Northern Territory Skilled Migration 2025–26: A High-Momentum Opportunity Window for Offshore Talent
The Northern Territory has officially activated its Skilled Migration Program for 2025–26, and the dynamics this year are reshaping how offshore and onshore applicants should strategically position themselves. With Australia’s migration program recalibrating to workforce needs, NT has emerged as one of the most accessible gateways for skilled professionals — provided they navigate the requirements with precision and foresight.
Program Allocations: Bigger Signals, Bigger Opportunities
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has locked in the national 2025–26 permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places, with 71% dedicated to the Skill stream. Within this broader framework, NT has received an expanded quota of 1,650 state-nominated visa places, split as:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): 850 places
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): 800 places
This marks a slight yet meaningful uplift from the previous year’s 1,600 places — signalling NT’s priority to attract skilled migrants who can support its regional labour market and long-term population goals.
Program Launch & Policy Context
The NT Government opened its 2025–26 nomination portal on 24 November 2025 for both onshore and offshore candidates. Before this full allocation, only a small “interim” quota had been issued, mainly targeting:
- Onshore 491 applicants
- Expiring visa cases
- NT graduates
- Age cut-off-critical applicants
With the complete allocation now operational, both 190 and 491 nomination streams are fully available, accelerating the application pipeline for qualified candidates.
Key Policy Shifts You Must Know
- Direct Application Portal – No Pre-Invite Requirement
NT has removed the pre-invite stage. Applicants can now directly lodge their nomination application, streamlining the workflow and reducing uncertainty.
- No Interstate Applications
Only NT residents or offshore applicants are eligible. Interstate applicants are not considered, irrespective of points or work experience.
- High Points Don’t Guarantee Priority
NT has clearly stated that higher points will NOT influence prioritisation. Instead, the focus is on commitment, relevance of occupation, and alignment with NT workforce needs.
- 190 Reserved for Genuine NT Residents
Subclass 190 nominations will primarily go to:
- Long-term NT residents
- Applicants demonstrating sustained NT commitment
This reflects the Territory’s emphasis on retention and local workforce stability.
- Offshore 491 Pathway – Accessible and Clear
Offshore applicants can directly apply for 491 nomination if they meet the baseline:
- 65 points
- Minimum IELTS 6 bands each
- Two years of relevant experience in the last five years
- Occupation listed on the NT Skilled Occupation List
This is one of the most straightforward offshore pathways in Australia right now.
Strong Occupation Demand Signals for Offshore Applicants
NT has released a wide set of occupations actively considered for offshore 491 nomination, including (but not limited to):
- University Lecturers
- Production Managers
- Registered Nurses
- Engineers (various streams)
- School Principals & Education Leaders
- Massage Therapists
- Café & Restaurant Managers
- Hotel & Motel Managers
- Occupational Health & Safety Advisors
- Systems Administrators & IT Professionals
- Tradespersons: Hairdressers, Cooks, Welders, Automotive Trades, etc.
…and many more across healthcare, construction, education, hospitality, trades, and ICT.
This wide occupation spread confirms NT’s long-standing challenge: a persistent workforce shortage across almost every sector, especially in remote and regional labour segments.
Why This Matters: Strategic Advantages in 2025–26
- Higher nomination availability means improved selection chances
- Direct application models speed up decision-making
- No pre-invite barrier reduces bottlenecks and delays
- Equal footing for lower-point applicants improves accessibility
- The offshore 491 pathway remains one of Australia’s most open and predictable
- Sector-wide shortages increase the relevance for a broader range of occupations
The Bottom Line
The Northern Territory’s 2025–26 migration settings are signalling a growth-oriented, opportunity-rich environment for skilled professionals — particularly offshore applicants who meet minimum thresholds and can demonstrate a credible settlement plan.
With direct portal access, a robust occupation list, and a pragmatic nomination policy, NT is strongly positioned as a high-potential migration pathway that avoids the congestion seen in larger states.