NT General Skilled Migration Nomination Closure: What Skilled Visa Applicants Must Know

NT General Skilled Migration Nomination Closure

This update explains the NT General Skilled Migration nomination closure for the 2025–2026 program year and what it means for applicants considering subclass 190 and subclass 491 pathways.

The NT has received enough applications to meet its full nomination allocation for the 2025–2026 program year, and the nomination portal is now closed to new applications.

This update directly impacts applicants planning to seek nomination under state sponsored subclass 190 or state sponsored regional subclass 491 pathways through the Northern Territory.

Who This Update Affects

This update applies to skilled visa applicants who intended to pursue Northern Territory nomination under the subclass 190 or subclass 491 pathways for the 2025–26 program year.

Applicants who did not lodge their nomination application before the closure will not be able to access NT nomination for this program year.

NT 190 / 491 nomination

The nomination closure has been confirmed by the Northern Territory Government in line with state allocation limits under Australia’s skilled migration planning framework, administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

What this means:

• The NT nomination portal is now closed to new applications

• Applications lodged before the closure will continue to be assessed

• Final outcomes for existing applications are expected by 30 June 2026

If you did not submit your application before the closure, you will no longer be able to access NT nomination for this program year.

Why This Matters for Skilled Migration Applicants?

When a state or territory closes its nomination program, the impact extends beyond that region. Applicants who were targeting the Northern Territory often redirect their focus to other states, which can result in:

• Increased competition in remaining open state nomination programs

• Higher invitation pressure as demand shifts

• More targeted occupation selection by states

• Faster exhaustion of nomination quotas in other jurisdictions

Waiting without a clear strategy may reduce the likelihood of receiving an invitation as conditions tighten elsewhere.

Key Factors You Should Review Now

With the NT General Skilled Migration nomination closure in place, it is essential to reassess your migration position. You should urgently review:

• Your occupation Is your occupation still in demand in other states? Each state has different priority lists and criteria.

• Your points score A competitive score is becoming increasingly important as demand shifts.

• Alternative state pathways Some states may still be open but have different requirements around employment, residence, or industry sectors.

• Your current visa status If you are still on a student visa or temporary visa, timing becomes critical to avoid gaps or ineligibility.

Alternative Visa Pathways to Consider

If state nomination is becoming harder, alternative pathways may provide a more practical route depending on your situation:

Employer sponsored visas

1. 407 Training VisaThe Subclass 407 Training Visa is designed for individuals who need on-the-job training to enhance their skills.

Key Requirements:

• Sponsored by an approved organisation

• Nominated for training (unless sponsored by a Commonwealth agency)

• Purpose is skills enhancement, licensing/registration, or structured workplace training

• Meet English, health, and character requirements

This visa is ideal for professionals seeking structured training to improve their skills in Australia.

2. 482 Skills in Demand Visa

The subclass 482 employer-sponsored visa is a temporary visa designed to help employers fill skill shortages when no suitable Australian workers are available.

Duration : Up to 4 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders)

Core Skills Stream

• Nominated for a job on the Core Skills Occupation List

• At least 1 year of relevant work experience

• Relevant skills assessment (if required)

• Meet minimum English proficiency

Specialist Skills Stream

• Nominated for an ANZSCO-listed occupation in major groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6

• Meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (high salary)

• At least 1 year of relevant experience

• Skills assessment (if required)

• Meet minimum English proficiency

Labour Agreement Stream

• Nominated under the terms of a formal labour agreement

• At least 12 months of full-time relevant experience in the past 5 years

• Skills assessment (if required by the agreement)

• Meet minimum English proficiency

3. 494 Regional Sponsored Work visa

The subclass 494 employer-sponsored visa is a temporary provisional visa for skilled workers in regional Australia, offering a pathway to permanent residency.

Duration

Up to 5 years; eligible for permanent residency after 3 years (via subclass 191)

Employer Sponsored Stream

• Nominated by a regional employer

• Under 45 years old (unless exempt)

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience

• Relevant skills assessment

• Competent English

Labour Agreement Stream

• Nominated under a regional labour agreement

• At least 3 years of relevant experience (or as specified)

• Skills assessment (if required)

• Meet any set English and age conditions

4. 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa

Direct Entry Stream

• Under 45 years old (unless exempt)

• Nominated for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience (unless exempt)

• Positive skills assessment

• Competent English

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

• Hold a subclass 457, 482, or eligible bridging visa

• Worked full-time in eligible sponsored employment for at least 2 years

• Nominated by an Australian employer within the last 6 months

• Meet health, character, and English requirements

Labour Agreement Stream

• Work for an employer with a valid labour agreement

• Meet age, skill, and English requirements outlined in the agreement

Partner visas

1. Subclass 820 – Partner Visa (Temporary)

The Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820) is a temporary visa for the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa lets you live in Australia temporarily while your application for the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) is processed.

• This is a temporary visa

• Leads directly to the permanent Partner Visa

• You must be in Australia when you apply

2. Subclass 309 – Partner Visa (Temporary Offshore)

The Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309) is a temporary visa for the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows you to live in Australia temporarily, with the pathway to a permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100) once your relationship is proven to be genuine and ongoing.

• This is a temporary visa

• Leads directly to the permanent Partner Visa

• You must apply from outside Australia

3. Subclass 801 – Partner Visa (Permanent)

The Partner Visa (subclass 801) allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. This visa is usually granted to applicants who currently hold the subclass 820 temporary Partner Visa.

• This is a permanent visa

• You must hold the temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820)

4. Subclass 100 – Partner Visa (Permanent Offshore)

The Partner (Migrant) Visa (subclass 100) allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. This visa is typically granted to applicants who hold the subclass 309 temporary Partner Visa.

• This is a permanent visa

• You must hold the temporary Partner Visa (subclass 309)

Student visa strategy

A Student Visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at a registered education institution in Australia. To apply for this visa, you need to be enrolled in a course registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The visa also allows you to live in Australia while you complete your studies and grants you the ability to work part-time during your studies.

NT GSM Nomination Closed — What You Need to Know

The Northern Territory Government has confirmed it has now received enough applications to fill its 2025–26 General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination allocation.

What this means:

• The NT nomination portal is now closed to new applications

• Applications lodged before the closure will still be processed

• Final outcomes are expected by 30 June 2026

This directly impacts applicants planning to apply for:

• Subclass 190 (State Nominated)

• Subclass 491 (State Regional) through the Northern Territory.

When one state closes, many applicants move to other states — which often increases competition elsewhere. Relying on a single state or pathway is now a high-risk strategy.

What You Should Do Now

A personalised migration strategy is more important than ever. Your next steps should be based on:

• Your occupation

• Your points

• Your visa history

• Your long-term migration goals

You should now review:

• Alternative state nomination pathways

• Employer-sponsored visas

• Partner visa options

• Student visa alternatives (if you are currently on a student visa)

FAQ (Frequently Ask Question)

Is the NT GSM nomination closed for the entire 2025–26 program year?

Yes. The Northern Territory Government has confirmed that it has filled its nomination allocation for the 2025–26 program year, and the nomination portal is closed to new applications.

Will applications lodged before the closure still be processed? 

Yes. Applications submitted before the closure will continue to be assessed, with final outcomes expected by 30 June 2026.

Can I still apply for subclass 190 or 491 through NT this year? 

No. New NT nomination applications for subclass 190 and subclass 491 are not available for the current program year.

Does the NT closure affect other states?

Indirectly, yes. When one state closes its nomination program, competition in other states often increases as applicants redirect their strategies.

Get Professional Guidance

Migration programs can change quickly and without notice. Booking a consultation with a registered migration agent can help you:

• Identify the best alternative pathways

• Avoid costly mistakes

• Reduce the risk of missed opportunities

Book a consultation to protect your migration pathway.

Book Consultation

Last updated: January 2026