Subclass 190 · NT
Northern Territory state nomination
Permanent residence with Northern Territory Government nomination. 850 places allocated for 2025-26. MigrationNT online application selection through MigrationNT.
Current program status
As at 30 April 2026, the NT Government has confirmed that the NT nomination portal for general 190 and 491 nomination is closed to new applications, having received sufficient applications to fill the 2025-26 allocation. Applications lodged before closure continue to be assessed. Limited by-exception nominations remain available to onshore applicants facing critical visa expiry, age threshold, or points-loss deadlines before 31 December 2026. The NT confirms that all outcomes for existing applications will be issued by 30 June 2026.
The Northern Territory Government nominates skilled migrants for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa under the General Skilled Migration program. The program is administered by MigrationNT and uses a MigrationNT online application mechanism. For the 2025-26 program year, NT received 850 190 places from the Department of Home Affairs, alongside 800 491 places.
State nomination is one stage of a two-stage process. Northern Territory assesses applicants against state-specific criteria; the Department of Home Affairs then assesses the federal visa application following nomination. The strategic question is whether your profile matches NT's priority sectors and selection mechanism well enough to receive nomination, given the limited 2025-26 allocation.
NT 190 eligibility
Federal eligibility
You must meet the standard 190 federal criteria: under 45 at invitation, positive skills assessment, Competent English (IELTS 6 across each component or equivalent), at least 65 points on the points test (including the five-point nomination bonus), and health and character requirements.
Nominated occupation
Your nominated occupation must be on the NT Migration Occupation List (NTMOL). Onshore list and a separate Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupation List (NTOMOL); Priority Occupation list updated 28 October 2025. The occupation must also appear on the federal MLTSSL or STSOL.
Selection mechanism
Northern Territory uses a MigrationNT online application system. NT Government nomination requires a signed declaration committing to live and work in the NT in the nominated occupation, or a closely related skilled occupation, for at least three years from visa grant. The NT does not issue release letters for transfer to other states.
Priority sectors
Northern Territory prioritises health, construction, hospitality, mining and resources support, education, defence-related industries. Applicants whose occupation, employment, and proposed settlement aligns with these sectors are more likely to receive nomination in competitive rounds.
How Northern Territory selection works
NT's 190 selection process operates through MigrationNT and is documented at theterritory.com.au/migrate. Selection rounds are conducted on the schedule the NT program publishes, which is revised through the program year. Successful applicants receive a state nomination, which generates a federal invitation and a 60-day window in which to lodge the complete visa application.
The NT program publishes nomination guidelines and round results that are updated regularly. Confirm the current settings before lodging an EOI or ROI.
Speak with an immigration lawyer about your NT 190 application
We assess your profile against NT's priority sectors and selection mechanism, identify the strongest claim available to you, and prepare both the NT ROI and the federal application to a litigation-ready standard.
Book a consultationIf your application is refused
Refusal at the Northern Territory state nomination stage is a state administrative decision. Internal review or reconsideration may be available depending on the NT program's guidelines. State nomination decisions are not directly reviewable by the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Refusal of the federal visa following nomination triggers merits review rights to the ART within statutory time limits, and judicial review to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on grounds of jurisdictional error. Time limits are strict.
Common questions
How does the NT 190 nomination process work?
What is the NT 190 allocation for 2025-26?
Which occupation list applies?
What are the priority sectors?
What residency or commitment is required?
What if my NT 190 nomination is refused?
Information current as at 30 April 2026. Northern Territory program settings, occupation lists, and allocations are revised through the program year. Confirm current settings at theterritory.com.au/migrate before lodging an EOI or ROI.