Northern Territory nomination for the 190 and 491 visas

As checked on 9 November 2026, the NT Government says it has received enough applications for 2026–27. New nomination applications are accepted only by exception, from onshore applicants for the 491 in the NT Graduate or NT Resident streams who meet at least one of these conditions on or before 30 September 2027:

New 190 applications and new offshore applications are not being accepted.

• their current visa expires and they are not eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485);
• they turn 45 and would become ineligible for skilled migration;
• a birthday would reduce their 491 points below 65.

We could not confirm: whether the NT will reopen to other applicants later in 2026–27.

The NT asks nominees to commit to living and working in the Northern Territory for three years. Your NT employment, hours and documents are central to an NT application. Read why your employment matters for NT nomination.

Both visas need a SkillSelect EOI, at least 65 points, age under 45 when invited, competent English, a suitable skills assessment and an eligible occupation. The 190 is permanent. The 491 is provisional and regional, and the whole NT counts as regional for the 491.

1. Check that you are onshore in the NT and fit the NT Graduate or NT Resident stream.
2. Check which exception applies to you, and gather evidence such as your visa expiry or date of birth.
3. Make sure your EOI is current in SkillSelect. See our EOI guide.
4. Apply through the NT Government's process and wait for the outcome before you lodge your visa.

If you do not meet an exception, consider other states, an employer-sponsored visa such as the 494, or the NT designated area migration agreement (DAMA) through an employer. Read our NT DAMA guide.

• Skills assessment: make sure it is for the occupation you will nominate and is still valid on the day you are invited.
• English test: make sure your result is current and meets the level you are claiming points for.
• Points: every points claim in your EOI must be backed by documents. Claims you cannot prove can lead to refusal.
• Evidence for the Northern Territory: collect proof of where you live and work, such as a lease, payslips and an employment contract, if the Northern Territory asks for it.
• Visa expiry: know when your current visa ends, so you can plan a bridging visa or another option if the nomination takes longer than expected.

• Relying on one state only, when another state or visa may suit you better.
• Lodging an EOI that does not match your documents, such as different dates of employment.
• Missing the deadline to apply after an invitation. A state invitation and a Home Affairs invitation each have their own time limit.
• Assuming a registration or EOI keeps you lawful in Australia. It does not. Only a valid visa or bridging visa does.