Are you planning to apply for Northern Territory (NT) Government nomination for an Australian skilled visa? If you are currently living in the Northern Territory, your employment history, workplace arrangements and supporting documents may play an important role in your nomination application.
However, working in the NT alone does not guarantee eligibility. You must meet the requirements of your chosen nomination stream, as well as the relevant Australian Government visa criteria.
Important Update: NT Nomination Applications for 2026–27
The Northern Territory Government has received sufficient applications for the 2026–27 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
As of 9 October 2026, new nomination applications are being accepted only by exception for eligible onshore applicants who meet the NT Graduate or NT Resident stream requirements and satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
Their substantive visa expires on or before 30 September 2027, and they are not eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). They will turn 45 on or before 30 September 2027 and become ineligible for the General Skilled Migration program. They will turn 45 or reach a relevant birthday milestone on or before 30 September 2027 that would reduce theirsubclass 491skilled migration points below the minimum 65-point threshold.
New offshore nomination applications are not currently being accepted.
Meeting an exception does not guarantee that the NT Government will nominate you before your visa deadline. Applicants should check the official NT Government nomination website for the latest information before proceeding.
1. Employment Requirements for Onshore Applicants
For applicants under the NT Graduate and NT Resident streams, all employment claimed in support of a nomination application must meet the applicable NT Government employment requirements.
Work for an NT employer
Your employment must be with an employer operating in the Northern Territory. You must work at least 35 hours per week, either in one full-time position or through multiple part-time positions that together meet the requirement.
Your employer must have an established NT business
The employer must have a record of trading in the Northern Territory for at least 12 months.
Receive the appropriate market salary
Your position must meet the applicable market salary requirements. Your remuneration and employment arrangements should reflect the role and relevant employment standards.
Your actual job duties matter
If you are claiming employment related to your nominated occupation, the majority of your working time must involve duties aligned with the skills and knowledge required for that occupation.
A matching job title alone is not enough. Your actual responsibilities and the nature of your work are important.
2. Check Your Workplace Arrangements
Your work location and employment arrangements may also affect whether your employment meets the nomination requirements.
The NT Government generally does not look favourably on positions based in serviced office spaces or involving hot-desking arrangements.
Similarly, working remotely for an employer based outside the Northern Territory will generally not satisfy the employment requirements unless your duties involve servicing NT clients.
Your workplace arrangements should reflect genuine employment and meet the applicable criteria. Check the official requirements if you work remotely, use a shared office or have an employer based outside the NT.
3. Prepare Your Employer Support Letter
An employer support letter is an important part of the employment evidence required under the current onshore nomination criteria.
The letter should explain:
The employer's genuine efforts to recruit workers from the local labour market. Why you are the most suitable person for the position, or why your continued employment is critical to the business. Your employment arrangements and relevant duties, where applicable.
Make sure the information in the letter is accurate and consistent with your employment contract and other supporting documents.
If you cannot obtain the required support letter, check the NT Government's official guidance about the evidence and explanations that may be accepted in your circumstances. Do not assume that an exemption will be granted.
4. Understand the Difference Between the NT Graduate and NT Resident Streams
The requirements differ depending on your circumstances and the nomination stream you intend to use.
NT Graduate stream
Applicants must satisfy the applicable NT study and residence requirements.
Depending on the circumstances and the subclass sought, applicants may need to demonstrate suitable employment or provide evidence of genuine and sustained efforts to obtain employment in their nominated or a closely related skilled occupation.
Supporting evidence may include job applications, employment contracts or offers, professional association membership, and communication with NT employers.
NT Resident stream
Applicants must demonstrate the required period of residence and qualifying employment in the Northern Territory.
The general requirements for NT Resident applicants differ betweensubclass 190andsubclass 491nominations.
Forsubclass 190nomination, applicants generally need to demonstrate:
At least two consecutive years of residence in the NT immediately before applying. At least two consecutive years of full-time employment in the NT immediately before applying. Employment that will be available for at least another 12 months. Employment that meets the applicable NT employment requirements and the relevant occupation or exceptional-circumstances criteria.
Forsubclass 491nomination, applicants generally need to demonstrate:
At least 12 consecutive months of residence in the NT immediately before applying. At least six consecutive months of full-time employment in the NT immediately before applying. Employment that will be available for at least another 12 months. Employment that meets the applicable NT employment requirements and the relevant occupation or exceptional-circumstances criteria.
These are general requirements, not a complete eligibility assessment. The NT Government assesses applications under the applicable criteria, and meeting the published guidelines does not guarantee nomination.
5. Gather Your Supporting Documents
Preparing your evidence in advance can help you identify gaps before submitting a nomination application.
Depending on your stream and circumstances, relevant documents may include:
Employment contracts and payslips. An employer support letter. Evidence of residence in the Northern Territory, such as tenancy agreements and utility bills. Job applications and correspondence with prospective NT employers, where relevant. Evidence supporting any claimed exceptional circumstances.
All required supporting documents should be provided when you submit your nomination application. Incomplete, invalid or expired documents may affect the outcome.
Refer to the official NT Government application guidance for the current document checklist.
6. Understand Your Commitment to the Northern Territory
If you accept an NT Government nomination, you are expected to commit to living and working in the Northern Territory in your skilled or a closely related skilled occupation for at least three years after your visa is granted.
This commitment is an important consideration when deciding whether to pursue an NT nomination.
Thesubclass 190 visais a permanent skilled visa, while thesubclass 491 visais a five-year provisional skilled regional visa. The visa subclasses have different conditions and pathways, so it is important to understand which option suits your circumstances.
An NT nomination is not a job guarantee, and the Department of Home Affairs—not the NT Government—makes the final visa decision.
7. What Should You Do Before Applying?
Before proceeding, consider the following:
Do you meet the requirements for your intended nomination stream? Does your employment satisfy the applicable NT employment criteria? Can you provide the necessary employer support and residence evidence? Are you affected by the current 2026–27 application restrictions? Do you understand the long-term commitment associated with NT nomination?
Because application availability and eligibility requirements can change, always verify the current criteria before submitting an application.
How EMC Australia Can Help
At EMC Australia – Education & Migration Centre, we understand that skilled migration requirements can be complex, particularly when employment history, residence periods and nomination availability all need to be considered.
If you are considering an NT nomination undersubclass 190or 491, we recommend arranging an assessment with a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) to discuss your circumstances and available options.
Contact EMC Australia Phone: +61 3 9069 3284 WhatsApp: +61 478 278 410 Email: contact@emcaustralia.com.au Website: www.emcaustralia.com.au
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not migration advice. The NT Government's nomination criteria, application availability and Australian visa requirements may change. Meeting the listed criteria does not guarantee nomination or visa approval. Seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent or Australian legal practitioner for guidance specific to your circumstances.