20/08/2026
NT Offshore Nomination 2026–27: Who Can Apply?
Planning to migrate to Australia from overseas? If you're looking at the Northern Territory skilled migration pathway, there’s an important update you should know before applications open.
The NT 2026–27 Skilled Migration Nomination Program opens for new applications on 21 August 2026.
However, the NT Priority Occupation Stream is currently closed to new applications because a large number of applications from the previous program year are still being processed.
The good news is that two offshore pathways remain available for eligible applicants.
1. NT Job Offer Stream
You may be eligible if you have:
• At least 2 years of post-qualification work experience in your nominated occupation within the last 5 years
• A valid skills assessment
• A genuine and verifiable job offer in your nominated occupation
• A job based in the Northern Territory
• An employer that has been actively operating in the NT for at least 12 months
One important advantage is that applicants under the Job Offer Stream are not limited to the NT Offshore Migration Occupation List (NTOMOL). You may nominate an occupation from the national eligible skilled occupation list, provided you meet the relevant requirements.
2. NT Family Stream
Have an eligible family member living in the Northern Territory?
You may be considered under the Family Stream if your family member has been living in the NT for at least 12 months and meets the required visa or residency conditions.
Eligible relatives can include certain parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, first cousins and grandparents.
Your family member must also provide a statutory declaration confirming that they are willing and able to support your settlement, including help with accommodation and employment.
You will also need to show genuine and sustained efforts to find employment in the NT, such as researching the NT job market, applying for jobs and contacting employers.
Just like the Job Offer Stream, Family Stream applicants can nominate an occupation from the national eligible skilled occupation list and are not restricted to the NTOMOL.
Important visa point-
For offshore applicants, NT nomination will generally be considered for Subclass 491.
So, if you are currently outside Australia and hoping for an offshore Subclass 190 nomination, this is an important update to keep in mind.
Financial capacity
Offshore applicants must declare that they have enough financial capacity to settle in the Northern Territory.
Current NT guidance includes:
Individual applicant: AUD 35,000
Applicant + spouse: AUD 50,000
Applicant + spouse + 1 child: AUD 60,000
Applicant + spouse + 2 children: AUD 65,000
General requirements still apply
You will also need to meet the relevant MigrationNT and Australian Government requirements, including:
• Under 45 years of age at the time of nomination
• Valid skills assessment
• At least Competent English, unless otherwise specified
• At least 65 points under the skilled migration points test
• Genuine commitment to live and work in the Northern Territory long term
• All specific requirements of your chosen nomination stream
Applications open on 21 August 2026.
Keep in mind that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee nomination. Every application is assessed individually, and nomination remains at the discretion of the Northern Territory Government.
If you're currently overseas and wondering whether the NT 491 pathway could be suitable for you, your occupation, skills assessment, work experience, English score, points, job offer or family connection can all make a difference.
Book a free consultation with our Registered Migration Agent to discuss your situation and understand your potential pathway.
Contact Study Universe today.
Official source: Northern Territory Government, MigrationNT
https://australiasnorthernterritory.com.au/move/migrate-to-work/nt-government-visa-nomination
Eligibility and nomination are subject to MigrationNT and Department of Home Affairs requirements. Individual circumstances vary.
