Northern Territory Continues Skilled Nomination with Focus on Local Workers

Australia

The Northern Territory Government is maintaining robust state-nomination activity under both the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa streams. Recent announcements emphasise that priority will be given to applicants who are already residing and working in the Territory. According to reports, the NT has also requested an increase in nomination allocations to support its regional workforce demands. 

Key Developments

  • The Northern Territory Government has now received full allocations for the 2025-2026 program year. 

  • The Northern Territory Nomination application portal has opened since 24 November 2025 to new applications.

  • The Northern Territory Offshore Occupation List is currently still under review. However, if applicants are residing in the territory or living overseas and applying under the family stream or job offer stream, they can apply for any occupation under the Subclass 491.

  • The Northern Territory’s nomination criteria continue to favour applicants who can show evidence of strong connections and commitments, including length of residency, previous travel and other connections to the Northern Territory such as close family members being long-term residents.

  • As in the last program year, offshore applicants will generally only be considered for Subclass 491.

What This Means for Applicants

  • If you are already working and living in the Northern Territory, your chance of a successful nomination may be stronger than if you are applying purely offshore as they are clearly signalling preference for applicants with established ties to the Territory.

  • If you are offshore and have no close ties to the Northern Territory, you will need to wait for the updated offshore occupation list and apply under the priority occupation stream if eligible.

  • If you are residing in the Northern Territory, or residing offshore but planning to apply under the family stream or job offer stream, you can submit your EOI for the Subclass 491 to be considered for nomination.

  • Offshore applicants must provide evidence of financial capacity and settlement ability. The table below outlines the estimated value of net asset requirement:
Family Composition Minimum value of net assets
Individual applicant AUD 35,000
Applicant and spouse AUD 50,000
Applicant, spouse and 1 child AUD 60,000
Applicant, spouse and 2 children AUD 65,000

Strategic Tips

  1. Check occupation eligibility — Make sure your occupation is on the NT offshore occupation list for application under the priority occupation stream and eligible for Subclass 491.

  2. Build your NT credentials — If you’re onshore, maintain continuous employment in your nominated occupation located in the Territory, and gather proof of residence, employer contract, payment evidence.

  3. Demonstrate settlement intent — Preparing a comprehensive statement and documenting evidence of financial capacity to show your intention to live and work in the NT, research into NT job market, and settlement plans will strengthen your profile.

  4. Prepare the documentation — Skills assessment, English test, EOI (Expression of Interest) and NT nomination application (when opened) should be ready.

  5. Keep a close watch on updates — Since nomination allocation and occupation lists can change, monitor the NT Government’s updates and invitation rounds so you can act as soon as they open.

Final Thoughts

For skilled migration applicants interested in the Northern Territory, now is a timely moment. While the NT continues to prioritise applicants already residing in the region, offshore candidates should not be deterred—preparation is key. By aligning your occupation, documentation, and settlement plans with the NT’s regional and workforce objectives, you position yourself strongly for nomination when the next invitation rounds open.

Source: