Northern Territory state nomination (190 and 491)

Who can apply under the exception?

Onshore 491 applicants who meet the NT Graduate or NT Resident criteria and have one of these deadlines:

• a substantive visa expiring on or before 30 September 2027 and not eligible for a 485 Temporary Graduate visa, or
• turning 45 on or before 30 September 2027, or
• a birthday on or before 30 September 2027 that would drop their 491 points below 65.

MigrationNT cannot guarantee a nomination before your visa deadline, and you should stay lawful in Australia while you wait.

What are the rules for everyone?

• Under 45 at the time of nomination.
• A valid skills assessment for the visa you want, in an occupation on the national list (offshore Priority Occupation applicants need an occupation on the NT offshore list).
• At least Competent English.
• At least 65 points on the Home Affairs points test.
• A commitment to the Northern Territory, judged on factors such as how long you have lived there, previous visits and family connections.
• You agree to live and work in the NT in your occupation, or a closely related one, for at least 3 years from visa grant, tell the NT Government when your visa is granted and when you arrive, keep your contact details up to date and take part in surveys.

What counts as work for onshore applicants?

For the NT Graduate and NT Resident streams, employment must be with an NT employer that has traded in the NT for at least 12 months, for at least 35 hours a week (one or more part-time jobs can add up), and mostly on tasks that match the nominated occupation. Serviced offices and hot-desking arrangements are generally not viewed favourably. Working remotely for an employer outside the NT generally does not count.

How do you apply?

Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect, then submit the nomination application and documents in the NT Government online system. If you are nominated you receive a SkillSelect invitation to lodge your visa application. The NT Government decides who is nominated, a nomination is not a job guarantee, and it will not issue release letters for transfer to another state. The application fee is A$300 (plus GST where applicable) and is not refundable.