Is Your Occupation in Demand? NT Nomination Spots Are Limited!
If you’re thinking about moving to Australia for work, the Northern Territory (NT) is currently offering great opportunities for skilled migrants. The NT government has updated its skilled migration allocations for the 2025–26 program year, creating chances for people with certain skills to live and work in the region.
Skilled migration helps the NT fill gaps in important jobs, from healthcare to trades, while also supporting regional growth. Whether you’re already in Australia (onshore) or living overseas (offshore), understanding how the NT’s skilled migration program works is the first step toward a successful application.
NT’s Skilled Migration Allocations for 2025–26
The NT has a limited number of nomination spots each year. For 2025–26, the total number of places is 1,650, split between two main pathways:
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): 850 places
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): 800 places
This increase in allocation shows the NT’s focus on attracting skilled workers. These places are given to people whose occupations are in demand in the NT, and who meet the eligibility requirements.
Tip: Because places are limited, applying early is important. The NT nomination program is expected to reopen on 24 November 2025.
Key Occupations in Demand
Not all jobs are eligible for NT nomination. The government focuses on jobs where there is a shortage of skilled workers. Some of the top sectors include:
Healthcare & Social Care: Registered Nurses, Resident Medical Officers, Aged or Disabled Carers
Construction & Trades: Welders, Electricians, Motor Mechanics
Hospitality & Services: Chefs, Accommodation and Food Service Managers
The NT has also introduced DAMA III, a special agreement that makes it easier for some occupations to qualify by relaxing requirements like age, English language skills, and minimum salary. This opens up more opportunities for skilled workers who may not meet the standard visa rules.
Quick fact: DAMA III includes 325 eligible occupations, making it one of the most flexible pathways for NT applicants.
Pathways Available
1. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
A permanent visa for those nominated by the NT government
Requires you to have a skills assessment and meet minimum points under the general skilled migration system
Lets you live and work anywhere in the NT
2. Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
A temporary visa for regional areas, including the NT, valid for 5 years
Offers a pathway to permanent residency if you live and work in a regional area for a set period
Points are awarded based on skills, experience, age, and other factors
3. DAMA III – Designated Area Migration Agreement
A special NT program designed to fill local workforce gaps
Offers flexibility in age, English ability, and salary requirements
Covers occupations that are in high demand in the NT but may not be eligible under standard skilled migration rules
Can be used by both onshore and offshore applicants
Why it matters: DAMA III gives employers in the NT more options to hire overseas workers for jobs that are critical for local communities.
What Onshore vs Offshore Applicants Should Know
Onshore applicants (already in Australia)
May have had access to interim allocations for certain visas, meaning there was a small window to apply before spots filled
Should act quickly to submit applications as spots can be limited
Offshore applicants (living overseas)
Must meet all eligibility criteria and be ready for the NT nomination process
May take longer to prepare documents like skills assessments, English tests, and health checks
Important: Both onshore and offshore applicants need to monitor allocations closely. Applying early and preparing your documents ahead of time increases your chances of a successful application.
Key Dates and Next Steps
24 November 2025: Official opening of NT nomination program for all onshore and offshore streams
Three-year residency commitment: Applicants must commit to living and working in the NT for at least three years upon visa grant
Pathway to permanent residency: 491 visa holders can transition to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after meeting residency and employment conditions
Is the NT Right for You?
The Northern Territory is actively seeking skilled workers in priority areas. If your occupation is in demand, this is a great time to plan your migration pathway. Here’s what you can do:
Check your occupation: Make sure your job is on the NT priority list or DAMA III list
Review your eligibility: Calculate points and prepare supporting documents early
Act quickly: Nominations are limited and spots may fill fast
Want to know if your occupation qualifies under the new NT skilled migration settings — or whether there’s still room for nomination? Contact us to assess your eligibility and explore your pathway.
