Northern Territory Opens 2026-27 Skilled Migration Program: Increased Allocations & Key Changes

The Northern Territory (NT) Government has officially opened its nomination application portal for the 2026-27 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. As of 21 August 2026, the portal is accepting new applications for all onshore streams and selected offshore streams.

This program year, the NT is receiving an increased allocation of 1,850 nominations (an increase of 200 places from the previous year). The 2026-27 allocation breakdown is as follows:

Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa has 850 places (unchanged from 2025-26)
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa has 1,000 places (increased from 800)

Please note that due to a significant backlog from the previous program year, the offshore NT Priority Occupation stream is currently closed to new applications.

Key Changes to NT Eligibility Criteria for 2026-27

The NT Government has introduced several important updates to its nomination criteria for the new program year. Key changes include:

Full-time employment is now defined as at least 35 hours per week with a Northern Territory employer. This requirement can be met by combining more than one part-time position.
Working remotely for an employer based outside the NT will generally no longer be accepted unless the applicant's duties specifically involve servicing Northern Territory clients.
Graduates relying on job search efforts (rather than current employment) must now demonstrate 12 months of residence in the NT after course completion, increased from the previous 6-month requirement.
Graduates aged over 35 who are ineligible for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa must now demonstrate current employment or a recent job offer to be eligible.
New exceptional circumstance pathways allow NT graduates in the SC190 stream to qualify if they have three (3) months of employment in a regional or remote area outside Greater Darwin, or employment (or a job offer) in a designated critical sector.
Offshore applicants applying through the family stream must now provide a formal written statement or a family tree diagram to clearly demonstrate the claimed relationship.

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

The GSM program eligibility changes frequently. If you need help determining the best visa pathway for your circumstances, reach out to speak with one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

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