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Northern Territory Migration

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Northern Territory Migration

Northern Territory Migration

1. Northern Territory State Nomination

  • Allocation filled: NT received just 1 600 places (800 × 190 & 800 × 491) for 2024-25 and closed its online portal after reaching capacity on 10 January 2025. Australia’s Northern Territory
  • What it means now: lodged EOIs continue to be processed, but no new NT state-nomination applications can be submitted until additional quota is released or the 2025-26 year opens.

Tip: while the portal is paused, candidates can still:

  1. Work or study in NT to strengthen a future EOI;
  2. Use the NT DAMA III company-sponsorship route (see § 4).
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2. Why choose the Northern Territory?

NT advantage

Real-world benefit

Whole jurisdiction = “regional”

All post-codes count for the 491 & 191 visas; graduates get a 3-year post-study work visa and +5 regional study points.

Smaller applicant pool

Historically lower invitation points (65-75) and faster decisions than east-coast states (once portal open).

NT DAMA III (Mar 2025)

120 + occupations, age to 55, IELTS 4.5–5.0, salary 85 % CSIT, 1 500 nomination ceiling – x2.4 bigger than the old agreement. Home Affairs Ministers

High wages vs. cost

Avg. ordinary earnings A$95 k and zero city-congestion lifestyle in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs.

3. NT 190 & 491 – quick comparison

Feature

Skilled Nominated 190

Skilled Work Regional 491

Residency

Permanent PR on grant

5-year provisional; PR via 191 after 3 yrs

Typical invite profile

On-shore NT residents, 65-75 pts, 6 mths skilled NT job

NT job offer ≥ 20 hrs/wk or recent NT study; offshore only for priority list

Current intake

800 places (filled)

800 places (filled)

4. Plan B while the portal is paused – NT DAMA III

  • Covers the entire Territory, including Darwin CBD.
  • Visas: 482 (SID) → 494 → 191 or direct 186 PR after 3 yrs.
  • Popular occupations: electricians, diesel mechanics, chefs, early-childhood teachers, hospitality supervisors, non-ANZSCO roles such as Bar-Attendant Supervisor.
  • Annual cap 1 500 nominations – plenty of room even after state quota closes.

5. Occupation lists snapshot

Stream

Examples (July 2025)

On-shore list

Registered Nurse, Civil Engineer, Carpenter, ICT Business Analyst, Chef

Offshore “Priority Occupations”

Mining Engineer, Metal Fabricator, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Primary-School Teacher – generally 491 only.

6. Eligibility checklist

  1. Federal points test: 65+ points (age, English, work, study, partner, NAATI).
  2. NT criteria:
    • Full-time NT employment in your nominated (or closely related) occupation ≥ 20 hrs/week; or NT study with job offer. Australia’s Northern Territory
    • Genuine commitment statement + settlement funds (≈ A$35 k single / A$50 k family).
    • Occupation on current NT list (on-shore / offshore).
  3. Complete documents: skills assessment, English score, employment evidence.

7. Step-by-step roadmap

  1. Secure NT job / finish NT study
  2. Gather documents ➜ lodge EOI & NT online application
  3. Pay fee (A$220) & upload evidence
  4. Receive nomination approval (email)
  5. Lodge visa (190 or 491) to Home Affairs
  6. Move, work & live in NT; transition to PR via 191 after 3 yrs (491) or immediately (190).

Need help with NT nomination or DAMA?

Our migration lawyers guide you through NT skilled visas, DAMA, labour agreements and PR strategies—from skills assessment to final grant.

🚀 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

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Practice Areas

Partner Visas
Family and Parent Visas
Work Related Visas
Waivers and Exemptions
Visa Refusal and Cancellation
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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Migration services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us. 

Can offshore applicants still get NT nomination?

Yes, but only 491 and only if your occupation is on the offshore list; processing resumes once allocations reopen.

Is a job offer essential before I lodge?

On-shore applicants can often rely on current NT employment; off-shore applicants usually need either (a) an NT job offer for 12 months or (b) evidence of strong employability in an occupation on the NT Offshore Migration Occupation List.