Northern Territory Skilled Migration 2026-27: NT Nomination Applications Open from 21 August 2026
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Last Updated: 21 August 2026
The Northern Territory Government has received its full allocation for the 2026-27 General Skilled Migration nomination program from the Australian Government.
According to the NT Government update, NT nomination applications open on 21 August 2026 to new applications for all onshore and selected offshore streams. Applicants should review the updated eligibility criteria for their stream before submitting an application.
The NT Government also states that it cannot guarantee nominations before visa deadlines. Onshore applicants with visas expiring should seek professional advice from a Registered Migration Agent or Legal Practitioner and ensure they remain lawful in Australia.
What Has Changed for NT Skilled Migration 2026-27?
For the 2026-27 program year, the NT Government has confirmed that it has received full allocations from the Australian Government.
Applications are open to:
all onshore streams
selected offshore streams
The eligibility criteria have also been updated for the new program year.
Applicants must meet both the Australian Government visa requirements and the NT Government nomination requirements. Meeting the published guidelines does not guarantee nomination, as NT nominations are issued at the discretion of the NT Government.
NT 2026-27 Skilled Migration Allocation
According to a Northern Territory Government media release dated 20 August 2026, the NT has secured 1,850 nominations under the 2026-27 General Skilled Migration program, an increase of 200 nominations compared with last year.
The 2026-27 allocation is made up of 850 nominations for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and 1,000 nominations for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). The 2025-26 program had 1,650 nominations, made up of 850 subclass 190 places and 800 subclass 491 places.
Program year | Source | 190 | 491 | Total |
2026-27 | NT Government media release | 850 | 1,000 | 1,850 |
2025-26 | Department of Home Affairs allocation data | 850 | 800 | 1,650 |
The increase is reflected in the subclass 491 allocation. The NT Government also states that the Territory received the highest number of subclass 491 nominations of any Australian jurisdiction.
Which NT Nomination Streams Are Available?
The NT Government lists five General Skilled Migration nomination streams:
Onshore NT Graduates stream
Onshore NT Residents stream
Offshore NT Priority Occupation stream
Offshore NT Job Offer stream
Offshore NT Family stream
Onshore applicants may be considered under the NT Graduates or NT Residents streams, depending on their circumstances.
Offshore applicants are generally considered for subclass 491 nomination and must meet the criteria for one of the offshore streams.
Is the NT Offshore Priority Occupation Stream Open?
The NT Government states that the Offshore NT Priority Occupation stream has a large number of applications pending assessment from the previous program year.
As a result, this stream is currently closed to new applications. Any future changes are expected to be published on the NT Government website.
This means offshore applicants without an NT job offer or eligible family connection in the NT should carefully check whether they currently meet another available offshore stream.
Offshore NT Job Offer Stream
Offshore applicants under the NT Job Offer stream must have a verifiable job offer in their nominated occupation.
The job must be:
based in the Northern Territory
with an NT business or organisation
with an employer that has been actively operating in the NT for at least 12 months
The offer must also meet the relevant employment and documentation requirements listed by the NT Government.
Offshore NT Family Stream
Offshore applicants under the NT Family stream must have an eligible family member in the Northern Territory.
The family member must usually live in the NT, have been living in the NT for at least 12 months, and be willing and able to provide settlement support.
Applicants must also provide evidence of sustained efforts to seek employment in the NT, including research into the NT job market and records of applying for jobs or contacting NT employers.
Key Eligibility Requirements for NT Nomination
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements for skilled migration, including:
being under 45 years of age at the time of nomination
having a valid skills assessment for the nominated occupation
having at least Competent English, unless a higher level is required by the relevant assessing, licensing, or registration body
obtaining at least 65 points in the skilled migration points test
demonstrating commitment to living and working in the Northern Territory
meeting the specific criteria for the selected NT nomination stream
Applicants must also ensure their nominated occupation is eligible under the relevant Australian Government skilled occupation list. Offshore applicants applying under the NT Priority Occupation stream must have an occupation on the Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupations List, although this stream is currently closed to new applications.
NT Nomination Conditions and Applicant Responsibilities
The NT Government states that it decides whether an applicant is offered a nomination. Applicants should understand the following before applying:
Accepting NT nomination means committing to live and work in the NT for at least 3 years after visa grant.
NT nomination is not a job guarantee.
Occupations listed by the NT Government are not job vacancies.
Applicants are responsible for finding their own employment and accommodation.
The NT Government does not provide financial assistance.
The NT Government states that it does not issue release letters for transfer to other states or territories.
Financial Capacity Requirements
The NT Government states that skilled migrants are responsible for supporting themselves when they arrive in the Northern Territory.
The minimum net asset guidance listed by the NT Government is:
Individual applicant: AU$35,000
Applicant and spouse: AU$50,000
Applicant, spouse and one child: AU$60,000
Applicant, spouse and two children: AU$65,000
Applicants should research the cost of living in the NT and consider whether they have the financial capacity to settle.
How to Apply for NT Nomination
Before applying for NT nomination, applicants should:
Check the Australian Government skilled visa requirements.
Review the NT Government nomination eligibility criteria.
Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
Submit an NT nomination application through the NT Government online application system.
If nominated, receive a SkillSelect invitation to apply for the visa.
Lodge the visa application through ImmiAccount.
Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to assess the visa application.
The NT Government does not grant the visa. Visa applications are assessed by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
Documents Required for NT Nomination
Applicants must provide supporting documents at the time of nomination application. Documents must generally be in English and submitted in PDF, DOC, or DOCX format.
Common documents include:
positive skills assessment
current CV or resume
qualification documents and academic transcripts
passport identity page
Australian visa evidence, if applicable
English test evidence, where required
SkillSelect EOI points breakdown
copy of the Expression of Interest lodged in SkillSelect
evidence for any additional points claimed
letter of commitment to the Northern Territory
The letter of commitment must be written in the applicant’s own words and should be no longer than two pages.
Short Answer: Is NT Nomination Open for 2026-27?
Yes. NT nomination applications open from 21 August 2026 for all onshore and selected offshore streams after the NT Government received its full 2026-27 allocation from the Australian Government.
However, applicants must meet the relevant eligibility criteria, and nomination is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Territory skilled migration open for 2026-27?
Yes. The NT Government has stated that NT nomination applications open on 21 August 2026 for all onshore and selected offshore streams.
Can offshore applicants apply for NT nomination?
Some offshore applicants may be able to apply through selected offshore streams, such as the NT Job Offer stream or NT Family stream, if they meet the relevant criteria.
Is the NT Priority Occupation stream open?
No. The NT Government states that the Offshore NT Priority Occupation stream is closed to new applications due to pending applications held over from the previous program year.
Does NT nomination guarantee a visa?
No. NT nomination does not guarantee a visa. The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs assesses and grants visa applications.
Does meeting NT eligibility guarantee nomination?
No. The NT Government states that nominations are issued at its discretion, and meeting the published guidelines does not guarantee nomination.
Can NT guarantee nomination before a visa deadline?
No. The NT Government states that it cannot guarantee nominations before visa deadlines. Onshore applicants with visas expiring should seek professional advice and ensure they remain lawful in Australia.
Migration Agent Support
RACC’s registered migration agents (MARN 1572962, 1172003) assist applicants with skilled visa and NT nomination matters, including eligibility review, SkillSelect EOI guidance, document preparation, and application support based on each applicant’s circumstances.
Important Note
This article is general information based on published NT Government guidance. It is not migration advice. Applicants should review the official NT Government and Department of Home Affairs requirements and seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent or Legal Practitioner where needed.
Comments