Visa Overview
The NT Government visa nomination for NT residents is a state-sponsored pathway for skilled migrants currently living in the Northern Territory to apply for a Subclass 190 (Permanent Residence) or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa, provided they meet specific residency, employment, and commitment criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for NT Government nomination as an NT resident, you must satisfy the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs minimum requirements and the NT-specific criteria outlined below.
Age
- You must be under the age of 45 years at the time of nomination.
Skills Assessment
- You must have a valid full skills assessment from a relevant Australian Government skills assessment authority for your nominated skilled occupation.
- Your nominated occupation must be on the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs current list of eligible skilled occupations.
English Language
- You must have at least Competent English unless otherwise specified by the relevant assessing, licensing, or registration body for your nominated occupation.
- The NT Government accepts all English tests approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
Minimum Points Test
- You must obtain a minimum of 65 points or higher in the Department of Home Affairs skilled migration points test.
Residency and Region Requirements
- You must reside in the Northern Territory. If you or any migrating dependants are currently living interstate, you will not be eligible for NT nomination.
- For Subclass 190: You must demonstrate that you have been residing in the NT for at least 2 consecutive years immediately before applying for nomination and continue to reside in the NT.
- For Subclass 491: You must demonstrate that you have been residing in the NT for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before applying for nomination and continue to reside in the NT.
Employment Requirements
- For Subclass 190 (General): You must demonstrate full-time employment in the NT in your nominated occupation or a related occupation for at least 2 years immediately before applying, with evidence that the employment is available for at least a further 12 months.
- For Subclass 190 (Remote Work Exemption): You must demonstrate full-time employment in the NT for at least 2 years in a remote area (outside Greater Darwin) immediately prior to applying, with evidence that the employment is available for at least a further 12 months. Your employer must provide a letter of support.
- For Subclass 491 (General): You must demonstrate full-time employment in the NT in your nominated or related occupation for at least 6 consecutive months immediately prior to applying, with evidence that the employment is available for at least a further 12 months.
- For Subclass 491 (Remote Work Exemption): You must demonstrate full-time employment in the NT for at least 6 consecutive months in a remote area immediately prior to applying, with evidence that the employment is available for at least a further 12 months. Your employer must provide a letter of support.
- For Subclass 491 (Critical Sector Exemption): Applicants employed outside their nominated occupation may be considered if they have at least 6 months of full-time employment in a critical sector (energy, defence, agriculture, mining, health, aged/disabled care, education, hospitality/tourism, construction) with evidence of at least 12 months further employment. Your employer must provide a letter of support.
Financial Requirements
- You must have the financial capacity to settle in the NT; the NT Government does not provide financial assistance.
- Minimum net asset requirements: Individual applicant (AU$35,000), Applicant and spouse (AU$50,000), Applicant, spouse & 1 child (AU$60,000), Applicant, spouse & 2 children (AU$65,000).
Commitment to the NT
- You must commit to living and working in the NT in your skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation for at least 3 years from visa grant.
- You must agree to notify the NT Government of your visa status, provide current contact details, and participate in surveys.
- A signed declaration form will be required.