Australia's Migration Opportunities in Northern Territory's Subclass 491 & 190 Visas

Key Update on General Skilled Migration (GSM) Nominations

The Northern Territory (NT) Government has received sufficient applications to fill the allocated nominations for the 2024-25 program year. To manage the high volume of applications within the limited allocation, the online portal for new applications has been temporarily suspended.

Important Notes:

• Applications submitted before the suspension will continue to be assessed.

• Eligible applicants will receive nominations in accordance with the program’s criteria.

  
  

• The portal will reopen for new applications once allocations are announced for the 2025-26 program year.

Exceptions During the Suspension

New applications will only be considered by exception for onshore applicants with visa deadlines before 1 July 2025. For more details on these exceptions, refer to the official NT GSM updates page.

Advisory for Visa Holders:

• Applicants with expiring visas should seek professional advice to explore their options and ensure lawful status in Australia.

• The NT Government cannot guarantee nominations before visa expiration.

  
  

For employment opportunities in the NT, visit WorkerConnect for guidance.

The NT Government provides skilled visa nominations for eligible applicants who:

1. Meet the Australian Government’s standard requirements.

2. Fulfill NT-specific nomination criteria.

3. Commit to living and working in the NT within their skilled occupation for at least three years after visa grant.

Key Points to Understand:

• The NT Government evaluates your employment prospects and alignment with NT industry needs.

• A nomination does not guarantee a job.

• Occupations listed on the NT Migration Occupation List indicate priority skills, not job vacancies.

• Applicants are responsible for finding their own employment and accommodation.

• The NT Government does not:

  • Provide financial or employment assistance.

  • Facilitate visa transfers to other states or territories.

General Skilled Migration Visas

The NT Government supports:

1. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) Visa

2. Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa

These pathways are designed for skilled professionals with strong English language abilities.

Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa

• Type: Provisional (5 years).

• Requirements: Nomination from an Australian state/territory or eligible family member.

• Obligations:

  • Live, work, and study in a regional area (e.g., NT) for at least three years before applying for permanent residency.

  • Comply with potential reporting requirements by the Department of Home Affairs.

Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa

• Type: Permanent.

• Requirements: Nomination by an Australian state or territory government (e.g., NT Government).

• Obligations: Live and work in the NT for at least three years post-visa grant.

1. Eligibility Assessment

   • Check your eligibility based on the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements (e.g., age, English level, skills assessment, migration points test).

   • Review NT-specific nomination criteria.

2. Expression of Interest (EOI)

   • Submit your EOI via the SkillSelect system.

3. Application Submission

   • Apply for NT nomination using the online portal. Refer to the checklist on the NT Government’s website.

4. Nomination and Invitation

   • If successful, receive a SkillSelect invitation to apply for your visa.

5. Visa Application

   • Submit your visa application through the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website.

6. Visa Decision and Settlement

   • Upon visa approval, fulfill your commitment to live and work in the NT for the required period.

• NT Government nominations are exclusively for the NT and do not extend to other states or territories.

• Employment and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the visa holder.

• The NT Government is not liable for any inaccuracies or omissions in the information provided during the application process.