The Northern Territory (NT) has achieved a major milestone, securing the largest skilled migration boost with 1,850 total nominations under the 2026-27 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. This represents an increase of 200 nominations from the previous year.
Significantly, the Territory captured the highest number of Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) nominations of any Australian jurisdiction.
Quick Breakdown of the 2026-27 NT Visa Allocation
The 1,850 allocation is distributed across two primary pathways designed to support long-term population and economic growth:
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa: 850 nominations
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) Visa: 1,000 nominations
General Eligibility Requirements for All Applicants
While addressing workforce challenges in remote and regional areas, the NT Government maintains a clear hiring framework that prioritizes opportunities sequentially:
Territorians looking for work
Workers from interstate
Overseas workers via specialized migration streams
The Territory remains focused on advocating for fit-for-purpose migration policies that distribute visas based on actual regional demand and economic need.
General Eligibility Requirements for All Applicants
To qualify for an NT General Skilled Migration nomination, you and your dependent family members must meet both Australian Government Department of Home Affairs guidelines and specific NT criteria.
Minimum Core Requirements:
Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination.
Skills Assessment: You must hold a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority. Onshore applicants under the NT Priority Occupation stream must match occupations on the Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupations List (NTOMOL) or national eligible lists.
English Proficiency: At least Competent English is required, unless a higher standard is specified by your assessing or registration body.
Points Test: You must achieve a minimum score of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test.
Commitment to the Northern Territory
Accepting an NT Government nomination carries formal obligations to ensure population retention. Successful applicants must:
Live and work in the NT in their nominated (or closely related) occupation for at least 3 years from the visa grant.
Notify the NT Government of visa approval status and arrival dates.
Regularly provide updated contact details.
Participate in NT Government surveys.
Financial Capacity to Settle in the NT
The NT Government does not provide financial assistance; applicants must prove sufficient independent settlement funds based on family composition:
| Family Composition | Minimum Net Assets Required |
| Individual applicant | AU$35,000 |
| Applicant and spouse | AU$50,000 |
| Applicant and spouse plus 1 child | AU$60,000 |
| Applicant and spouse plus 2 children | AU$65,000 |
NT General Skilled Migration Streams
MigrationNT evaluates applications based on strong local employment outcomes and long-term commitment. Applicants must apply under one of five designated nomination streams:
Onshore NT Graduates stream
Onshore NT Residents stream
Offshore NT Priority Occupation stream
Offshore Job Offer stream
Offshore Family stream
Note: Interstate applicants or current student visa holders who have not finished their connected studies are generally ineligible for NT nomination.
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