Northern Territory Skilled Migration 2026–27

State nomination pathways for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491

MigrationNT considers nomination for subclass 190 and subclass 491. Offshore applicants have generally been considered mainly for subclass 491, subject to relevant NT streams and requirements.

2026–27 program status (reviewed 19 October 2026): Confirm whether the applicable NT nomination stream is open in 2026–27. Historical NT criteria should not be assumed to remain unchanged.

Northern Territory nomination visa options

VisaOverviewNomination points
Subclass 190Permanent skilled nominated visa5 points
Subclass 491Five-year provisional visa for designated regional areas, with a potential pathway to Subclass 191 permanent residence15 points

State nomination is only one step. Applicants must also meet the federal visa conditions. Subclass 491 regional residence and other conditions must be satisfied.

Who may qualify?

  • Generally be under 45 at the relevant invitation stage.
  • Have a suitable skills assessment for an eligible nominated occupation.
  • Meet competent English requirements, unless a higher level is required for the pathway.
  • Have at least 65 points under the federal skilled migration points test, including applicable nomination points.
  • Meet Northern Territory nomination conditions and any occupation, residency, employment or invitation criteria.

State-specific assessment: The NT assesses genuine commitment, occupation and relevant work experience; offshore pathways may include priority occupations, family connections or an eligible job offer.

Meeting the minimum federal points threshold does not guarantee state nomination or a visa invitation.

How to apply for Northern Territory nomination

  1. Check your nominated occupation, skills assessment, English results and visa points.
  2. Review the current Northern Territory nomination pathway and program availability.
  3. Create or update your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) with accurate details.
  4. Check MigrationNT eligibility, occupation requirements and current intake status, then prepare the relevant SkillSelect EOI and NT nomination application.
  5. If nominated and invited by Home Affairs, submit the visa application with the required evidence within the specified deadline.

Do not submit a nomination application or pay a fee until the applicable state process confirms you are eligible to do so.

Frequently asked questions

You may be able to express interest in both visa types if eligible, but Northern Territory has its own selection and nomination rules. Check the current nomination process for each visa.

65 points is the general federal points-test minimum. Nomination is competitive and the state or territory may impose additional eligibility and selection criteria.

Offshore eligibility depends on the relevant Northern Territory nomination pathway and current program rules. Confirm whether offshore applicants are being accepted.

No. The Department of Home Affairs separately decides the visa application and assesses all federal eligibility requirements.

How the NT skilled migration program works

Northern Territory nomination is intended to support workforce needs and longer-term settlement in the Territory. Eligibility may vary for NT graduates, NT residents, interstate residents and offshore applicants, and may involve evidence of employment and genuine commitment.

Who should consider this pathway?

  • Skilled professionals with an occupation eligible for the relevant state nomination stream and visa.
  • Applicants with a positive skills assessment and at least competent English, subject to pathway-specific requirements.
  • Applicants who can meet the federal points test and any additional state residence, employment or occupation conditions.
  • People prepared to meet nomination commitments and regional visa conditions, where applicable.

State nomination is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation, nomination or visa grant.

Eligible and in-demand occupations

Check whether your occupation and ANZSCO code are eligible before submitting an EOI or paying for an assessment. State lists can change during the year, and occupation inclusion does not automatically establish eligibility.

View Northern Territory Occupations in Demand

State nomination processing fees and visa costs

Published state/territory nomination charges: Subclass 190 or 491 nomination application: AUD 300, plus GST where applicable.

Fee source: State or territory government fee schedule.

Cost componentWho charges itWhen relevant
State nomination / ROI / Matrix chargeState or territory governmentAt registration or nomination application, depending on program
Subclass 190 or 491 visa application chargeAustralian Department of Home AffairsWhen lodging the federal visa application
Additional applicant chargesAustralian Department of Home AffairsPartner and dependent children, where included
Skills assessment, English test, medical and police checksRelevant third partiesAs required by the applicant's circumstances

Federal visa charges are separate from state nomination fees. See the linked Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 guides for family visa-charge details.

Start your NT skilled migration eligibility assessment

Peerless Immigration Services can review your occupation, skills assessment pathway, English score, work experience, federal points and state nomination options. If your profile appears suitable, our team can outline the supporting documents and next steps.

  1. Check your points using the Australia PR Points Calculator.
  2. Review your occupation list and state-specific nomination criteria.
  3. Submit the Australia enquiry form on this page with your preferred visa category.
  4. Our team can review your profile and discuss possible pathways and applicable costs.

Calculate Australia PR Points

Submitting an enquiry does not constitute a visa application or guarantee eligibility or nomination.

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