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Northern Territory (NT) State Nomination 2025–2026: Commitment to the Top End

By December 16, 2025No Comments

Introduction

The Northern Territory (NT) Skilled Migration Program for 2025–2026 is specifically designed to attract and retain skilled migrants who can meet the Territory’s unique workforce and demographic needs. Unlike larger states, the NT offers focused pathways for graduates, established residents, and highly-skilled offshore workers, with a strong emphasis on the applicant’s long-term commitment to living and working in the NT for at least three years upon visa grant.

The NT offers nomination for:

1. NT Nomination Allocation for 2025–2026

The Northern Territory is one of the few jurisdictions that received a slight increase in its total allocation for the 2025–2026 program year, up from 1,600 to 1,650 places. The NT nomination portal intended to open on 24 November 2025 for all streams.

Visa Subclass Allocation (2025–2026)
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) 850 places
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) 800 places
Total 1,650 places

2. General Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements and the NT’s specific criteria:

  • Age: Under 45 at the time of nomination.

  • Skills Assessment: Hold a positive and valid skills assessment in their nominated occupation.

  • Points Test: Score a minimum of 65 points on the skilled migration points test.

  • English: At least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). The minimum scores changed for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.

  • Commitment: Commit to living and working in the NT in their eligible skilled occupation for at least three years once the visa is granted.

3. NT Nomination Streams (Onshore and Offshore)

The NT program operates through three main streams, each with tailored criteria for the 190 and 491 visas.

A. NT Graduate Stream (Onshore)

This stream targets international students who studied in the NT.

Subclass NT Study & Residency Requirements
Subclass 190 Completed a qualification after two academic years of full-time study at an NT institution. Must have lived in the NT for at least six continuous months after completing the course while holding a 485 visa (or bridging visa). Must show efforts to work in the nominated or closely related occupation.
Subclass 491 Meets the same two-year NT study requirement. Must show genuine, ongoing efforts to work in the nominated or related occupation (e.g., job applications, professional memberships).

B. NT Resident Stream (Onshore)

This stream is for applicants already settled in the Territory, demonstrating a stronger tie to the region.

Subclass NT Residency & Employment Requirements
Subclass 190 Lived in the NT for at least two consecutive years immediately before applying. Worked full-time for at least two years in an eligible occupation, with at least 12 months of ongoing employment available. None of the migrating dependents can live outside the NT.
Subclass 491 Lived in the NT for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before applying. Worked full-time for at least six consecutive months in an eligible occupation, with at least 12 months of ongoing employment available. None of the migrating dependents can live outside the NT.

Note on Remote Employment: There are specific concessions and pathways for those who have lived and worked in a remote NT area (outside Greater Darwin) for the required duration.

C. Offshore Applicant Streams

The NT generally prioritises the 491 visa for offshore candidates, with the 190 only offered in exceptional circumstances. Offshore applicants must demonstrate a genuine long-term commitment to the NT.

  1. NT Priority Occupation Stream (Offshore): Requires a positive skills assessment in an occupation listed on the Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupations List (NTOMOL). Applicants must also have at least three years of post-qualification work experience in their nominated occupation within the past 10 years and the financial ability to settle.

  2. NT Family Stream (Offshore): Allows nomination for applicants with an eligible Australian family member (citizen, PR, or eligible New Zealand citizen, or certain visa holders like 491/494) who has been living in the NT for a minimum of 12 months and provides a statutory declaration of settlement support.

4. Priority Occupations and Application

  • The NT published its skilled occupation priority list on 28 October 2025. This list highlights jobs considered to be in High Priority, Priority, or Industry Priority.

    High Priority occupations include (but are not limited to) critical roles in:

    • Health: Registered Nurses, Clinical Psychologists, Speech Pathologists.

    • Education: Early Childhood Teachers.

    • Trades: Carpenters, Electricians, Motor Mechanics, Plumbers, Metal Fabricators, Chefs/Cooks.

    • ICT: ICT Business Analyst, Computer Network and Systems Engineer.

    Application Process: The NT nomination portal opened on 24 November 2025. Applicants submit their nomination application directly to the NT Government via their online portal. Priority processing may be granted to applicants whose visa or points eligibility (e.g., turning 45) will expire in the next 30 days.

If you tell us more about your situation (onshore/offshore, occupation, work history), we can help you map your profile against migration streams and draft a clearer strategy. Contact us today on 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com.  

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