Northern Territory Skilled Migration 2026–27: Nominations Now Open

The Northern Territory Government has received its full skilled migration nomination allocation for the 2026–27 program year.

From 21 August 2026, applications are open for eligible onshore streams and selected offshore streams. This provides an important opportunity for skilled migrants who are genuinely committed to living and working in the Northern Territory.

For 2026–27, the NT has received 1,850 nomination places:

850 places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) 1,000 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

This is an increase of 200 places compared with the previous program year, with the additional allocation provided under the subclass 491 program.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for NT nomination, applicants will generally need to:

• be under 45 years of age;
• have a valid skills assessment in an eligible occupation;
• meet the relevant English-language requirement;
• achieve at least 65 points under the skilled migration points test; and
• show a genuine commitment to live and work in the Northern Territory.

Onshore applicants

Onshore applicants may be eligible through the NT Graduates or NT Residents streams.

Employment relied upon for an application must generally be with an eligible NT employer, be full-time or equivalent to at least 35 hours per week, be paid at market salary rates, and be appropriately related to the nominated occupation.

Offshore applicants are generally considered under the subclass 491 visa program. Depending on the stream, they may need at least two years of post-qualification work experience in their nominated occupation within the previous five years, sufficient settlement funds, and eligibility under an available offshore stream.

• The Offshore NT Priority Occupation stream is currently closed to new applications. However, offshore applicants may still be eligible through:
• The NT Job Offer stream, where they hold a verifiable job offer from an NT business that has operated in the Territory for at least 12 months; or the NT Family stream, where an eligible family member has lived in the NT for at least 12 months and can provide settlement support.

Applicants living interstate, and some student visa holders who have not completed relevant NT studies, may not be eligible for nomination.

How does the process work?

1. Check that you meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the relevant visa, including age, English, skills assessment and points-test requirements.
2. Review the Northern Territory Government’s eligibility criteria for General Skilled Migration nomination.
3. Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
4. Apply for NT Government nomination through the NT online application system and provide the required supporting documents.
5. If nominated, receive an invitation through SkillSelect to apply for your visa.
6. Lodge the visa application through ImmiAccount.
7. The Department of Home Affairs assesses the visa application and provides the final decision.
8. If granted, meet the relevant long-term commitments to live and work in the Northern Territory.

Important points to understand

NT nomination is not a job offer and does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.

The NT Government considers whether an applicant’s employment prospects are realistic and whether their occupation meets Territory workforce needs. Applicants remain responsible for securing employment, accommodation and meeting their own living costs.

An occupation appearing on an NT migration list does not mean there is a current job vacancy. The NT Government also does not provide release letters to applicants wishing to move their nomination commitment to another state or territory.

The NT’s financial-capacity guidance starts from:

AU$35,000 for an individual; AU$50,000 for an applicant and spouse; AU$60,000 for a couple with one child; and AU$65,000 for a couple with two children.

How SCA Connect can help

SCA Connect can assess your eligibility, review your migration points and supporting documents, advise on the most suitable NT stream, and assist with your Expression of Interest, nomination and visa application.