The Northern Territory Government has received its full General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination allocation for 2026–27.
New NT nomination applications are now open for all onshore streams and selected offshore streams.
Before applying, applicants should check the requirements for their specific stream. Meeting the general skilled migration criteria does not automatically mean they will qualify for NT nomination.
What Applicants Need to Know
The Northern Territory General Skilled Migration (GSM) program for 2026–27 will open to new applications on 21 August 2026 for the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. The NT Government has also confirmed that it has received its full nomination allocation for the program year.
Key points include:
- Applications open: 21 August 2026
- Onshore applicants: All eligible streams will open
- Offshore applicants: Selected streams will open
- Visa subclasses: subclass 190 and subclass 491
- 2026–27 allocation: Full allocation received
Applicants should carefully check the requirements for their specific stream before applying. Those whose current visa is close to expiry should also plan, as NT nomination may not be finalised before their visa expires.
NT Subclass 190 and 491 Nomination
Northern Territory GSM nomination is available to eligible applicants seeking either:
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): a permanent skilled visa for eligible applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): a provisional visa for skilled applicants who are nominated to live and work in regional Australia.
Each state and territory sets its own nomination requirements. Receiving NT nomination does not mean the visa is automatically granted. The Department of Home Affairs makes the final decision on the visa application.
Who Can Apply from 21 August 2026?
The NT Government has confirmed that new applications will open for eligible onshore applicants and selected offshore streams.
Onshore Applicants
There are two main categories for applicants living in the Northern Territory:
NT Graduate Stream
This pathway is for eligible international graduates who have completed qualifying studies in the Northern Territory. Requirements differ between Subclass 190 and 491 and can include NT study, residence and evidence of employment or genuine efforts to obtain relevant employment.
NT Resident Stream
This pathway is for eligible applicants who have been living and working in the Northern Territory. Residence and employment periods vary depending on whether the applicant is seeking Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 nomination.
Applicants should check the full requirements for their relevant stream before lodging an application.
Offshore Applicants
Offshore applicants are generally considered for Subclass 491 nomination and must meet the requirements of one of the following three streams:
NT Priority Occupation Stream
Applicants need a valid skills assessment for an occupation listed on the Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupation List (NTOMOL) and must also meet any work experience requirements that apply to that occupation.
NT Job Offer Stream
This stream is for offshore applicants with a verifiable job offer in their nominated occupation from an NT business or organisation that has been actively operating in the Northern Territory for at least 12 months.
NT Family Stream
Applicants may be considered where they have an eligible family member who has been living in the Northern Territory for at least 12 months and can provide settlement support. Applicants must also demonstrate genuine efforts to seek employment in the NT.
Some NT Priority Occupations
The NT Priority Occupation Stream includes a range of occupations across sectors such as healthcare, education, construction, engineering, hospitality and trades.
Some occupations currently appearing on the NT Offshore Migration Occupation List include:
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Cafe or Restaurant Manager
- Carpenter
- Chef
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
- Electrician (General)
- Enrolled Nurse
- General Practitioner
- Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)
- Motor Mechanic (General)
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Registered Nurse occupations
- Secondary School Teacher
- Social Worker
- Structural Engineer
- Welder (First Class)
This is not the complete occupation list. Some occupations also have additional work experience, registration or licensing requirements.
If you are unsure whether your occupation is eligible, or whether you meet the additional requirements attached to your occupation and chosen stream, Think Higher Consultants can review your profile and guide you on the most suitable NT nomination pathway.
Check Your Eligibility Before Applying
Before lodging an NT nomination application, applicants should carefully check the requirements for their specific stream.
For subclass 190 and 491, this may include:
- Age
- A valid skills assessment
- English language ability
- Skilled migration points
- An eligible occupation
- Meeting the requirements of the relevant NT nomination stream
The NT Government has its own nomination criteria in addition to the visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee NT nomination. Each application is assessed against the Northern Territory’s current criteria and priorities.
Full 2026–27 Allocation Received
The NT Government has confirmed that it has received its full nomination allocation for the 2026–27 program year.
The announcement does not give the exact number of places available for Subclass 190 and 491, so applicants should avoid relying on unofficial figures.
The allocation shows how many primary applicants the Northern Territory can nominate during the program year. It does not guarantee that every nomination will result in a visa grant.
Important Warning for Applicants with Expiring Visas
Applicants whose current visa is close to expiring should take the NT Government’s warning seriously.
The NT Government has made it clear that there is no guarantee a nomination will be finalised before an applicant’s visa expires.
If your visa is nearing expiry, you should review your available visa options early and make sure you remain lawfully in Australia.
Lodging an NT nomination application does not mean the nomination will be decided before your current visa ends.
What Applicants Should Do Before Applying
Applicants planning to apply from 21 August 2026 should prepare in advance by:
- Choosing the correct subclass 190 or 491 pathway.
- Checking the eligibility requirements for their specific NT stream.
- Making sure their SkillSelect EOI is accurate and up to date.
- Confirming that their skills assessment is still valid.
- Checking their English test results and skilled migration points.
- Preparing documents for employment, residence, qualifications and other claims.
- Checking their current visa expiry date if they are applying from within Australia.
Preparing these documents early can help avoid discrepancies between the information in the EOI, the NT nomination application, and the supporting evidence.
What Does This Mean for Skilled Migrants?
The reopening of NT GSM nominations gives eligible skilled migrants another opportunity to apply for Northern Territory nomination in the 2026–27 program year.
However, the reopening does not mean every applicant will be eligible or receive a nomination.
Applicants still need to meet the criteria for their selected NT stream, submit the necessary supporting evidence and meet the relevant Department of Home Affairs visa requirements.
How Think Higher Consultants Can Help
Think Higher Consultants can assist with:
- NT Subclass 190 and 491 eligibility reviews
- Onshore and offshore pathway assessments
- SkillSelect EOI and points checks
- Skills assessment reviews
- Supporting document preparation
- NT nomination applications
- Visa expiry and pathway planning
- Subclass 190 and 491 visa applications after nomination
Checking your eligibility before applying can help you understand which NT pathway may suit your circumstances and what supporting evidence you may need to provide.
Key Takeaways
The NT Skilled Migration Program 2026–27 will open for new nomination applications on 21 August 2026, following confirmation of the Northern Territory’s full GSM allocation.
All onshore streams and selected offshore streams will open for applications. Applicants should check the requirements for their specific stream before applying.
If your current visa is close to expiring, do not assume an NT nomination will be finalised before your visa ends. Make sure you understand your available options and remain lawfully in Australia.
