Northern Territory State Nomination — 190 & 491

Migration NT operates the Northern Territory's skilled migration nomination program. The entire NT is classified as regional for the Subclass 491 — meaning all of NT (including Darwin) qualifies for the regional pathway and the future 191 permanent visa.

MARN 1576536

WIDEN does not issue NT nominations. Migration NT does, on its own published criteria. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed (s 15). WIDEN's role is the migration pathway — visa subclass, points strategy, EOI lodgement, and integration with the broader visa application.

Migration NT streams

NT Residents — for applicants currently living and working in NT in their nominated occupation, typically with a minimum duration of recent NT residence and employment.
NT Graduates — for graduates of qualifying NT institutions in eligible courses.
Offshore Applicants — limited stream when open, typically tighter criteria.

Stream openings and criteria change. Verify current published streams directly with Migration NT before lodging.

NT DAMA (separate pathway)

The Northern Territory operates two DAMAs (Designated Area Migration Agreements) — one for the broader NT and one specific to Darwin. DAMAs are employer-sponsored agreements allowing approved NT employers to sponsor workers in occupations not on the standard skilled lists, often with concessions on English, age, and salary. DAMA is a different pathway from the 190 / 491 — sponsorship-based, not points-tested. If you're an NT employer or a candidate with an NT job offer in a DAMA occupation, this may be the more appropriate route.

Typical criteria framework

EOI lodged in SkillSelect, ticking NT as nominating state
Positive skills assessment in an NT-nominated occupation
Genuine connection to NT (current residence + employment, qualifying NT study, or DAMA-eligible employer offer)
Minimum points appropriate to occupation and stream
English at the level required by the visa subclass
Commitment to settle and work in the NT

Frequently asked questions

Who runs Northern Territory's state nomination?

Migration NT (part of the NT Government, Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade) operates the Northern Territory's skilled migration nomination program. Migration NT publishes current streams, eligible occupations, and criteria on its skilled migration website. The NT also operates Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) for the Northern Territory and Darwin separately.

What streams does Migration NT operate?

Migration NT has historically operated streams for: NT Residents (already living and working in NT), NT Graduates (completed qualifying NT study), and Offshore Applicants (limited stream when open). Stream eligibility and criteria change — verify with Migration NT before lodging.

What's the NT DAMA?

The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) is a separate employer-sponsored pathway that lets approved NT employers sponsor workers in occupations not on the standard skilled occupation lists. The NT DAMA is administered by the NT Government in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and is distinct from the standard 190 / 491 state nomination. Employer-sponsored, not points-tested.

Is the entire Northern Territory regional?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs classifies the entire Northern Territory as a designated regional area for the Subclass 491 and related regional points (regional study, regional employment). This means anywhere in NT — including Darwin — counts as regional for these purposes.

What does NT nomination cost?

Migration NT publishes its current nomination fee on its website. The Department of Home Affairs visa application charge is separate and materially higher. Verify both before applying.

How does NT compare to other states?

NT can be accessible for applicants with genuine NT connection (current employment, NT study, or DAMA-eligible roles), particularly in occupations the NT prioritises. Offshore applicants without NT connection typically face tighter scrutiny. The entire NT being regional for the 491 is a structural advantage for applicants targeting the 491 / 191 pathway. Each applicant's best-fit state depends on occupation, connection, and target visa.

Discuss your NT pathway

Discuss NT nomination with WIDEN

Fields marked * are required. WIDEN does not issue state nominations — Northern Territory's skilled migration program does. WIDEN's role is migration advice: confirming your visa pathway, points strategy, EOI lodgement, and how a NT nomination fits the picture.

Full name *

Email *

Phone (with country code)

Country of citizenship

Your nominated occupation

Target visa subclass

Current situation

Your situation / question

I consent to WIDEN — Migration Experts storing my information to respond to this enquiry. I understand that submission of this form does not create a client-agent relationship, that state nomination is decided independently by Northern Territory, and that no outcome can be guaranteed. Privacy Policy. *

General information only. Northern Territory's skilled migration program — including occupation lists, points cut-offs, fees, criteria, and processing times — changes regularly. Verify current rules directly at theterritory.com.au/migrate before relying on this page.

This page does not constitute migration advice (s 23, Migration Agents Code of Conduct 2022). WIDEN does not issue state nominations — Northern Territory does, on its own published criteria, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed by any registered migration agent (s 15). Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid initial consultation under section 43 of the Code, with a written service agreement issued before further work commences (section 42). The OMARA Consumer Guide is provided to all clients before the consultation begins. PI insurance held under the Migration Agents Regulations 1998. Complaints via our Complaints Policy or directly to OMARA.