Northern Territory skilled migration is open again.
The NT Government has received its full 2026–27 General Skilled Migration allocation.
There are 1,850 nomination places available.
Applications opened on 21 August 2026.
The allocation is larger this year.
A few conditions have also changed, so the pathway is not as simple as submitting an Expression of Interest and waiting.
You must check the correct stream first.
NT nomination allocation for 2026–27
The Northern Territory received:
| Visa pathway | 2026–27 places | 2025–26 places |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 190 visa | 850 | 850 |
| Subclass 491 visa | 1,000 | 800 |
| Total | 1,850 | 1,650 |
This is an increase of 200 places from 2025–26.
The NT Government also stated that it received the highest number of subclass 491 nominations of any Australian jurisdiction.
The two available visa pathways have different outcomes:
- The subclass 190 visa is a permanent skilled visa.
- The subclass 491 visa is a provisional regional visa.
- The subclass 491 pathway may lead to permanent residency Australia through the relevant later visa pathway.
The Australian Government sets the national visa framework.
The NT Government assesses and nominates applicants against its own criteria.
A nomination is not a visa grant.
The Department of Home Affairs makes the final visa decision.
Which NT streams are open?
The 2026–27 program includes onshore streams and selected offshore streams.
Onshore streams
The onshore options are:
1. NT Graduates stream
This stream is for eligible international graduates who have studied in the Northern Territory.
The new program year has revised eligibility criteria.
Check the current requirements before applying.
2. NT Residents stream
This stream is for eligible applicants currently living and working in the Northern Territory.
You must show that you meet the current NT residence and employment requirements.
Holding a visa in the NT does not automatically make you eligible.
Your work, occupation, length of residence and visa status may all matter.
Offshore streams
The offshore options include:
1. NT Priority Occupation stream, currently closed
This stream is currently closed to new applications.
The NT Government has cited a large number of pending applications from the previous program year.
Do not assume that submitting an application is possible simply because the stream appears in the program information.
Check the official NT page before taking action.
2. NT Job Offer stream
This stream requires a job offer from an NT business.
The business must have been operating for at least 12 months.
The position and employment evidence must also meet the NT requirements.
A job offer is not the same as a guaranteed nomination.
3. NT Family stream
This stream may suit applicants with an eligible family member living in the Northern Territory.
The family member must generally have lived in the NT for at least 12 months.
They must be able to provide settlement support.
You must also provide evidence of genuine efforts to seek employment in the NT.
Offshore applicants are generally considered for subclass 491 nomination.
Core eligibility for NT skilled migration
You must meet both federal visa requirements and NT nomination requirements.
Core requirements generally include:
- Being under 45 at the relevant invitation stage.
- Holding a valid skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Having at least Competent English.
- Meeting any higher English or registration standard required by the assessing or registration body.
- Scoring at least 65 points.
- Nominating an eligible occupation.
- Showing a genuine commitment to live and work in the NT.
- Meeting the specific requirements of your selected NT stream.
The occupation requirement is important.
Your occupation must be eligible for the relevant skilled visa.
Your skills assessment must also match your nominated occupation.
The federal requirements apply to both the subclass 190 visa and the skilled work regional visa 491.
The NT criteria are additional.
Meeting the federal points threshold does not guarantee NT nomination.
For a broader overview, see our Australian skilled migration and skilled visa services.
NT nomination conditions
Accepting NT nomination comes with a serious commitment.
You must agree to live and work in the Northern Territory for at least three years after your visa is granted.
The NT Government does not guarantee employment.
Nomination is not a job guarantee.
The NT Government also states that it does not issue release letters for applicants who want to transfer to another state or territory.
This matters.
Do not apply for NT nomination if you have no genuine intention of settling there.
Your application should reflect your actual circumstances and future plans.
Financial capacity guidance
The NT Government provides financial capacity guidance for applicants.
The minimum suggested net assets are:
- AU$35,000 for an individual applicant.
- AU$50,000 for an applicant and spouse.
- AU$60,000 for an applicant, spouse and one child.
- AU$65,000 for an applicant, spouse and two children.
These figures are guidance.
You should keep clear evidence of your financial position.
Useful documents may include:
- Bank statements.
- Property ownership documents.
- Vehicle or investment records.
- Loan statements.
- Evidence of savings.
- Documents showing liabilities and net asset calculations.
Do not submit unexplained figures.
Visa application charge
From 1 July 2026, the visa application charge for the primary applicant is AUD 6,140 for both:
- The subclass 190 visa.
- The subclass 491 visa.
Additional charges may apply for family members.
You may also need to budget for:
- Skills assessment fees.
- English test fees.
- Health examinations.
- Police certificates.
- Biometrics.
- Translations.
- Professional advice.
Check the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing information before payment.
How to apply for NT nomination
Follow the process in order.
Step 1: Check federal visa requirements
Review the requirements for the subclass 190 visa or subclass 491 visa.
Confirm your age, occupation, skills assessment, English, points and health and character position.
Step 2: Check NT eligibility
Read the current NT Government visa nomination information.
Select the correct stream.
Check whether the stream is open.
Review every document requirement.
Step 3: Lodge a SkillSelect EOI
Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
Your EOI is not a visa application.
It does not give you a bridging visa.
Make sure every claim is accurate.
You must later prove the claims made in your EOI.
Step 4: Submit the NT nomination application
Submit your nomination application through the NT online system.
Upload the required evidence.
Check your documents before submission.
Incomplete or inaccurate information can create problems.
Step 5: Wait for a SkillSelect invitation
If the NT nominates you, you may receive a SkillSelect invitation.
An invitation is not a visa grant.
It is permission to apply for the relevant visa.
Step 6: Lodge the visa application
After receiving an invitation, lodge your application through ImmiAccount.
Pay the required visa application charge.
Upload supporting documents.
You generally have 60 days from the invitation date to apply.
Step 7: Wait for Home Affairs assessment
The Department of Home Affairs will assess your visa application.
It may request further information, health examinations or biometrics.
Processing times vary.
What should applicants do now?
Act carefully.
Do not rush into an unsuitable stream.
Instead:
- Confirm whether you are onshore or offshore.
- Check that your occupation is eligible.
- Review your skills assessment validity.
- Confirm your English result.
- Recalculate your points.
- Prepare evidence for your employment claims.
- Gather identity, relationship and character documents.
- Calculate your available net assets.
- Review the three-year NT commitment.
- Check your current visa expiry date.
Applicants in Australia with an expiring visa should seek professional advice early.
The NT Government cannot guarantee a nomination outcome before your visa expires.
You must remain lawful in Australia.
An EOI alone does not create a bridging visa.
If you need assistance, speak with a registered migration agent in Australia or a qualified legal practitioner. If you are looking for a migration agent Adelaide or an immigration lawyer Adelaide, check registration and eligibility before paying for advice.
Important verification note
This article relies on the Northern Territory Government media release dated 20 August 2026, the NT Government nomination information at australiasnorthernterritory.com.au, and Department of Home Affairs visa information. The reported 21 August 2026 opening, revised 2026–27 stream criteria, closure of the Priority Occupation stream, financial capacity guidance, available nomination places and visa charges are time-sensitive. Verify each point directly on the official NT Government website and the Department of Home Affairs website before submitting an Expression of Interest, nomination application or visa application.
Official sources
- NT Government visa nomination information
- Department of Home Affairs: State and territory nomination allocations
- Department of Home Affairs: Subclass 190 visa
- Department of Home Affairs: Subclass 491 visa
- SkillSelect Expression of Interest
- NT Government media release, republished by Mirage News
Learn More
Not sure whether NT nomination, a subclass 190 visa or a subclass 491 visa suits your circumstances?
Book a migration consultation with Skillage Nimbus
Get practical guidance on eligibility, documents, points, visa timing and your next step.
Frequently asked questions
How many NT nomination places are available in 2026–27?
The Northern Territory has received 1,850 places.
There are 850 places for subclass 190 and 1,000 places for subclass 491.
When did NT nomination applications open?
Applications opened on 21 August 2026 for all onshore streams and selected offshore streams.
Is the NT Priority Occupation stream open?
No.
The NT Priority Occupation stream is currently closed to new applications because of a large number of pending applications from the previous program year.
Can offshore applicants apply for NT nomination?
Yes, selected offshore streams are available.
Offshore applicants are generally considered for subclass 491 nomination.
The NT Job Offer and NT Family streams have specific requirements.
Is the subclass 190 visa permanent?
Yes.
The subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa if granted by the Department of Home Affairs.
You must still meet all federal visa requirements.
Is the subclass 491 visa permanent?
No.
The subclass 491 is a five-year provisional visa.
It may provide a pathway to permanent residence after meeting the relevant requirements.
Does NT nomination guarantee a visa?
No.
NT nomination only supports the invitation process.
The Department of Home Affairs decides whether to grant the visa.
Can I move to another state after receiving NT nomination?
The NT requires nominated applicants to commit to living and working in the NT for at least three years after visa grant.
The NT Government states that it does not issue release letters for transfers to other states or territories.
What is the primary applicant visa charge?
From 1 July 2026, the primary applicant charge is AUD 6,140 for both subclass 190 and subclass 491.
Check the current official fee information before lodging.