NT · 190 / 491 pathways

Northern Territory nomination guide

NT nomination centres on long-term commitment and local employment outcomes, with different rules for NT graduates, NT residents and three offshore streams.

Checked 30 July 2026

The 2025–26 allocation is exhausted; queued cases await 2026–27 allocation

The NT confirmed in July 2026 that its annual allocation is fully exhausted; eligible queued applications will be considered when 2026–27 places are received.

Applicants must keep visas, skills assessments and English results valid; NT cannot guarantee nomination before a current visa expires.

Official program source →

Identify the applicant category first

Pathway eligibility is more than an occupation title.

OnshoreGraduate

NT graduates

Generally requires two academic years of full-time NT study and evidence of local employment or sustained job-seeking.

190 normally also requires at least six continuous months' post-study residence
Nominated or closely related employment/offer receives priority consideration

OnshoreResident 190

Long-term NT resident · 190

The permanent pathway emphasises long residence and stable related employment.

Normally at least two consecutive years' residence
Normally two years' related full-time employment, available for a further 12 months

OnshoreResident 491

NT resident · 491

For candidates with a shorter but genuine NT residence and employment record.

Normally at least 12 consecutive months' residence
Normally six months' related full-time employment, available for a further 12 months

Offshore491

Three offshore streams

Offshore candidates are generally considered only for 491 through priority occupation, NT job offer or NT family.

At least two years' post-qualification experience in the last five
Must show long-term commitment and sufficient settlement funds

Invitation and ranking

NT focuses on genuine connection, not points alone

What affects selection

Minimum 65 points, but NT expressly does not prioritise by points score
Applicant or migrating dependants living interstate are generally ineligible
190 requires a stronger NT connection than to any other state
Accepting nomination means committing to live and work in NT for at least three years after grant

Minimum eligibility is not an invitation

Occupation-list access, nomination eligibility, competitive selection and the federal visa decision are separate checks.

From EOI to visa

NT nomination process

Check federal minimums, NT stream and settlement funds

Create a SkillSelect EOI and prepare complete evidence

Apply and pay through the MigrationNT online system

Respond to requests/interviews and keep all evidence valid

After nomination, lodge the visa under the Home Affairs invitation

Pre-lodgement checks

Fees, deadlines and evidence must match the rules at invitation.

Minimum EOI points65 pointsNot a priority score

Single settlement guideAUD $35,000Higher for larger families

Nomination feeConfirm in portalCheck the current non-refundable fee before lodgement

Core evidence

Valid skills assessment, English, EOI and identity evidence
NT residence, salary, employer trading and 12-month ongoing-position evidence
Offshore experience, offer/family and labour-market research evidence

Official resources

NT program update ↗NT eligibility ↗

Plan with current evidence

Compare your occupation, location, employment and timing before choosing a nomination pathway.

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