Migrate to Northern Territory: State Nomination Pathways (Subclass 190 & 491)

Explore the best state nomination options based on your profile. Compare visa streams, eligibility, and pathways for permanent residency (PR) across Northern Territory.

Northern Territory State Nomination at a Glance

A brief summary of the key NT State Nomination details

📍TerritoryNorthern Territory (NT)
🧾Visa Subclasses Subclass 190 (PR), Subclass 491 (Provisional)
📝Nominated ByNorthern Territory Government (State Nomination)
🌏Target GroupOnshore professionals, graduates, critical workers
Processing Time4–8 months (post-ROI submission)
💼Job OfferNot mandatory (but advantageous)
📅Occupation ListNorthern Territory Skilled Occupation List
🏆PR Pathway Subclass 190: Direct PR after nomination.
Subclass 491: Provisional PR with pathway to Subclass 191 for permanent residency.
🔢Points TestMinimum 65 points required
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Family InclusionFamily members can be included in the application

Welcome to the Northern Territory State Nomination Page!

Northern Territory offers skilled migration pathways through the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas.

Whether you’re already residing in Northern Territory or planning to move, this page will guide you through the state nomination process, eligibility criteria, visa streams, required documents, and PR pathways.

Start your journey towards permanent residency in NT today!

Who Should Consider Northern Territory Nomination?
& NT Nomination Streams Explained

Who Should Consider Queensland Nomination?

Onshore professionals working in Northern Territory

International graduates from Northern Territory institutions

Offshore applicants with Northern Territory invitation via SkillSelect

Northern Territory Nomination Streams Explained

Subclass 491 Nomination: Provisional PR with regional incentives for applicants willing to live and work in regional Northern Territory, usually through the Subclass 491 visa.

Subclass 190 Nomination: Permanent residency based on SkillSelect EOI ranking and state nomination via the Subclass 190 visa.

Graduate Stream: For recent Northern Territory graduates who have lived and studied in the territory.

Overseas Applicants: Limited stream based on occupation and SkillSelect ranking for applicants outside Australia seeking Northern Territory nomination.

Understanding the Northern Territory Nomination Criteria

Key Eligibility Factors: 

Occupation: Must be on Northern Territory's Skilled Occupation List.

EOI Points: Applicants need to meet the minimum 65 points in the SkillSelect points test.

Employment: Onshore applicants should be working in Northern Territory or have a job offer.

Employment: Onshore applicants should be working in Northern Territory or have a job offer.

Work Experience and Qualifications: Additional points are awarded for relevant work experience and qualifications.

Commitment: Applicants must commit to living and working in Northern Territory for at least 2 years (for Subclass 190) or in regional Northern Territory for 3 years (for Subclass 491).

Northern Territory Nomination Eligibility Checklist
& Required Documents for NT Nomination

Eligibility Checklist:

Must meet Department of Home Affairs baseline criteria (skills assessment, English, 65+ points)

Valid passport and identity documents

Commitment to stay in Northern Territory and live and work in the NT for at least 3 years from visa grant

Subclass 190 onshore applicants require 2 years full-time NT employment and residence plus 12 months of continued employment

Subclass 190 onshore applicants require 2 years full-time NT employment and residence plus 12 months of continued employment

Offshore Applicants – Family & Job Offer Streams: Must meet specific criteria including financial capacity, family in Northern Territory, or job offer, as outlined

Northern Territory ROI and SkillSelect submission completed

Offshore applicants: Must show financial capacity (net assets)—e.g., AUD 35,000 individual, AUD 50,000 with spouse, etc.

Required Documents:

Northern Territory ROI and SkillSelect submission completed

ROI submission confirmation

SkillSelect points score snapshot

Northern Territory ROI and SkillSelect submission completed

Northern Territory ROI and SkillSelect submission completed

Passport and ID

Regional Eligibility – Where You Must Live

The entire ACT region is eligible for Subclass 491.

🔍 Step-by-Step NT Nomination Application Process

1
Check Northern Territory Skilled Occupation List
2
Prepare documents and ROI details
3
Submit Northern Territory Registration of Interest (ROI)
4
Await invitation based on SkillSelect points score
5
Lodge a visa application via DHA portal

NT Nomination Red Flags & Expert Tips

Red Flags:

Employment outside Northern Territory does not count toward SkillSelect points

Incorrect SkillSelect points claims

Failure to meet occupation requirements (occupation not on NT Skilled Occupation List)

Expert Tips:

Longer Northern Territory residence increases SkillSelect rank

Upload complete documents at ROI stage to avoid delays

Partner’s skills and English can boost score significantly

🧰 Tools & Download

Discover free tools to help you plan, prepare, and lodge your visa with confidence 

Download NT Migration Pack
Download NT Migration Pack
Download
Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
Discover

❓FAQs

To be eligible for NT State Nomination, applicants must:

  • Have a valid skills assessment
  • Meet English and points test requirements (minimum 65 points in the SkillSelect points test)
  • Have an occupation listed on the NT Priority Occupation List
  • Show a strong commitment to living and working in the Northern Territory

Onshore applicants must also meet NT residency and employment requirements depending on the stream, whether they are applying for Subclass 190 or Subclass 491.

Yes. The Northern Territory accepts offshore applications, especially for high-demand occupations. Offshore applicants must show:

  • High English scores
  • Strong, verifiable employment history
  • Evidence of employability in the Northern Territory
  • A strong commitment statement to live and work in the NT

This aligns with common search phrases such as “offshore NT 491 nomination 2025”.

A job offer is not mandatory for all streams, but applicants with:

  • NT work experience
  • Job offers from Northern Territory employers
  • Occupations in strong demand

are typically more competitive and have a higher chance of being selected for NT nomination.

Processing times vary depending on demand and stream, but most NT nominations are assessed within 6–12 weeks. Offshore nomination requests may take longer due to additional verification checks.

Yes, immediate family members can be included in your visa application. They will be assessed for eligibility as well.

Common requirements include:

  • Skills assessment
  • English test results
  • Passport
  • EOI details
  • Employment evidence
  • Commitment to the Northern Territory statement
  • Proof of residency or employment (for onshore applicants)

These documents are essential whether you are applying for Subclass 190 or Subclass 491.

The Northern Territory requires applicants to demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in the NT long-term. This may include:

  • A written commitment statement
  • Evidence of research into NT lifestyle and employment
  • Prior travel, study, or work in the NT (if applicable)

This is a common query for applicants considering NT State Nomination under the Subclass 491 or Subclass 190 pathways.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.