The Northern Territory Government has confirmed its full General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination allocation for the 2026–27 program year, providing new opportunities for skilled migrants seeking nomination for the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.
Applications for NT Government nomination opened on 21 August 2026 for new applications across all eligible onshore streams and selected offshore streams. Applicants should review the updated eligibility criteria before applying, as requirements have changed for the new program year.
Northern Territory receives 1,850 nomination places
For 2026–27, the Northern Territory has been allocated 1,850 GSM nomination places, an increase of 200 places compared with the previous program year.
The allocation is divided between:
| Visa | 2026–27 allocation |
|---|---|
| Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated | 850 |
| Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional | 1,000 |
| Total | 1,850 |
The NT Government says the Territory received the highest number of subclass 491 nominations of any Australian jurisdiction.
The increase is entirely within the subclass 491 allocation, which has risen from 800 places in 2025–26 to 1,000 places in 2026–27. The subclass 190 allocation remains at 850 places.
The increased allocation comes as the NT seeks to address workforce needs and support major projects and economic growth across the Territory.
When did NT nomination applications open?
The NT Government’s nomination program opened to new applications on 21 August 2026.
Applications are available for:
- All eligible onshore streams
- Selected offshore streams
Importantly, the eligibility criteria have been updated for the 2026–27 program year. Applicants should carefully check the current requirements for their particular stream before submitting an application.
Meeting the published eligibility criteria does not guarantee nomination. The NT Government retains discretion over which applicants receive a nomination.
What visas can the NT nominate?
The Northern Territory participates in two skilled migration pathways:
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa
The subclass 190 is a permanent visa for eligible skilled workers who receive nomination from an Australian state or territory.
If nominated by the NT, applicants are expected to live and work in the Northern Territory for at least three years after their visa is granted.
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa
The subclass 491 is a five-year provisional visa that allows eligible skilled migrants and their dependent family members to live, work and study in a designated regional area such as the NT.
NT-nominated 491 applicants are expected to live and work in the Territory for at least three years before progressing towards the relevant permanent residency pathway.
The NT Government may require evidence that nominated applicants are living and working in the Territory and can conduct compliance checks.
What does NT nomination mean for applicants?
Receiving a nomination from the NT is not the same as receiving a visa.
The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs is responsible for assessing and granting the visa. The NT Government’s role is to assess applicants for state or territory nomination.
Applicants must therefore satisfy both:
- The Australian Government’s visa requirements; and
- The NT Government’s nomination requirements.
A nomination is also not a job guarantee. Applicants are responsible for finding their own employment and accommodation in the Northern Territory.
The NT Government will consider an applicant’s employment prospects and whether their skills align with the workforce needs of the Territory when assessing a nomination application.
What has changed for NT skilled migration in 2026–27?
The biggest development is the increased allocation, particularly for the subclass 491 pathway.
However, applicants should not assume that last year’s eligibility rules continue to apply. The NT Government has confirmed that eligibility criteria have been updated for the 2026–27 program year.
Anyone considering an NT nomination should review the current criteria for their stream before submitting an application.
This is particularly important for applicants who may have previously been eligible but have not yet applied, as changes to program settings can affect their eligibility or competitiveness.
What if you are already in Australia?
Applicants who are currently in Australia should pay particular attention to their visa status and expiry date.
The NT Government has stated that it cannot guarantee that a nomination will be granted before an applicant’s existing visa expires.
If your current visa is approaching expiry, you should seek professional advice about your available visa options and make sure you remain lawful in Australia.
Submitting an NT nomination application does not automatically give you permission to remain in Australia.
What commitment is required after NT nomination?
Applicants considering NT nomination should understand that it involves a genuine commitment to the Territory.
For both the subclass 190 and subclass 491 pathways, successful nominees are expected to live and work in the NT for at least three years after the relevant visa is granted.
The NT Government does not provide release letters for applicants who later want to move to another state or territory.
This means NT nomination should not simply be treated as a way to obtain a skilled visa before moving elsewhere in Australia. Applicants should be prepared to build their career and life in the Northern Territory.
What does the increased allocation mean for skilled migrants?
The additional 200 nomination places provide more capacity within the NT’s skilled migration program for 2026–27.
The increase is particularly significant for subclass 491 applicants, with the NT receiving 1,000 places compared with 800 in the previous program year.
The Territory’s economy is projected to grow by 5.8% in 2026–27, increasing the importance of attracting skilled workers to support future development.
However, an increased allocation does not mean every eligible applicant will receive a nomination. Applicants still need to satisfy the applicable criteria and compete for available places.
What should you do if you are considering NT nomination?
If you are considering applying for NT nomination in 2026–27, start by reviewing the current eligibility criteria for your specific stream.
You should also consider:
- Whether your occupation and circumstances meet the NT requirements
- Whether you are eligible for the subclass 190 or 491 pathway
- Your current points score and visa eligibility
- Whether you meet any employment or residence requirements
- Whether you are genuinely prepared to live and work in the NT
- Whether your current visa allows you to remain in Australia while your application is being assessed
The 2026–27 program provides new opportunities, but nomination is not guaranteed simply because places are available.
If you are unsure which pathway is right for you, consider speaking with a Registered Migration Agent before submitting your application. Professional advice can help you understand your options and avoid making decisions based on outdated nomination criteria.
