lets employers sponsor up to 1500 overseas workers per year totalling about 8000 spots over five years.
Why This Program Now
The Northern Territory is a huge area with labour shortages. Many towns struggle to find workers in hospitality trades farming and health. DAMA 3 aims to fix that fast. The previous DAMAs showed regional businesses filled vacancies faster when they had these programs.
Also See: Australia Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs August 2025 AUD 65000 Yearly
Key Features in Simple Terms
- No IELTS is needed for most jobs
- No degree needed for most eligible jobs
- Age limit extended up to 55 years
- Over 325 occupations included from truck drivers to chefs and nurses
- Family can come spouses and children can be included
- Pathway to PR permanent residency after fulfilling work conditions
Who Can Apply
You can apply if you
- Are 18–55 years old
- Have a job offer from an employer in designated NT areas like Darwin Katherine Alice Springs
- Have skills or experience for one of the 325 plus occupations
- Are medical and character cleared
- Can live and work in regional NT
You do not need
- IELTS or English test for most jobs
- A university degree in most cases
- Prior experience in Australia
What Jobs Are In Demand
The DAMA 3 list spans many sectors
- Truck drivers warehouse workers
- Chefs bakers baristas hospitality staff
- Aged care workers nurses health assistants
- Electricians carpenters auto mechanics
- IT professionals network administrators
- Farmers horticulture livestock workers
- Construction labourers plant operators
- Beauty therapists hairdressers
- Accounts clerks bookkeepers
Step by Step How To Apply
Step 1 Choose Your Job
Check the official DAMA 3 occupation list. Pick roles that match your skills or experience.
Step 2 Find Employers or Agencies
Use Territory Worker Connect portal. It lists employers and agents approved under DAMA 3. You can upload your CV and apply directly.
Step 3 Get a Job Offer
Secure a written job offer from a DAMA approved employer. The employer applies for endorsement to sponsor you.
Step 4 Visa Nomination and Application
- The employer nominates you under subclass 482 TSS 494 or 186 visa
- You submit your visa application online
- Provide required documents health character identity contract
- Processing usually takes a few months
Why This Scheme Stands Out
- No IELTS and no degree open it to more people
- Bring your family that includes spouse and dependent kids
- Fast PR path many move to permanent residency within 2–3 years
- Helps regional businesses fill urgent vacancies in many sectors
Limits and Risks
- Only 1500 spots a year. Demand may exceed supply
- Not all jobs are included. Only jobs on the 325 occupation list qualify
- You must live in NT regional areas
- Be cautious of scam agents only use registers from official NT migration sites
Cost and Salary Rules
Employers must meet salary threshold TSMIT rules. Under DAMA 3 concessions reduce this threshold by 15 percent of the base CSIT now around 76500 AUD. That means salary around 60000 AUD is acceptable in many roles.
After You Arrive What Comes Next
Once working
- Meet the work hours and contract terms
- After 2–3 years you may apply for permanent residency via subclass 186
- Your family can join you or apply later
- You can settle long term in regional NT communities
Conclusion
Australia’s DAMA 3 Visa Program launched on July 31 2025 is a powerful opportunity. It offers no IELTS no degree requirements for most jobs and includes over 325 occupations. The program runs in the Northern Territory until mid 2030 with 1500 visa spots a year. It is ideal for global workers who seek a work and settlement path in Australia. The benefits include easier access family inclusion and a clear route to permanent residency. But do act fast—the spots are limited and competition is real. If you meet the criteria prepare well and apply via the Territory Worker Connect portal or through approved DAMA employers. This could be your most direct route to a new life in regional Australia.