Migrate to work

Closure of NT General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination applications for 2023-24

The number of NT nomination applications received under the GSM program has now exceeded the available allocations for the 2023-24 program year.

MigrationNT will stop accepting new GSM nomination applications from close of business on Monday 4 December 2023.

Existing applications that have already been lodged through the online MigrationNT portal prior to this time will continue to be assessed under existing eligibility criteria, and eligible applicants will be issued nominations, subject to availability of allocations. Some eligible applications may need to be placed on hold until new allocations are received in the 2024-25 program year (commencing 1 July 2024). You will be contacted via our online portal if this applies to your application.

 Those who have visas expiring should seek professional advice on their visa options and ensure that they remain lawful during their stay in Australia.

MigrationNT continues to advocate for nomination allocation numbers that meet the needs of the Territory.

Visas that need a nomination from an employer

General skilled migration visas

These visas are for young, skilled people with good levels of English:

The subclasses 491 and 190 visas need a nomination from an Australian state or territory government such as Australia's Northern Territory Government.

MINT program

The Migration Innovation Northern Territory (MINT) program is an initiative owned by the Darwin Innovation Hub and Paspalis Asset Management and supported by the Northern Territory Government.

The program assists overseas nationals get Northern Territory Government nomination. They need to show commitment to involvement with the Darwin Innovation Hub.

For further information, go to the Paspalis website.

If you are a New Zealand citizen

If you are a New Zealand citizen, your transition to life in Australia's Northern Territory couldn't be easier. Upon setting foot in Australia, you will automatically receive a Special Category visa (SCV). This grants you the freedom to live, work, visit and study in Australia indefinitely, and qualify for citizenship after 4 years.

From 1 July 2023, all New Zealand citizens who meet relevant criteria and hold a SCV can apply directly for citizenship (by conferral). Criteria includes having lived in Australia for 4 years.

If you are a New Zealand permanent resident, you need to apply for a suitable visa in order to enter Australia.

Check your eligibility and visas options on the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.

To work in some occupations you will need to meet registration and licensing requirements and your employers may require evidence of qualifications and work experience.

Your family

If you are a New Zealand citizen, holding an SCV but your family members are not New Zealand citizens, they may be eligible for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa (subclass 461).

Skilled and employer sponsored visa programs

If you are not eligible for SCV, you may be eligible for a skilled and/or employer sponsored visa programs such as:

Read the NT migration occupation list to see if your skills are in demand in the Northern Territory.

Video

Migrate to the Territory, Australia

View the transcript for the Migrate to the Territory, Australia video.

Page last updated 4 December 2023