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Northern Territory GSM Nomination 2026-27: What You Need to Know
The Northern Territory (NT) has updated its 2026–27 General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination program.
Although the program opened on 21 August 2026, the NT Government has since closed its general nomination intake after receiving sufficient applications.
As at November 2026:
- Subclass 190: New nomination applications are closed.
- Subclass 491: Only limited onshore applications under specific exception arrangements are being accepted.
- Offshore applicants: New applications are currently closed.
Some applicants may still have an opportunity to apply for NT nomination, depending on their current circumstances and visa status.
What Is NT GSM Nomination?
State and territory nomination is an important pathway under Australia's points-tested skilled migration system.
Applicants nominated by a state or territory receive additional points towards their Expression of Interest (EOI):
- Subclass 190: 5 additional points.
- Subclass 491: 15 additional points.
The Northern Territory has its own nomination criteria, which applicants must meet in addition to the Department of Home Affairs requirements.
Subclass 190 vs Subclass 491: Key Differences
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated visa
- Permanent residence visa.
- Provides 5 additional nomination points.
- Requires a commitment to live and work in the NT for at least three years after visa grant.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
- Five-year provisional visa.
- Provides 15 additional nomination points.
- Requires a commitment to live and work in the NT for at least three years after visa grant.
- May provide a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
For the 2026–27 NT program, new Subclass 190 applications are closed, while Subclass 491 applications are restricted to specific onshore exceptions.
Who Is Still Eligible to Apply for NT Nomination?
Although general applications are closed, the NT Government is still accepting certain onshore Subclass 491 applications under exception arrangements.
Applicants must:
- Be physically in Australia.
- Meet the NT Graduate or NT Resident eligibility requirements.
- Meet at least one of the following circumstances by 30 September 2027:
1. Substantive visa expiry
Your current substantive visa expires on or before 30 September 2027, and you are not eligible to apply for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa.
2. Approaching the age limit
You will turn 45 on or before 30 September 2027.
3. Potential loss of points due to age
You will have a birthday on or before 30 September 2027 that reduces your Subclass 491 points score below 65.
Meeting these conditions does not guarantee nomination. Applicants must still satisfy the relevant NT Graduate or NT Resident criteria and other nomination requirements.
General Eligibility Requirements
Applicants seeking NT nomination must generally meet the following requirements:
- Age: Be under 45 when applying for nomination.
- Occupation: Have an eligible nominated occupation under the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Skills assessment: Hold a valid positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- English: Meet at least the Competent English requirement.
- EOI: Have an active SkillSelect Expression of Interest with a minimum score of 65 points, including applicable nomination points.
- NT commitment: Commit to living and working in the Northern Territory in the nominated or a closely related skilled occupation for at least three years after visa grant.
Additional residence, employment and study requirements apply to the NT Graduate and NT Resident streams.
How to Apply for NT Nomination
For applicants who meet the current exception arrangements:
- Check whether you meet the NT Graduate or NT Resident eligibility criteria.
- Confirm that your occupation and skills assessment meet the relevant requirements.
- Submit or update your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
- Check whether you meet one of the specific exception conditions for the 2026–27 program.
- Prepare supporting documents and submit your NT nomination application through the NT Government's online portal, if eligible.
- If nominated, follow the Department of Home Affairs process for your Subclass 491 visa application.
Important Considerations for 2026-27
The NT's 2026–27 nomination intake is now significantly restricted.
Applicants should not assume that meeting the general skilled migration requirements is sufficient to lodge a new nomination application.
For those currently living in the NT, the remaining Subclass 491 exception arrangements may provide an opportunity to pursue state nomination, particularly if their current visa is approaching expiry or they are close to the age limit.
However, meeting the exception criteria does not guarantee an invitation or nomination. Processing times and individual eligibility should be carefully considered, especially where visa expiry dates are approaching.
Key Takeaways
- Subclass 190: New NT nomination applications are currently closed.
- Subclass 491: Limited onshore applications remain available under specific exception arrangements.
- Eligible applicants: Must meet the NT Graduate or NT Resident criteria and at least one of the specified exception conditions.
- Key deadlines: Visa expiry, age and points-related conditions must fall within the specified period ending 30 September 2027.
- No guaranteed nomination: Meeting the criteria does not automatically secure an invitation or nomination.
If you are currently living in the Northern Territory and considering a Subclass 491 pathway, it is important to check your visa expiry date, age, points score and NT eligibility before deciding your next step.
Riverwood Migration can help assess your eligibility, review your available nomination options and identify potential risks to your migration plans.
The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.
Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer
For skilled migration and skills assessment matters, we recommend speaking with Scott Gan, our lawyer specialising in points-tested visas and occupation skills assessments. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.
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