Northern Territory Nomination Is Closed For New Application For The Rest of the Financial Year – See What Options You Still Have Left
The Northern Territory Government has officially closed the state nomination program for the rest of the 2025-26 program year. Through the announcement, the Northern Territory Government confirmed they have now received sufficient applications to fill the nomination allocation for 190 Visa and 491 Visa.
This closure surely brings major impacts for onshore skilled migrants, especially those relying on the 190 or 491 visa nomination in the territory as their pathway to Permanent Residency (PR).
But rest assured. This article will guide you through this update with backup options you should consider now.
What are the Changes?
As of early February 2026, the following applies to the Northern Territory state nomination program:
- The Northern Territory nomination portal is now closed to new applications.
- The Northern Territory Government has received sufficient applications to fulfil the allocated places.
- Applications lodged before the closure will still be assessed.
- Outcomes for existing applications will be given by 30 June 2026.
This means you can no longer apply for the Northern Territory state nomination for the rest of the program year.
But Exception Is Available for Specified Applicants
Along with the announcement of its closure, the Northern Territory Government also confirmed that they still accept new applications only by exception, and the criteria are:
- Meet the NT Graduate or NT Resident eligibility criteria, and
- Have a critical visa deadline before 31 December 2026
Eligible visa-deadline scenarios:
You may be considered only if one of the following applies:
- Your current visa expires before 31 December 2026, and you are not eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
- You will turn 45 before 31 December 2026, making you ineligible for the Skilled Visas due to age.
- Your birthday is before 31 December 2026, reducing your points to below 65 for the subclass 491 Visa.
Important note: bear in mind that the Northern Territory Government does not guarantee a nomination, even if you meet these exception criteria. So, don’t 100% rely on this program; consider having backup plans.
Read more: Your Visa Option If Occupation Is Not in Demand
Critical Warning for Onshore Applicants
The Northern Territory Government also explicitly suggested that all applicants with visas expiring soon seek professional advice from a Registered Migration Agent and ensure they remain lawful in Australia.
This signals high refusal risk for poorly planned applications and serious consequences for migrants who wait too long without a backup visa strategy.
Find the latest updates on other states’ nomination programs here.
What It Means for Skilled Migrants
The closure of Northern Territory State Nomination for both 190 Visa and 491 Visa clearly shows that:
- State nomination places are filling faster now.
- States are prioritising existing residents and graduates.
- Skilled Visa is becoming less predictable and more discretionary.
- Visa deadlines now matter more than points alone.
If Norther Territory was your main strategy for PR, you should understand that it is no longer reliable for 2025-26 unless you clearly meet the exception criteria.
Backup Plans for Skilled Migrants Affected by the NT Nomination Closure
Here are realistic alternative pathways you can consider for backup plans:
1. Other State or Regional Nomination Pathways
Currently, other states are still open and periodically reopen the nomination applications depending on occupation demand.
What you should do now:
- Review the occupation-specific state lists, not just generic eligibility
- Assess whether your employment, study, or residency aligns better with another state
- Prepare documents early so you can act fast when nominations reopen
Note: don’t assume similar criteria will apply. Each state has different nomination criteria and job demands.
2. Employer Sponsorship (subclass 482, 186 or 494 Visa)
With employer-sponsored visas now accounting for the largest share of skilled migration outcomes, this pathway is much more strategic now.
This is a strong option if you:
- Are currently employed in Australia
- Work in healthcare, hospitality, engineering, IT, or trades
- Can meet the salary thresholds (CSIT / TSMIT)
This option can:
- Keep you lawful
- Buy time
- Lead directly to PR
Read more: 482 Visa to PR: Costs, Pathways, Requirements
3. Partner Visa (If You Are in a Genuine Relationship)
This option is often overlooked by skilled migrants.
If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or PR, a Partner Visa can be a great option:
- Override occupation demand issues
- Remove age and points pressure
- Provide a lawful stay with full work rights
But remember that timing and evidence quality are critical for this option.
You can find the complete checklist for the Partner Visa application here.
4. Visa Compliance & Lawful Stay Planning
If your visa expiry is approaching:
- Do not rely on last-minute state nominations
- Do not overstay or assume bridging visas will apply automatically
- Get advice before your current visa expires
Being unlawful, even for the shortest period, can permanently damage your future visa options.
Key Takeaways
The closure of Norther Territory state nomination program for 190 Visa and 491 Visa is not just a local issue; it reflects a nationwide tightening of skilled migration pathways.
For skilled migrants in 2025-26:
- State nomination is no longer a “wait and see” pathway
- Backup plans are no longer an option; it’s a must
- Strategy must be multi-pathway, time sensitive, and evidence-driven
If the Northern Territory was your Plan A, now you need a Plan B and possibly Plan C. And ONEderland Consulting is here to help you build those strategic plan.
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We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews to see the difference we’ve made for others. You can be confident that you are in good hands.
Contact us via email at [email protected], phone at 1300 827 159, or WhatsApp at +61494372414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.
