Northern Territory Nomination Australia | 190 & 491 Skilled Visa

Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190

The subclass 190 visa is a permanent skilled visa for eligible applicants who are nominated by an Australian state or territory.

If nominated by the Northern Territory and granted the visa, you can live and work in Australia as a permanent resident, subject to the visa conditions and applicable requirements.

Applicants generally need to demonstrate:

• An eligible skilled occupation
• A suitable skills assessment
• Competent English or the required English level
• The required points score
• Eligibility under the NT's current nomination criteria
• Relevant qualifications and/or skilled employment where required
• A genuine commitment to living and working in the Northern Territory
• Health and character requirements

The NT nomination process and occupation priorities can change between program years, so applicants should check the current NT requirements before submitting an application.

Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491

The subclass 491 visa is a provisional skilled regional visa designed for eligible skilled workers who intend to live and work in regional Australia.

Northern Territory nomination can provide an additional 15 points toward the points-tested skilled migration application.

The visa can provide a pathway toward permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa subclass 191, provided the applicant meets the relevant requirements.

Applicants should be prepared to:

• Live in the Northern Territory
• Work in accordance with the applicable regional visa requirements
• Maintain compliance with visa conditions
• Meet the requirements for the nominated occupation
• Meet the applicable NT nomination criteria
• Satisfy the Department of Home Affairs requirements

Why Choose Northern Territory?

The Northern Territory can be an attractive destination for skilled migrants because of its regional location, diverse industries and demand for skilled workers.

Depending on the current program settings, opportunities may be available across areas such as:

• Healthcare and medical services
• Education and teaching
• Construction and building
• Engineering
• Information technology
• Trades
• Community and social services
• Hospitality and tourism
• Other occupations experiencing workforce shortages

The availability of occupations and nomination places can change, so an occupation being eligible in one program year does not necessarily mean it will remain eligible in the next.

Northern Territory Nomination Process

The typical skilled nomination process involves several stages:

Step 1 – Check Your Occupation

Your occupation must be eligible for the relevant skilled visa and meet the current Northern Territory nomination requirements.

Step 2 – Obtain a Skills Assessment

You generally need a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before proceeding with your skilled migration application.

Step 3 – Complete Your English Test

You must meet the applicable English language requirement for your visa and nomination pathway.

Step 4 – Submit a SkillSelect EOI

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and provide accurate information about your qualifications, skills, English ability and employment history.

Step 5 – Apply for NT Nomination

If eligible and selected under the current NT program, you may be able to proceed with the Northern Territory nomination process.

Step 6 – Receive an Invitation

If you receive an invitation to apply for the relevant skilled visa, you must lodge your visa application within the required timeframe.

Step 7 – Visa Assessment

The Department of Home Affairs assesses the visa application, including the applicant's supporting documents, health and character requirements and other applicable criteria.

SkillSelect confirms that applicants for subclasses 189, 190 and 491 must submit an EOI before they can be invited to apply. An invitation generally provides 60 days to lodge the visa application.

Northern Territory DAMA – Another Pathway for Some Workers

The Northern Territory also has a Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) for eligible employers and overseas workers.

The NT DAMA is different from the NT state nomination program. It is an employer-sponsored program, meaning an individual cannot independently apply for a visa under the NT DAMA without an eligible sponsoring employer.

Under the current NT DAMA III framework, eligible NT employers may sponsor workers through:

• Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 – Labour Agreement stream
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa subclass 494 – Labour Agreement stream
• Employer Nomination Scheme visa subclass 186 – Labour Agreement stream

The NT DAMA can provide access to occupations and concessions that may not be available through standard national programs.

The current NT DAMA occupation list covers 325 occupations, although the list may be reviewed and updated.

NT DAMA Pathway to Permanent Residence

For eligible NT DAMA workers, permanent residence may be possible through different pathways.

A worker sponsored through an eligible subclass 494 arrangement may potentially progress to subclass 191 after meeting the applicable regional residence and work requirements.

The NT DAMA also provides an employer-sponsored pathway through subclass 186 for eligible workers who satisfy the relevant requirements. The NT Government states that eligible temporary visa holders may qualify for the NT DAMA ENS pathway after the required period of employment in the NT.

A permanent residence pathway is not automatic. The worker must satisfy the applicable requirements and the employer must be willing and eligible to provide the relevant nomination.

Northern Territory Skilled Migration vs NT DAMA

Important Points for NT Skilled Migration

Before applying for Northern Territory nomination, it is important to understand that:

• Nomination is not the same as a visa grant.
• Meeting the minimum points requirement does not guarantee an invitation.
• Occupation lists and nomination criteria can change.
• Nomination places are limited.
• Your skills assessment must be appropriate for your nominated occupation.
• Your employment and qualifications must satisfy the applicable requirements.
• You must provide accurate information in your EOI and nomination application.
• You should be prepared to genuinely live and work in the Northern Territory.
• Visa eligibility is ultimately determined by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

How We Can Help

Choosing the right skilled migration pathway requires more than simply checking your occupation on a list.

At The Visa and Education Services Pty Ltd, we can help assess your circumstances and explain potential Northern Territory migration options, including:

✔ Subclass 190 assessment
✔ Subclass 491 assessment
✔ Occupation and skills assessment review
✔ Points assessment
✔ SkillSelect EOI guidance
✔ NT nomination strategy
✔ NT DAMA pathway assessment
✔ Employer-sponsored migration options
✔ Visa application assistance

Get professional guidance before making important decisions about your Australian migration pathway.

Speak With a Registered Migration Agent

Navneet Kaur – Registered Migration Agent
MARN: 2318181

Discuss your circumstances and find out which Northern Territory pathway may be suitable for you.

Contact The Visa and Education Services Pty Ltd today for a personalised migration assessment.