skilled migration visa australia, 189 subclass visa australia - VisaAdvisor
Home » State Nomination » NT » Northern Territory Subclass 190 & 491

Skilled Migration Darwin & Northern Territory — Subclass 190 & 491 State Nomination 2026

If Darwin or the Northern Territory is your target, Subclass 491 is the most realistic pathway for most applicants — and every NT postcode including metropolitan Darwin is designated regional under the federal framework. Subclass 190 is generally reserved for applicants who have lived in the NT on a long-term basis and can demonstrate deep, ongoing commitment to the Territory.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

The NT program has critical differences from every other state: you cannot be invited directly from your SkillSelect EOI — you must submit a separate application to MigrationNT. The three-year commitment (not two years like other states) is a hard condition. And the NT will not issue release letters to transfer your nomination to another state. The program is currently closed for 2025–26 (allocation reached) — new applications are only accepted by exception for applicants with specific visa deadlines. Prepare now for 2026–27.

⚠ Program Status — Northern Territory 2025–26 (Last verified: May 2026)

The NT nomination portal is CLOSED. The NT Government has received sufficient applications to fill the 2025–26 nomination allocation. The portal is closed to new applications. Exception only: new applications are accepted for applicants meeting NT Graduate or NT Resident criteria with visa deadlines (expiry, turning 45, or falling below 65 points for 491) before 31 December 2026. Applications lodged before closure continue to be assessed. The 2026–27 program will open once the new allocation is confirmed by the Australian Government. Monitor australiasnorthernterritory.com.au for updates.
Source: australiasnorthernterritory.com.au — May 2026.

Already have a critical visa deadline before 31 December 2026? Speak with Visa Advisor immediately — exception applications require careful preparation and there is no guarantee of nomination before a visa expiry date.

Quick Visa Facts — Northern Territory 2025–26

Subclass 190Subclass 491
Visa typePermanent residencyProvisional (5 yrs) → PR via Subclass 191
2025–26 NT allocation1,650 total (combined 190 + 491)1,650 total (combined 190 + 491)
Minimum points65 total (60 base + 5 nomination)65 total (50 base + 15 nomination)
AgeUnder 45 at nominationUnder 45 at nomination
EnglishCompetent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent)Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent)
Who can get 190?Generally only long-term NT residents (≥2 years) — 190 via offshore is exceptional circumstances onlyN/A — 491 is the standard pathway for most applicants
Offshore applicants190 only in exceptional circumstances with strong NT connectionsGenerally only 491 offered to offshore applicants
NT-specific processMust apply to MigrationNT separately — NT does NOT invite from SkillSelect EOIMust apply to MigrationNT separately — NT does NOT invite from SkillSelect EOI
Three-year commitmentMust live and work in NT in skilled occupation for ≥3 years after visa grantMust live and work in NT in skilled occupation for ≥3 years after visa grant
All NT postcodes regional?✓ Yes — entire NT including Darwin metro is regional under DHA✓ Yes — Darwin CBD qualifies for 491
Release lettersNT will NOT issue release letters for transfer to other states/territoriesNT will NOT issue release letters for transfer to other states/territories
Pre-application adviceNT does NOT provide pre-application advice or indicate likelihood of successNT does NOT provide pre-application advice or indicate likelihood of success
Program status (May 2026)CLOSED — accepting by exception only (critical visa deadlines before 31 Dec 2026)CLOSED — accepting by exception only (critical visa deadlines before 31 Dec 2026)

Darwin and the Northern Territory — The Entire Territory Is Regional

Unlike NSW, Victoria, and Queensland where capital cities are excluded from regional visa classifications, metropolitan Darwin and every NT postcode are designated as regional areas under the DHA framework. This means Subclass 491 is available throughout the NT — including Darwin CBD, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine, and remote communities. There is no metro/regional split in the NT.

City / Area190 eligible?491 eligible?Notes
Darwin (metro)✓ Yes — long-term residents only generally✓ Yes — all NT is regionalCapital city with full regional visa access. Strong demand: healthcare, construction, government, defence, hospitality.
Palmerston✓ Yes — long-term residents✓ YesSatellite city of Darwin — healthcare, trades, construction, education.
Alice Springs✓ Yes — long-term residents✓ YesRemote central Australia — healthcare, education, social services, government. Strong demand in health/allied health.
Katherine✓ Yes — long-term residents✓ YesRegional hub — healthcare, education, agriculture, defence. Remote employment concessions may apply.
Nhulunbuy (Gove)✓ Yes — long-term residents✓ YesRemote — mining, healthcare, education. Remote employment pathway may qualify for 190 earlier.
Tennant Creek✓ Yes — long-term residents✓ YesRemote — mining services, healthcare, community services. Remote employment concessions may apply.
Remote NT (outside Greater Darwin)✓ Yes — with concessions✓ YesRemote employment outside Greater Darwin may attract NT Resident pathway concessions — verify at australiasnorthernterritory.com.au.
Darwin metro is regional — Subclass 491 available throughout the NT
The entire Northern Territory — including metropolitan Darwin — is classified as a designated regional area under the DHA framework. All NT postcodes qualify for Subclass 491. There is no capital city exclusion like in NSW, QLD, or Victoria. Verified at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list/regional-postcodes.

NT Skilled Visa Subclasses

Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa (NT)

Permanent residency through NT state nomination. Generally only available to applicants who have lived in the NT on a long-term basis (≥2 years continuously). Offshore applicants are considered for 190 only in exceptional circumstances — usually where strong existing NT connections exist.

  •       NT adds 5 nomination points to your federal EOI score
  •       Requires ≥2 years continuous NT residence immediately before applying
  •       Must be currently employed in NT in nominated occupation — with employment contract and payslips
  •       Offshore: 190 only in exceptional circumstances; 491 is the standard offshore pathway
  •       Three-year commitment to live and work in NT in skilled occupation after visa grant

→ Full requirements: visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-190

 

Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional Visa (NT)

Five-year provisional visa. NT adds 15 nomination points. Pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after three years. The standard pathway for most NT applicants — both onshore and offshore.

  •       NT adds 15 nomination points to your federal EOI score
  •       Onshore (NT Resident): ≥12 months NT residence required
  •       Offshore: priority occupation stream (occupation on NTOMOL + NT job offer), job offer stream (any 491-eligible occupation + NT job offer), or family stream (eligible NT family member)
  •       Three-year commitment to live and work in NT in skilled occupation after visa grant
  •       After 3 years meeting regional requirements — apply for Subclass 191 permanent residency

→ Full requirements: visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-491

 

Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa

No state nomination required. Federal invitation from SkillSelect only — MigrationNT is not involved. Best for applicants with strong points who want flexibility to live anywhere in Australia including Darwin.

→ Full requirements: visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-189

Compare Visa Types — 189, 190, 491

SubclassPR OutcomeNominationBest for NT ApplicantsPoints Test
189Direct PRNoneStrong-points applicants who want flexibility — no NT commitment requiredFederal invitation only
190Direct PRNT GovernmentLong-term NT residents (≥2 yrs); offshore only in exceptional circumstancesYes — incl. 5 nomination pts
491Provisional → PR via 191NT GovernmentStandard pathway for most — onshore residents and offshore applicants with NT job offer or familyYes — incl. 15 nomination pts
191PR (transition)Not applicableAfter 491 — 3 years NT regional residence and income requirements metNo
887PR (legacy)Not applicableOlder qualifying regional visa holders onlyNo

NT Nomination Streams — Which One Applies to You?

The NT offers distinct streams for onshore and offshore applicants. Identifying the correct stream before applying is critical — NT provides no pre-application advice and will not indicate your chances of success.

StreamWho it is forKey requirementsVisa subclass
NT Graduate (Onshore)International students who studied in the NT≥2 years full-time study at NT institution | Lived in NT ≥6 months post-graduation on 485 or bridging visa | Currently employed or genuine/sustained efforts to secure NT employment in nominated occupation190 & 491
NT Resident (Onshore — 190)Long-term NT residentsLived in NT ≥2 consecutive years immediately before applying | Currently residing in NT | Currently employed in nominated occupation with employment contract and payslips | Long-term commitment to NT demonstrated190 (and 491 if 190 criteria not yet met)
NT Resident (Onshore — 491)Onshore applicants with NT residenceLived in NT ≥12 months | Currently residing in NT | Genuine commitment to NT long-term491
Offshore — Priority Occupation StreamOffshore applicants in NTOMOL occupationsOccupation on NT Offshore Migration Occupations List (NTOMOL) | NT job offer from NT-based business operating ≥12 months | ≥3 years post-qualification work experience in nominated occupation in last 10 years | Financial capacity to settleGenerally 491 only; 190 in exceptional circumstances
Offshore — Job Offer StreamOffshore applicants with NT job offerNT job offer for any eligible 491 occupation | NT employer operating ≥12 months | Financial capacity to settle491
Offshore — Family StreamOffshore applicants with NT family memberEligible NT family member (Australian citizen, PR, eligible NZ citizen, or 491/494 holder) residing in NT ≥12 months | Statutory declaration of settlement support | Financial capacity to settle491

NT does NOT invite directly from SkillSelect EOI

Unlike South Australia (which invites offshore applicants directly from SkillSelect), the NT requires every applicant — onshore and offshore — to submit a separate application through MigrationNT (skilledmigration.nt.gov.au) after lodging their EOI. Lodging your EOI in SkillSelect alone does not register your interest with the NT and will not result in an invitation. Source: australiasnorthernterritory.com.au.

482/457 visa holders — employer letter required

If you are currently on a Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) or Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) visa, you must provide a letter of support from your current sponsoring employer confirming they understand you will not be tied to their business once the 491 or 190 visa is granted. This requirement may be waived in certain circumstances. Source: australiasnorthernterritory.com.au.

Eligibility Requirements — Northern Territory

You must satisfy Department of Home Affairs visa criteria AND NT Government nomination requirements. Both must be met simultaneously at the time of application.

RequirementDetail — verified from australiasnorthernterritory.com.au (May 2026)
AgeUnder 45 at time of nomination — DHA requirement
Points — Subclass 19065 total = 60 base + 5 nomination points
Points — Subclass 49165 total = 50 base + 15 nomination points
OccupationMust be on relevant DHA Skilled Occupation List AND, for offshore priority stream, on the NT Offshore Migration Occupations List (NTOMOL). For onshore streams and offshore job offer/family streams, any DHA-eligible 491 occupation applies.
Skills assessmentValid, positive, full migration skills assessment — occupation must match nominated occupation
English languageCompetent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent). NT accepts all English tests approved by DHA. Five-country passport holders (UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Ireland) exempt from English test but must provide test if claiming higher English points.
NT Resident — 190Lived in NT ≥2 consecutive years immediately before applying | Currently residing in NT | Employed in NT in nominated occupation with contract and payslips
NT Resident — 491Lived in NT ≥12 months | Currently residing in NT
NT Graduate≥2 years full-time study at NT institution | ≥6 months NT residence post-graduation on 485 or bridging visa | Genuine/sustained efforts toward NT employment
Offshore — Priority OccupationOccupation on NTOMOL | NT job offer (NT business operating ≥12 months) | ≥3 years post-qualification work experience in nominated occupation in last 10 years
Offshore — Job OfferNT job offer for eligible 491 occupation | NT employer operating ≥12 months
Offshore — FamilyEligible NT family member (citizen/PR/NZ citizen/491/494 holder) residing in NT ≥12 months | Statutory declaration of support
Three-year commitmentMust live and work in NT in skilled occupation for ≥3 years from visa grant — statutory commitment | NT will not issue release letters for transfer to other states
Financial capacityMust demonstrate capacity to support yourself and family during NT settlement — NT is not responsible for employment, accommodation, or financial assistance

How to Apply — NT State Nomination

  1. Assess eligibility against DHA and NT criteria: Check you meet all DHA visa requirements AND NT nomination eligibility for your chosen stream. Confirm your occupation is eligible. Note: MigrationNT provides no pre-application advice and will not indicate your likelihood of success — you must assess your own eligibility carefully before applying.
  2. Submit your SkillSelect EOI: Lodge your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. Unlike SA, the NT does NOT invite you from your EOI — this step simply establishes your federal eligibility record. Keep it accurate and current.
  3. Submit a separate application to MigrationNT: After lodging your EOI, submit a separate nomination application through the MigrationNT online portal at skilledmigration.nt.gov.au. Upload all required supporting documents including skills assessment, English test, passport, CV, EOI copy, evidence of NT residence/employment/study, and a written commitment letter about your intention to live and work in the NT.
  4. Await assessment from MigrationNT: Applications are generally assessed in the order received. Priority may be given if your visa expires in 30 days, you turn 45 in 30 days, or you will fall below 65 points in 30 days. MigrationNT may request additional documents via the portal. Check your application status by logging into your online account.
  5. Receive nomination and lodge visa application: If nominated, you will receive a SkillSelect invitation to apply for your visa. Submit your visa application through your ImmiAccount within the specified timeframe. If your visa is granted, you must meet your three-year commitment to live and work in the NT in your skilled occupation.

Common Mistakes — NT Skilled Migration

Most NT applications fail for very predictable reasons

Assuming the NT invites from SkillSelect EOI. Applying for 190 without long-term NT residence. Not understanding the three-year commitment is stricter than other states. Expecting a release letter to transfer to another state.

  • Assuming the NT invites from SkillSelect EOI like SA — it does not. After lodging your EOI, you must separately apply through MigrationNT. Skipping this step means you will never receive an NT nomination regardless of how strong your EOI is.
  • Applying for 190 as an offshore applicant expecting standard eligibility — 190 offshore from NT is in exceptional circumstances only, for applicants with existing strong NT connections. Most offshore applicants will only be offered 491.
  • Not understanding the three-year commitment — NT requires three years (not two) in your skilled occupation. This is verified through compliance checks. NT will not issue release letters to move to another state if you change your mind.
  • Expecting MigrationNT to provide pre-application advice — MigrationNT explicitly states it will not provide pre-application advice or indicate likelihood of success. You must research and assess your eligibility independently before lodging.
  • Applying during a closed period without a qualifying exception — the 2025–26 allocation is exhausted. Unless you have a qualifying visa deadline before 31 December 2026, your application will not be accepted. Use this time to prepare a strong 2026–27 application.
  • Providing insufficient evidence of NT commitment — a brief letter is not enough. NT assesses genuine, long-term commitment. Evidence must include NT employment history, NT residence documentation, NT professional connections, and a substantive written commitment statement.
  • Not researching the NT job market before applying — the NT Government expects you to have made genuine and sustained efforts to understand NT employment opportunities. Applications without evidence of NT job market research may be assessed negatively.

Related Visas and Resources

  • State Nomination Hub — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination 
  • Skilled Migration Hub — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration
  • Subclass 190 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-190
  • Subclass 491 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-491
  • Subclass 189 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-189
  • Western Australia Skilled Migration — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination/western-australia-subclass-190-491
  • Queensland Skilled Migration — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination/queensland-subclass-190-491
  • Points Calculator — visaadvisor.com.au/tools/points-calculator
  • Check My Eligibility — visaadvisor.com.au/check-my-eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The NT nomination portal is closed for 2025–26. The NT Government received sufficient applications to fill its allocation and closed the portal to new applications. New applications are only accepted by exception for NT Graduate or NT Resident applicants with specific visa deadlines (expiry, turning 45, or falling below 65 points for 491) before 31 December 2026. The 2026–27 program will open once the new allocation is confirmed. Monitor australiasnorthernterritory.com.au. Last verified: May 2026.

Yes. Metropolitan Darwin and every NT postcode is classified as a designated regional area under the DHA framework. The entire Northern Territory qualifies for Subclass 491 — there is no capital city exclusion. Verified at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list/regional-postcodes.

No. The NT does not invite applicants directly from their SkillSelect EOI. After lodging your EOI, you must separately submit an application for NT nomination through the MigrationNT portal at skilledmigration.nt.gov.au. This is different from SA (which invites offshore applicants from EOI) and other states. Without submitting through the NT portal, you will not be considered for nomination. Source: australiasnorthernterritory.com.au.

Generally no. The NT website states that offshore applicants will generally only be considered for 491 nomination, and that 190 nominations for offshore applicants are only offered in exceptional circumstances such as when the applicant has strong existing connections to the NT. Most offshore applicants should target 491 through the priority occupation, job offer, or family stream. Source: australiasnorthernterritory.com.au.

Yes — it is stricter. The NT requires you to live and work in the NT in your skilled occupation for at least three years from visa grant. Most other states require two years. The NT Government conducts independent compliance checks and surveys. Critically, the NT will not issue release letters for transfer to another state or territory if you wish to move. This commitment is a hard legal condition of the nomination and visa. Source: australiasnorthernterritory.com.au.

Three offshore streams exist: the Priority Occupation stream (occupation on NTOMOL + NT job offer + 3 years work experience in last 10 years), the Job Offer stream (any eligible 491 occupation + NT job offer), and the Family stream (eligible NT family member who has lived in the NT for at least 12 months providing a statutory declaration of settlement support). All offshore streams generally only lead to 491 nomination. Source: australiasnorthernterritory.com.au.

The NT Graduate stream is for international students who completed at least two years of full-time study at an NT institution. After the completion of their final qualification, they must have lived in the NT for at least six continuous months while holding a 485 Temporary Graduate visa or a bridging visa linked to a 485 application. They must be currently employed or demonstrate genuine and sustained efforts to secure skilled employment with an NT employer. Source: australiasnorthernterritory.com.au.

No. MigrationNT explicitly states it will not provide pre-application advice or any indication of the chances of success to prospective applicants. You must research and assess your own eligibility against the published criteria before applying. This makes professional migration agent advice particularly valuable for NT applications — the stakes of a refusal are high given the limited places and closed current program. Source: australiasnorthernterritory.com.au.

Not through NT. Once nominated by the NT for a 491 visa, you cannot be re-nominated for 190 by the NT. The 190 pathway for NT-nominated migrants is through converting your NT ties into an NT Resident 190 application after meeting the 2-year continuous residence requirement — but this is a separate application assessed on its own merits. Your primary PR pathway from a 491 is through Subclass 191 after three years of meeting regional requirements.

Ready to Explore Your NT Skilled Migration Options?

Whether you are assessing your eligibility for the 2026–27 program, checking whether you qualify for an exception application under the current closed program, evaluating the three-year commitment against your career plans, or preparing your NT commitment letter and documentation — Visa Advisor can help you build a strategy that is accurate, realistic, and accounts for the NT’s unique and strict nomination process.

→ Check My Eligibility → Book a Free Consultation

No obligation. Registered migration agent. 100% confidential.

Disclaimer: Information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. NT nomination criteria, stream eligibility, program status, and allocation change regularly. Official NT Government portal: australiasnorthernterritory.com.au — application portal: skilledmigration.nt.gov.au. Always verify current requirements before making decisions. For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a registered migration agent. Visa Advisor Pty Ltd — MARA 0852408. Last reviewed: May 2026.