State nomination · Northern Territory
Northern Territory Subclass 190 & 491 — Nomination Steps and How Long Each Stage Takes
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.
How does NT nomination work?
The NT does not invite you from SkillSelect. You lodge an EOI, then apply separately to MigrationNT under one of five streams. Nomination costs AU$300 plus GST. If nominated, you have 60 days to lodge your visa, then a three-year commitment to live and work in the NT.
Key facts
- The NT does not invite from SkillSelect. You must apply separately to MigrationNT. An EOI alone registers nothing with the Territory.
- Full-time means 35 hours a week for NT purposes — the strictest of any state. It can be met across more than one part-time position.
- The nomination fee is AU$300 plus GST, non-refundable, and charged again for each new application.
- MigrationNT does not prioritise by points score. A higher score does not move you up the queue.
- Living interstate makes you ineligible — you or any migrating dependant.
- Three years, not two. You sign a declaration to live and work in the NT for three years from grant, and the NT does not issue release letters under any circumstances.
- One nomination per applicant. Once nominated, MigrationNT will not nominate you again.
- Sixty days to lodge the visa after the Department's invitation, or the nomination is invalid.
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.
Is the Northern Territory open right now?
Programme status changes during the year and is not held on this page. Allocations, which streams are accepting applications and the current occupation lists are tracked in one place, with the date each state was last checked: state nomination status — all eight states.
One structural point holds whatever the status says: the NT opens and closes streams independently. The Priority Occupation stream can be shut while the onshore streams run, so "the NT is open" and "your stream is open" are different questions. Check the stream, not the programme.
Quick Visa Facts — Northern Territory
| Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent residency | Provisional (5 yrs) → PR via Subclass 191 |
| Minimum points | 65 total (60 base + 5 nomination) | 65 total (50 base + 15 nomination) |
| Age | Must not have turned 45 at the time of invitation to apply (Home Affairs) — not at nomination | Must not have turned 45 at the time of invitation to apply (Home Affairs) — not at nomination |
| English | Competent English, unless the assessing, licensing or registration body for your occupation specifies otherwise. All DHA-approved tests accepted | Competent English, unless the assessing, licensing or registration body for your occupation specifies otherwise |
| Who can get 190? | Generally only long-term NT residents. You must show a greater connection to the NT than to any other state or territory | The standard pathway for most applicants, onshore and offshore |
| Offshore applicants | Offshore applicants will generally only be considered for 491 | Generally 491 only. Job Offer and Family streams can nominate any occupation on the national eligibility list |
| Nomination fee | AU$300 plus GST, non-refundable | AU$300 plus GST, non-refundable |
| NT-specific process | Must apply to MigrationNT separately — NT does NOT invite from SkillSelect EOI | Must apply to MigrationNT separately — NT does NOT invite from SkillSelect EOI |
| Full-time defined | At least 35 hours a week, across one or more part-time positions | At least 35 hours a week, across one or more part-time positions |
| Three-year commitment | Must live and work in NT in your skilled or a closely related occupation for ≥3 years from grant — signed declaration | Must live and work in NT in your skilled or a closely related occupation for ≥3 years from grant — signed declaration |
| All NT postcodes regional? | ✓ Yes — entire NT including Darwin metro is regional under DHA | ✓ Yes — Darwin CBD qualifies for 491 |
| Release letters | NT will NOT issue release letters, under any circumstances | NT will NOT issue release letters, under any circumstances |
| Pre-application advice | NT does NOT provide pre-application advice or indicate likelihood of success | NT does NOT provide pre-application advice or indicate likelihood of success |
| Points and priority | MigrationNT does not prioritise applicants by points score | MigrationNT does not prioritise applicants by points score |
Allocations and open/closed status are not on this page
Place numbers and which streams are accepting applications change during a programme year and are held on the state nomination status page, dated per state.
How long each stage takes
MigrationNT does not publish a fixed processing time, and there are no invitation rounds to wait for. What it does publish is the order applications are assessed in and the narrow circumstances that move you up the queue. That is the honest answer to "how long does NT nomination take".
| Stage | What actually determines the timing |
|---|---|
| Skills assessment | Set by your assessing authority, not by the NT. Start here — it is usually the longest single item and nothing else can proceed without it. |
| SkillSelect EOI | Immediate, and free. It does not put you in a queue with the NT. It exists so the Department can invite you later. |
| MigrationNT nomination application | Assessed on its own merits — MigrationNT does not prioritise by points score and publishes no ordering rule beyond priority processing (visa expiring, turning 45, or dropping below 65 points within 30 days). There are no published round dates. Your application must be complete at submission — MigrationNT expects all supporting documents up front and will only request more through the portal if it needs them. |
| Priority processing | Only for applicants residing in the NT who meet one of three triggers: a visa expiring within 30 days, turning 45 within 30 days, or dropping below 65 points within 30 days because of age. Email migration@nt.gov.au with evidence of the urgency. |
| After nomination | The Department issues your invitation, and you have 60 calendar days to lodge the visa. Miss it and the nomination is invalid. |
| Visa decision | Entirely the Department's. MigrationNT has no ability to intervene or influence it, and cannot help if the visa is refused. |
The NT Government cannot guarantee a nomination before a visa deadline. Its own advice to onshore applicants with an expiring visa is to seek advice from a registered migration agent or legal practitioner and make sure they stay lawful in Australia. Do not plan around a nomination arriving in time.
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 / Area | 190 eligible? | 491 eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darwin (metro) | ✓ Yes — long-term residents only generally | ✓ Yes — all NT is regional | Capital city with full regional visa access. Strong demand: healthcare, construction, government, defence, hospitality. Inside Greater Darwin, so the outside-Greater-Darwin concessions do not apply. |
| Palmerston | ✓ Yes — long-term residents | ✓ Yes | Satellite city of Darwin — healthcare, trades, construction, education. Also inside Greater Darwin. |
| Litchfield Shire | ✓ Yes — long-term residents | ✓ Yes | The third local government area making up Greater Darwin, alongside Darwin and Palmerston. |
| Alice Springs | ✓ Yes — long-term residents | ✓ Yes | Remote central Australia — healthcare, education, social services, government. Outside Greater Darwin, so the regional and remote employment concessions can apply. |
| Katherine | ✓ Yes — long-term residents | ✓ Yes | Regional hub — healthcare, education, agriculture, defence. Outside Greater Darwin. |
| Nhulunbuy (Gove) | ✓ Yes — long-term residents | ✓ Yes | Remote — mining, healthcare, education. Outside Greater Darwin. |
| Tennant Creek | ✓ Yes — long-term residents | ✓ Yes | Remote — mining services, healthcare, community services. Outside Greater Darwin. |
| Remote NT (outside Greater Darwin) | ✓ Yes — with concessions | ✓ Yes | Employment outside Greater Darwin can satisfy the exceptional-circumstances limb of the Graduate and Resident streams. |
Greater Darwin has a precise definition, and it matters. It is the local government areas of the City of Darwin, City of Palmerston and Litchfield Shire Council — nothing else. Several NT concessions turn on working outside that boundary, so the difference between Palmerston and Katherine is not cosmetic.
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. Offshore applicants are considered for 190 only in exceptional circumstances.
- NT adds 5 nomination points to your federal EOI score
- You must establish a greater connection to the NT than to any other Australian state or territory
- NT Residents stream: ≥2 consecutive years residing in the NT immediately before applying, and ≥2 consecutive years full-time employment that is available for at least a further 12 months
- Offshore: 190 only in exceptional circumstances; 491 is the standard offshore pathway
- Three-year commitment to live and work in NT in your skilled or a closely related occupation after visa grant
- If you lodge for a 190 and are found ineligible, MigrationNT will consider you for a 491 — provided your SkillSelect EOI includes the 491
→ Full requirements: Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated
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
- NT Residents stream: ≥12 consecutive months residing in the NT, and ≥6 consecutive months full-time NT employment available for at least a further 12 months
- Offshore: at least 2 years post-qualification experience in your nominated occupation in the last 5 years, plus one of the three offshore streams below
- Three-year commitment to live and work in NT in your skilled occupation after visa grant
- After 3 years meeting regional requirements — apply for Subclass 191 permanent residency
→ Full requirements: Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional
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: Subclass 189 Skilled Independent
Compare Visa Types — 189, 190, 491
| Subclass | PR Outcome | Nomination | Best for NT Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | Direct PR | None | Strong-points applicants who want flexibility — no NT commitment required |
| 190 | Direct PR | NT Government | Long-term NT residents with two years' residence and two years' employment; offshore only in exceptional circumstances |
| 491 | Provisional → PR via 191 | NT Government | Standard pathway for most — onshore residents and offshore applicants with an NT job offer or family |
| 191 | PR (transition) | Not applicable | After 491 — 3 years NT regional residence and income requirements met |
| 887 | PR (legacy) | Not applicable | Older qualifying regional visa holders only |
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. There are five streams, and each opens and closes independently of the others.
| Stream | Who it is for | Key requirements | Visa subclass |
|---|---|---|---|
| NT Graduates (Onshore) | International students who studied in the NT | Qualification(s) completed studying full-time at an NT institution for two academic years (4 semesters), in one course or nested courses. For the 190: either 6 continuous months in the NT after completion on a 485 or associated bridging visa plus current employment or a recent job offer (or, in exceptional circumstances, 3 months' employment outside Greater Darwin, or employment in a designated critical sector); or 12 continuous months plus genuine and sustained efforts to find NT work. For the 491: the study requirement plus genuine and sustained efforts toward NT employment. | 190 & 491 |
| NT Graduates — aged over 35 | NT graduates aged over 35 who are not eligible for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa — both conditions | Same two-academic-year study requirement, without the post-study residence requirement. You must be currently employed or hold a recent job offer in your nominated or a closely related occupation — or, in exceptional circumstances, have 3 months' employment outside Greater Darwin, or employment in a designated critical sector. | 190 |
| NT Residents (Onshore — 190) | Long-term NT residents | Residing in the NT ≥2 consecutive years immediately before applying and continuing to reside there | Full-time NT employment for ≥2 consecutive years, available a further 12 months | Employment in your nominated or closely related occupation, or in exceptional circumstances outside Greater Darwin | 190 (and 491 if 190 criteria not met) |
| NT Residents (Onshore — 491) | Onshore applicants with NT residence | Residing in the NT ≥12 consecutive months and continuing to reside there | Full-time NT employment for ≥6 consecutive months, available a further 12 months | In your nominated or closely related occupation, or in exceptional circumstances outside Greater Darwin or in a designated critical sector | 491 |
| Offshore — NT Priority Occupation | Offshore applicants in NTOMOL occupations | Full migration skills assessment in an occupation on the NT Offshore Migration Occupations List (NTOMOL), plus any additional experience the NTOMOL specifies for that occupation. Check the status page before relying on this stream — the NT closes it when it has a backlog. | Generally 491 |
| Offshore — NT Job Offer | Offshore applicants with an NT job offer | A verifiable job offer in your nominated occupation, based in the NT, with an NT business or organisation actively operating in the NT for at least 12 months. Any occupation on the national eligibility list. | 491 |
| Offshore — NT Family | Offshore applicants with an NT family member | An eligible relative usually resident in the NT for ≥12 months who is a citizen, permanent resident, eligible NZ citizen, or holds a 491, 494, 489 or 309 visa or a bridging visa for an 887 or 191 | Statutory declaration of settlement support | A written statement or family tree evidencing the relationship | Evidence of sustained NT job-search efforts and job-market research. Any occupation on the national eligibility list. | 491 |
All offshore applicants — the two-year experience rule
Whichever offshore stream you use, you need at least 2 years of post-qualification work experience in your nominated occupation in the last 5 years. Some occupations on the NTOMOL require more. You must also show a genuine commitment to live and work in the NT long term, and declare that you have the financial capacity to settle.
Who is an eligible relative for the Family stream
Broader than most applicants expect. Your own or your partner's parent, child or step-child, sibling (including adoptive and step), aunt or uncle (including adoptive and step), nephew or niece (including adoptive and step), first cousin, or grandparent.
Three exclusions that end an application before it starts
- Living interstate. If you or any migrating dependant is currently living in another state or territory, you are not eligible for NT nomination.
- An incomplete course on a student visa. If you or a migrating dependant is on a student visa and has not completed the studies connected to it, you are not eligible.
- A previous NT 489 or 491 nomination. If the NT has already nominated you for a subclass 489 or 491, you are not eligible for a 190 nomination.
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 to MigrationNT 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.
482/457 visa holders — employer letter required
If you are currently on a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) or Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) visa, you must provide a letter of support from your current sponsoring Territory business stating that it supports your nomination application and understands you will not be tied to the business once the 491 or 190 is granted. This can be waived in some circumstances — if you cannot obtain the letter, you must provide a detailed statement explaining why. The NT Government may contact your employer.
Employment and financial requirements
What counts as employment for an onshore NT application
This is where onshore applications fail most often, because the NT sets conditions on the job itself, not just on you.
- The position must be with an NT employer and be full-time or equivalent — at least 35 hours a week, which may be made up across more than one part-time position.
- The majority of your time in the role must be spent on tasks aligned to the skills and knowledge of your nominated occupation.
- The employer must have a record of trading in the NT for at least 12 months.
- You must be paid at market salary.
- Serviced office spaces and hot-desking arrangements are generally not viewed favourably. Working remotely for an employer based outside the NT generally will not meet the requirement at all, unless the duties involve servicing NT clients.
- The employer must provide a letter of support attesting that it made genuine efforts to recruit locally, and explaining why you are the most suitable person for the role or why your continued employment is critical to the business.
Financial capacity — the NT publishes figures
The NT Government does not provide financial assistance and is not responsible for finding you employment or accommodation. It publishes the minimum net assets it expects you to hold.
| Family composition | Minimum value of net assets |
|---|---|
| Individual applicant | AU$35,000 |
| Applicant and spouse | AU$50,000 |
| Applicant and spouse plus one child | AU$60,000 |
| Applicant and spouse plus two children | AU$65,000 |
The designated critical sectors
Several exceptional-circumstances limbs turn on working in a critical sector. The NT names them: energy, defence, agriculture, mining, health, aged or disabled care, education, tourism and construction.
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The Northern Territory Nomination Handbook
The five streams side by side, the employment evidence MigrationNT asks for, and the document list to have ready before you submit. NT expects a complete application first time.
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The Northern Territory Nomination Handbook
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Eligibility Requirements — Northern Territory
You must satisfy Department of Home Affairs visa criteria AND NT Government nomination requirements. All eligibility criteria must be met at the time of the nomination application.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | Must not have turned 45 at the time of invitation to apply for the visa — a Home Affairs criterion, not a state one. Nomination comes first; the age test falls at the later invitation date. |
| Points — Subclass 190 | 65 total = 60 base + 5 nomination points. Note that MigrationNT does not prioritise applicants by points score |
| Points — Subclass 491 | 65 total = 50 base + 15 nomination points |
| Occupation | On the Department's current skilled occupation list for the visa. Offshore applicants under the Priority Occupation stream must additionally be on the NTOMOL. Job Offer and Family stream applicants may nominate any occupation on the national eligibility list |
| Skills assessment | Valid, positive, full migration skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the subclass you are applying for |
| English language | At least Competent English, unless the assessing, licensing or registration body for your occupation specifies otherwise. The NT accepts all English tests approved by the Department |
| Full-time employment | At least 35 hours a week, which may be met across one or more part-time positions |
| Employer | Trading in the NT for at least 12 months, paying market salary, providing a letter of support on local recruitment efforts. Serviced offices and hot-desking are not viewed favourably; remote work for a non-NT employer generally does not qualify |
| NT Residents — 190 | ≥2 consecutive years residing in the NT, plus ≥2 consecutive years full-time NT employment available a further 12 months |
| NT Residents — 491 | ≥12 consecutive months residing in the NT, plus ≥6 consecutive months full-time NT employment available a further 12 months |
| NT Graduates | Two academic years (4 semesters) full-time study at an NT institution, plus the post-completion residence and employment limbs for the subclass sought |
| Offshore — all streams | ≥2 years post-qualification experience in the nominated occupation in the last 5 years, genuine commitment to the NT, and a declaration of financial capacity |
| Financial capacity | Minimum net assets: AU$35,000 individual · AU$50,000 with spouse · AU$60,000 plus one child · AU$65,000 plus two children |
| Commitment to the NT | MigrationNT weighs length of NT residency, previous travel to the NT, and NT connections such as close family who are long-term residents |
| Three-year commitment | Signed declaration to live and work in the NT in your skilled or closely related occupation for ≥3 years from grant, notify the NT when the visa is granted and on arrival, keep contact details current, and participate in NT Government surveys. No release letters, under any circumstances |
| Nomination fee | AU$300 plus GST where applicable, non-refundable, charged again for each new application |
| Ineligible | Living interstate · on a student visa with studies incomplete · previously nominated by the NT for a 489 or 491 and now seeking a 190 |
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. Every criterion must be met at the time you apply, not later.
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. If you want to be considered for both subclasses, make sure the EOI includes the 491 — a 190 application can only fall back to a 491 if your EOI covers it.
3. Submit a separate application to MigrationNT: After lodging your EOI, submit a separate nomination application through the MigrationNT online portal. Upload all required supporting documents including skills assessment, English test, passport, CV, EOI copy, evidence of NT residence, employment or study, and a written commitment statement. The application must be complete at submission — the fee is AU$300 plus GST and it is non-refundable.
4. Await assessment from MigrationNT: Applications are assessed on their own merits, not by points score, within each stream. Priority is only considered for applicants residing in the NT with a visa expiring, turning 45, or dropping below 65 points within the next 30 days — email migration@nt.gov.au with evidence. Check your status through the portal; MigrationNT will message you there if it needs more documents, and email you when a decision is made.
5. Receive nomination and lodge visa application: If nominated, you will receive an invitation from the Department to apply for your visa, and you must lodge within 60 calendar days or the nomination becomes invalid. You will sign a declaration committing to the three years. Once your visa is granted, email your NT contact details to MigrationNT.
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 — offshore applicants will generally only be considered for 491. Most offshore applicants should target the Job Offer or Family stream.
- Not understanding the three-year commitment — NT requires three years (not two) in your skilled occupation, backed by a signed declaration. NT will not issue release letters to move to another state, under any circumstances.
- Expecting MigrationNT to provide pre-application advice — MigrationNT explicitly states it will not provide migration advice, pre-application assessment, or any indication of the chances of success. You must research and assess your eligibility independently before lodging.
- Assuming a high points score helps. MigrationNT does not prioritise applicants by points score. It is a threshold, not a ranking.
- Applying for the 491 as an NT resident on residence alone. Twelve months in the NT is not enough — you also need six consecutive months of full-time NT employment that will continue for at least another twelve.
- Counting a job that does not qualify. Under 35 hours, an employer trading in the NT for less than 12 months, below market salary, a hot-desk or serviced-office arrangement, or remote work for an interstate employer will generally not be accepted.
- Being onshore but interstate. If you or a migrating dependant is living in another state or territory when you apply, you are ineligible — no matter how strong the rest of the application is.
- Providing insufficient evidence of NT commitment — a brief letter is not enough. NT weighs length of residency, previous travel to the NT and family connections. Evidence must include NT employment history, NT residence documentation and a substantive written commitment statement.
- Not researching the NT job market before applying — the NT Government expects genuine and sustained efforts, evidenced by job applications over time, professional memberships, or feedback from NT industry contacts.
- Missing the 60-day window after the Department's invitation. The nomination becomes invalid and MigrationNT will not issue a second one.
Related Visas and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NT program open right now?
Check before you rely on an answer, and check at stream level rather than programme level. The NT opens and closes individual streams independently — the Priority Occupation stream can be shut for a backlog while the onshore streams accept applications. Current status by state and stream is on our state nomination status page, and on the NT Government's migration site. Note that the NT Government cannot guarantee a nomination before a visa deadline, so do not plan around one arriving in time.
Is Darwin regional for Subclass 491?
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. Note this is separate from "Greater Darwin", which is the City of Darwin, City of Palmerston and Litchfield Shire, and which matters for NT's own concessions rather than for regional visa access.
Does the NT invite me from my SkillSelect EOI like other states?
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. This is different from SA, which invites offshore applicants from EOI. Without submitting through the NT portal you will not be considered, and a visa application can only be lodged after MigrationNT has nominated you.
Can I get a Subclass 190 nomination from the NT if I live overseas?
Generally no. Offshore applicants will generally only be considered for 491 nomination. The NT reserves the 190 for applicants who have lived in the NT long term and can show a greater connection to the Territory than to any other state. Most offshore applicants should target 491 through the Priority Occupation, Job Offer or Family stream.
What is the three-year commitment and is it different from other states?
Yes — it is stricter. The NT requires you to live and work in the NT in your skilled or a closely related occupation for at least three years from visa grant, and you sign a declaration to that effect. Most other states require two years. You must also tell the NT when your visa is granted and when you arrive, keep your contact details current, and take part in NT Government surveys. The NT Government does not issue release letters under any circumstances.
What streams are available for offshore applicants?
Three: the Priority Occupation stream, which needs a full skills assessment in an occupation on the NTOMOL plus any extra experience that list specifies; the Job Offer stream, which needs a verifiable job offer with an NT business that has been actively operating in the NT for at least 12 months; and the Family stream, which needs an eligible relative usually resident in the NT for at least 12 months who provides a statutory declaration of settlement support. All three also require at least two years of post-qualification experience in your nominated occupation in the last five years. Job Offer and Family applicants can nominate any occupation on the national eligibility list.
What is the NT Graduate stream?
It is for international students who completed one or more qualifications studying full-time at an NT institution for two academic years — four semesters — in a single course or nested courses. For a 190 you then need either six continuous months in the NT after completion on a 485 or associated bridging visa plus current employment or a recent job offer, or twelve continuous months plus genuine and sustained efforts to find NT work. There is also a separate 190 pathway for graduates aged over 35 who cannot get a 485, which drops the post-study residence requirement but still requires employment or a job offer. For a 491, the study requirement plus evidence of genuine and sustained efforts toward NT employment.
Can MigrationNT tell me if my application is likely to succeed?
No. MigrationNT explicitly states it will not provide migration advice, including pre-application assessment or any indication of the chances of success. You must research and assess your own eligibility against the published criteria before applying. The fee is non-refundable and charged again for every new application, so the cost of getting it wrong is real.
What happens if the NT nominates me for 491 — can I later apply for 190?
Not through the NT. If the NT has already nominated you for a subclass 489 or 491, you are not eligible for an NT 190 nomination, and MigrationNT offers only one nomination per applicant. Your permanent residence pathway from a 491 is the Subclass 191 after three years of meeting the regional residence and income requirements.
How much does NT nomination cost and how long does it take?
AU$300 plus GST where applicable, non-refundable, and charged again for each new application. There is no published processing time and no invitation rounds — applications are assessed on their own merits and not prioritised by points score. Priority processing is only considered for applicants residing in the NT who have a visa expiring, turn 45, or drop below 65 points within the next 30 days. 65 points is the pass mark to enter the pool, not what gets an invitation; the invitation is a separate requirement (cl 189.221) and round cut-offs are set each round, usually well above 65. After nomination you have 60 calendar days to lodge the visa with the Department.
The NT rewards a complete application, first time.
MigrationNT gives no pre-application advice, the fee is non-refundable, and it nominates once. A free eligibility check tells you which stream fits and whether your employment actually qualifies.
Visa Advisor is a MARA-registered migration practice based in Sydney, NSW, working with clients across Australia and offshore.
Sources and last checked dates
- NT Government (MigrationNT) — NT Government visa nomination, page last updated 20 August 2026 checked 7 September 2026 open ↗
- NT Government (MigrationNT) — Eligibility, all five streams, page last updated 21 August 2026 checked 7 September 2026 open ↗
- NT Government (MigrationNT) — Common questions: fee, 35-hour rule, priority processing, 60-day window checked 7 September 2026 open ↗
- NT Government (MigrationNT) — NT Offshore Migration Occupations List (NTOMOL) checked 7 September 2026 open ↗
- Department of Home Affairs — designated regional area postcodes checked 7 September 2026 open ↗
- Department of Home Affairs — subclass 190 Skilled Nominated checked 7 September 2026 open ↗
- Department of Home Affairs — subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional checked 7 September 2026 open ↗
Programme settings, allocations, stream availability and occupation lists change during a programme year — confirm the current position with the source before acting on anything on this page.