Northern Territory Pauses 2026-27 GSM Nominations

The Northern Territory (NT) government has announced it has received a sufficient number of applications to fulfil its quota for the 2026-27 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program year. As a result, the NT has suspended standard lodgements for nominations. If you were planning to seek state nomination from the NT, here is how these immediate changes impact your visa strategy.

Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa and Offshore Applications Closed

Effective immediately, the NT Government is not accepting any new nomination applications for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa. Furthermore, all offshore streams are entirely closed. If you are currently outside of Australia, you cannot lodge a new application for NT nomination at this time.

Limited Exceptions for Subclass 491 (Onshore Only)

The NT government has left a very small window open exclusively for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) visa. New applications will be accepted only by exception if you are an onshore applicant who already meets the "NT Graduate" or "NT Resident" eligibility criteria and faces a deadline on or before 30 September 2027.

To qualify for this exception, your situation must meet one of the following three (3) urgency triggers:

Your current substantive visa will expire on or before 30 September 2027, and you are not eligible to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485).
You will turn 45 years of age on or before 30 September 2027, which would render you permanently ineligible for the GSM program.
Your birthday falls on or before 30 September 2027, which will reduce your skilled migration points score and cause you to fall below the minimum 65-point threshold required for the Subclass 491 visa.

If you meet these highly specific criteria, you may still lodge an application, but you must clearly demonstrate your eligibility for the exception.

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

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

If you need help determining the most suitable visa pathway for your circumstances, contact one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers works with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in 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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