The Northern Territory Government has confirmed 1,850 skilled migration nominations for 2026–27, with the NT nomination portal opening at 8:00am on 21 August 2026. This covers both onshore and selected offshore applicants across two key visa subclasses.

Critically, the NT has secured the highest Subclass 491 allocation of any Australian jurisdiction — a significant opportunity for skilled migrants who need state or territory nomination to reach the Department’s invitation threshold, or who are planning a direct pathway to permanent residency.

2026–27 NT Allocation at a Glance

• ✅ 1,000 nominations — Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
• ✅ 850 nominations — Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated — Permanent)
• 📈 Total: 1,850 nominations — up 200 from 1,650 in 2025–26
• 🏆 NT holds the highest 491 allocation nationally

Allocations close when they are full. There is no second round once the cap is reached.

Why does NT have such a strong nomination round?

The NT economy is growing at 5.8% — one of the fastest rates in the country — driven by major projects including the Beetaloo Sub-basin gas development and the Nolans Rare Earths Project. These are creating sustained demand for qualified tradespeople, engineers, healthcare workers, and professionals across a wide range of occupations.

NT Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Robyn Cahill has advised prospective applicants to “seek professional advice from a Registered Migration Agent” before lodging a nomination — that is exactly what OVEC does.

Which visas does NT nomination apply to?

NT nominations in this round cover:

• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional): A provisional visa for skilled workers who live and work in regional Australia for at least three years, after which you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence (Subclass 191). NT nomination adds 15 points to your Expression of Interest score.
• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated (Permanent Residence): A permanent visa requiring a state or territory nomination. NT nomination adds 5 points to your EOI. This is a direct pathway to permanent residency from the outset.

Why act quickly?

Nomination caps are strictly enforced. When the 1,000 Subclass 491 places or 850 Subclass 190 places are taken, the NT portal closes — there is no waiting list and no overflow into the next financial year. In previous years, popular NT nomination rounds have filled within days or weeks of opening.

If you have been sitting on an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and were waiting for the right nomination to arrive, this is the round to act on.

What is the income threshold?

For 2026–27, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is $79,499 per annum. Your proposed employment in the NT must meet or exceed this threshold. The CSIT replaced the former TSMIT from December 2024 and re-indexes each 1 July.

Who should apply?

You may be a good candidate for NT nomination if you:

• Have a skills assessment in an occupation on the NT occupation list
• Have a valid Expression of Interest in SkillSelect
• Meet the English language and age requirements for 190 or 491
• Are able to demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in the NT (491) or have employment lined up
• Have enough base points that, with NT nomination, you would reach a competitive invitation score

How OVEC can help

Sohail Cheema (MARN 1170438) is a Registered Migration Agent based in Canberra who regularly assists skilled migrants with NT, ACT, and other state nomination applications. OVEC will review your occupation, SkillSelect profile, points total, and English scores to advise whether NT nomination is the right step — and if so, how to put your strongest possible application forward.

📅 Book a consultation with OVEC today

This post is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Migration law is complex and individual circumstances vary. Please consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170438) for advice specific to your situation.