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    Studynash - Migration & Education

    Open : 2026-27

    The Northern Territory 2026-27 General Skilled Migration nomination programme opened on 21 August 2026. The NT Government has received full allocations from the Australian Government for the 2026-27 programme year. Applications are now open for all onshore streams and selected offshore streams. The NT Priority Occupation offshore stream is closed to new applications. Onshore applicants must currently be residing in the NT. Interstate applicants are not eligible.

    Last updated: 2026-08-20 | Programme year: 2026-27

    Northern Territory State Nomination 2026-27: 190 and 491 Visa Guide

    The Northern Territory 2026-27 General Skilled Migration nomination programme opened on 21 August 2026. The NT Government has received full allocations from the Australian Government for the 2026-27 programme year. Applications are now open for all onshore streams and selected offshore streams. The NT Priority Occupation offshore stream is closed to new applications. Onshore applicants must currently be residing in the NT. Interstate applicants are not eligible.

    Key facts

    • Portal opened 21 August 2026 for all onshore and selected offshore streams
    • NT Priority Occupation offshore stream is closed. Job Offer and Family offshore streams remain open
    • All applicants must be under 45 years of age at time of nomination
    • Minimum 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs points test required
    • Competent English required unless otherwise specified by the relevant assessing body
    • Commitment to live and work in the NT for at least 3 years from visa grant is a mandatory condition
    • MigrationNT does not prioritise applicants by points score. Applications are assessed on individual merit
    • Interstate applicants are not eligible. You must currently be residing in the NT to apply onshore
    • Student visa holders who have not completed their studies are not eligible
    • Applicants previously nominated for a subclass 489 or 491 by the NT Government are not eligible for a 190 nomination
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    Nomination places for Northern Territory in 2026-27

    2026-27 allocation confirmed. Specific place numbers not yet published by the NT Government.

    Nomination fee

    The NT Government does not publish a nomination fee. Check the application portal for any applicable charges.

    Financial requirements

    Household compositionMinimum assets
    Individual applicantAU$35,000
    Applicant and spouseAU$50,000
    Applicant, spouse and one childAU$60,000
    Applicant, spouse and two childrenAU$65,000

    Northern Territory nomination streams

    Onshore: NT Graduates stream

    OpenVisa subclasses: 190, 491

    For international students who completed at least two academic years (four semesters) of full-time study at an NT-based institution in a single tertiary course or set of nested tertiary courses.

    Subclass 190 eligibility

    • Completed the required NT study (two academic years full-time at an NT institution)
    • Option A: Lived in the NT for at least six continuous months after course completion on a subclass 485 visa or associated bridging visa, and is currently employed or has a recent job offer in the nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation
    • Option A exceptions (by exception only): employed for at least 3 months in a regional or remote area outside Greater Darwin, OR currently employed or has a job offer in a designated critical sector (energy, defence, agriculture, mining, health, aged or disabled care, education, tourism, construction)
    • Option B: Lived in the NT for at least twelve continuous months after course completion on a subclass 485 visa and demonstrated genuine and sustained efforts to obtain employment from an NT employer in the nominated occupation
    • Graduates aged over 35 who are not eligible for a subclass 485 visa may apply for a 190 nomination directly if they meet the study requirement and satisfy one of the employment criteria above

    Subclass 491 eligibility

    • Completed the required NT study (two academic years full-time at an NT institution)
    • Demonstrated genuine and sustained efforts and progress towards obtaining employment from an NT employer in the nominated occupation or a closely related occupation
    • Evidence required includes records of job applications in the NT, membership in relevant professional associations, and any positive feedback from NT industry contacts

    Onshore: NT Residents stream

    OpenVisa subclasses: 190, 491

    For skilled workers already living and working in the NT who did not come through the NT Graduates stream.

    Subclass 190 eligibility

    • Residing in the NT for at least 2 consecutive years immediately before applying and continues to reside in the NT
    • Full-time employment in the NT for at least 2 consecutive years immediately before applying
    • Employment must be available for at least a further 12 months
    • Employment must be in the nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation
    • Remote work exemption available by exception only for applicants employed full-time in a remote area outside Greater Darwin for at least 2 years

    Subclass 491 eligibility

    • Residing in the NT for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before applying and continues to reside in the NT
    • Full-time employment in the NT for at least 6 consecutive months immediately before applying
    • Employment must be available for at least a further 12 months
    • Employment must be in the nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation
    • Critical sector exemption available by exception only: full-time employment for at least 6 consecutive months in energy, defence, agriculture, mining, health, aged or disabled care, education (including childcare), hospitality or tourism, or construction
    • Remote work exemption available by exception only for applicants employed full-time in a remote area outside Greater Darwin for at least 6 months

    Offshore: NT Priority Occupation stream

    ClosedVisa subclasses: 491

    This stream is closed to new applications. The NT Government has received sufficient applications for assessment. Any changes will be published on the NT Government website.

    Subclass 491 eligibility

    • This stream is not accepting new applications

    Offshore: NT Job Offer stream

    OpenVisa subclasses: 491

    For skilled workers outside Australia who have a verifiable full-time job offer from an NT employer.

    Subclass 491 eligibility

    • Post-qualification work experience of at least 2 years in the nominated occupation in the last 5 years
    • Verifiable job offer in the nominated occupation with an NT business or organisation that has been actively operating in the NT for at least 12 months
    • Job offer must be full-time (at least 35 hours per week) with a contract duration of at least 12 months
    • Genuine commitment to live and work in the NT on a long-term basis
    • Financial capacity to settle in the NT
    • Applicants can nominate any occupation on the national eligibility list under this stream

    Offshore: NT Family stream

    OpenVisa subclasses: 491

    For skilled workers outside Australia who have an eligible family member who has been living in the NT for at least 12 months.

    Subclass 491 eligibility

    • Post-qualification work experience of at least 2 years in the nominated occupation in the last 5 years
    • An eligible family member in the NT who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or holder of a subclass 491, 494, 489, 309, 887 bridging visa, or 191 bridging visa
    • The family member must have been living in the NT for at least 12 months
    • The family member must provide a statutory declaration confirming they are willing and able to provide settlement support including assistance with accommodation and employment
    • Eligible relatives include: parent, child or step-child, sibling or step-sibling, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, first cousin, or grandparent
    • Evidence of sustained efforts to seek employment in the NT, including job applications and employer contact records
    • Applicants can nominate any occupation on the national eligibility list under this stream

    Employment requirements

    • Employment claimed must be full-time or equivalent to full-time (at least 35 hours per week) through one or more part-time positions
    • Casual employment is not eligible for nomination purposes
    • Remote positions based outside the NT are not eligible
    • The position must be based in the NT and the employer must have a record of trading in the NT for at least 12 months
    • Positions at serviced office spaces or involving hot-desking arrangements will generally not be considered favourably
    • Applicants must be paid at market salary
    • Employer must provide a letter of support stating they have made genuine efforts to recruit from the local labour market and why the applicant is the most suitable person for the role
    • Applicants on a subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa must provide a letter of support from their current sponsoring employer confirming they support the nomination and understand the applicant will not be tied to their business after visa grant

    How to apply for Northern Territory state nomination

    1. Check your eligibility against Department of Home Affairs requirements (age, English level, skills assessment, points test)
    2. Check your eligibility against NT Government nomination requirements for your stream
    3. Submit an expression of interest (EOI) in SkillSelect on the Department of Home Affairs website
    4. Submit your NT Government nomination application through the online portal at skilledmigration.nt.gov.au
    5. If successfully nominated, you will receive a SkillSelect invitation to apply for your visa
    6. Lodge your visa application through your ImmiAccount with the Department of Home Affairs
    7. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your visa application and advise you of the outcome
    8. If your visa is granted, you must meet your long-term commitments to living and working in the NT for at least 3 years

    Documents required

    • Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
    • Detailed current curriculum vitae or resume
    • Letters of completion, academic transcripts, and certificates of qualification
    • Colour copies of passport identity page for applicant and all dependants
    • Evidence of current Australian visa if in Australia
    • English language test results (if applicable)
    • EOI points breakdown table and copy of SkillSelect EOI
    • Evidence of any additional points claimed (partner skills, English, community language, professional year)
    • Letter of commitment (in own words, maximum 2 pages) explaining commitment to the NT, employment opportunities researched, housing research, and plans for any dependants
    • Onshore applicants: 12 months of bank statements showing day-to-day spending in the NT, evidence of NT residency for the required period (tenancy agreements, utility bills)
    • NT Graduates: job offer or employment contract, or evidence of genuine and sustained efforts to obtain employment
    • NT Residents: employment contract and payslips covering the required period
    • Offshore Job Offer applicants: full-time employment offer with NT employer for at least 12 months
    • Offshore Family applicants: statutory declaration from eligible relative, evidence of relationship, evidence of relative's NT residency for at least 12 months

    Important notes

    • The NT Government will not issue release letters for transfer to other states or territories outside the NT
    • MigrationNT does not provide pre-application advice or indicate likelihood of success. Applicants must self-assess eligibility before lodging
    • The NT Government may conduct independent compliance checks to verify applicants are living and working in the NT after visa grant
    • All eligibility criteria must be met at the time of the nomination application, not at visa grant
    • All supporting documents must be in English or accompanied by an official English language translation
    • Documents must be submitted in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word DOC or DOCX format
    Calculate my pointsBook a free assessment

    Kunal Sitlani

    Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2418523

    Studynash assists applicants across Australia with state nomination pathways including Northern Territory.

    Related pages

    The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. Visa requirements, nomination allocations, and occupation lists change throughout the programme year. Always verify current settings on the relevant state government website before submitting an application or Registration of Interest. For advice specific to your circumstances, speak with a MARA-registered migration agent.

    Ready to check your options for Northern Territory state nomination?

    Speak directly with Kunal Sitlani, MARN 2418523.