Northern Territory Visa Guide 2024: Skilled Migration and Nomination Explained

MigrationNT Nomination Process Update
MigrationNT continues to assess and process onshore nomination applications for the 2024-25 period. Offshore applications will be reopened on Wednesday, August 14, 2024; however, they will be limited to the NT Family Stream and Job Offer Stream only. For assistance in finding employment opportunities in the Northern Territory, please visit WorkerConnect.

Suspension of Priority Occupations Stream
Due to the high volume of current applications, the Priority Occupations Stream will remain suspended for the time being. Existing offshore applications under this stream will continue to be assessed, but please be aware that significant delays are expected in processing these applications.

Eligibility and Application Process
Before submitting a nomination application, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect system managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Please note that while applications are being processed, nominations cannot be guaranteed before visa expiry dates.

For individuals onshore with expiring visas, it is strongly advised to seek professional immigration advice to explore visa options and ensure lawful status in Australia.

Visa Options Requiring Employer Nomination

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
  This visa allows employers to sponsor skilled workers. Under the NT Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA), this visa requires sponsorship from a Northern Territory employer.

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa
  This permanent visa enables skilled workers to be nominated by an Australian employer.

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) Visa
  This temporary visa is available to skilled workers sponsored by an employer located in regional Australia.

  
  

• Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
  This visa permits highly specialized, short-term work in limited circumstances.

• Training Visa (Subclass 407)
  For individuals participating in workplace-based training programs to enhance their skills or gain experience in their field.

• Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403)
  Available in five streams, including the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

General Skilled Migration Visas

The following visas are designed for skilled individuals with good English language proficiency:

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) Visa
  This visa requires state or territory nomination, such as from the Northern Territory Government.

• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa
  For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government.

• Skilled - Independent (Permanent) (Subclass 189) Visa
  For skilled workers who do not require a nomination.

Migration Innovation Northern Territory (MINT) Program

The MINT Program is designed to assist overseas nationals seeking NT Government nomination. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to working with the Darwin Innovation Hub. This initiative is supported by the Northern Territory Government and facilitated by the Darwin Innovation Hub and Paspalis Asset Management.

Special Information for New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand citizens arriving in Australia automatically receive a Special Category Visa (SCV), which allows them to live, work, study, and visit indefinitely. From July 1, 2023, SCV holders may apply for Australian citizenship after four years of residence in Australia.

If you are a New Zealand permanent resident, you must apply for a suitable visa to enter Australia.

For more details on eligibility, please check the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.

Family Members of New Zealand Citizens

Family members of New Zealand citizens holding an SCV may be eligible for the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 461).

Skilled and Employer-Sponsored Visa Programs

If you do not meet the SCV criteria, you may still be eligible for other skilled or employer-sponsored visas, including:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) Visa
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa
• NT DAMA Employer-Sponsored Visa
• Skilled Independent Migration (Subclass 189)
  under the General Skilled Migration Program.

Refer to the NT Migration Occupation List to check if your skills are in demand in the Northern Territory.

Other Australian Government Programs

• Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot
  This initiative provides skilled UK citizens the opportunity to advance their careers in Australia.

• Skills Development Exchange Pilot
  This program allows organizations in Australia and Indonesia to send employees for up to 12-month workplace placements in each other's countries.

For further details, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Please ensure you check all visa requirements, eligibility criteria, and available options before proceeding with your application.