The Northern Territory (NT) Government grants nominations under the subclass 491 and 190 visas for individuals who meet the visa eligibility criteria set by the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs and can demonstrate strong employment outcomes in the NT and a long-term commitment to the NT workforce.
The NT Government considers a range of factors to inform decisions on applications for nomination. The following guidelines are intended to assist potential applicants, and are subject to change at the discretion of the NT Government. Each application will be assessed on its own merits. NT nominations are issued at the discretion of the NT Government, and meeting these guidelines do not guarantee a nomination.
Specific guidelines are provided for applicants in the following categories:
- Eligible NT graduates
Eligibility for a subclass 190 nomination
International student graduates who have studied in the NT will be eligible for a subclass 190 nomination if you have met the following criteria before applying for nomination:
- successfully completed one or more qualifications after studying on a full-time basis in the NT, at an NT-based institution for two years (4 semesters) in a single tertiary course or a set of nested tertiary courses, and
- lived in the NT for a period of at least six continuous months immediately after the date of completion* of your last qualification, while holding a subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa or a bridging visa associated with a subclass 485 visa application (Note: this requirement does not apply for graduates who have completed all their Australian studies in the NT and are unable to qualify for a Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa only due to the age limit), and
- demonstrated genuine and sustained efforts to obtain employment from an NT employer in your nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation. This can be met through evidence of a number of applications made over a period of time for jobs in relevant occupations in the NT, and other supporting evidence such as membership in relevant professional associations, or positive feedback from industry contacts in the NT.
* Date of completion is the date on which you were notified that you have met all academic course requirements. This is the date when the final exam results or notice of course completion were available or published.
Eligibility for a subclass 491 nomination
International student graduates who have studied in the NT will be eligible for a subclass 491 nomination if you have met the following criteria before applying for nomination:
- successfully completed one or more qualifications after studying on a full-time basis in the NT, at an NT-based institution for two years (4 semesters) in a single tertiary course or a set of nested tertiary courses, and
- demonstrated genuine and sustained efforts and progress towards obtaining employment from an NT employer in your nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation. This can be met through evidence of a number of applications made over a period of time for jobs in relevant occupations in the NT, any relevant employment held and other supporting evidence such as membership in relevant professional associations, or positive feedback from industry contacts in the NT. You will be expected to demonstrate genuine efforts and progress towards being employed in the NT in your nominated occupation both during and after your studies.
- Other NT residents
An NT resident applicant refers to those on temporary visas with full work rights, currently residing in the NT.
Eligibility for a subclass 190 nomination
NT resident applicants will be considered for a subclass 190 nomination if you meet the following requirements before applying for nomination:
- demonstrate that you have been residing in the NT for at least 2 consecutive years immediately before applying for nomination
- demonstrate that none of your migrating dependants are residing in another part of Australia, and
- demonstrate full-time employment in the NT in your nominated occupation or related occupation for at least 2 years immediately prior to applying for NT nomination and demonstrate that the employment is available for at least a further 12 months. In order to be related to the nominated occupation, the majority of time in the position must be spent on tasks that align with the skills and knowledge required to undertake the nominated occupation. The employment must also meet the requirements specified below.
Eligibility for a subclass 491 nomination
NT resident applicants will be considered for a subclass 491 nomination if you meet the following requirements before applying for nomination:
- demonstrate that you have been residing in the NT for at least 12 consecutive months
- demonstrate that none of your migrating dependants are residing in another part of Australia, and
- demonstrate full-time employment in the NT in their nominated or related occupation for at least six consecutive months immediately prior to applying for NT nomination in a position that is is available for at least a further 12 months. In order to be related to the nominated occupation, the majority of time in the position must be spent on tasks that align with the skills and knowledge required to undertake the nominated occupation. The employment must also meet the requirements specified below.
Additional employment requirements for NT residents:
- the position must be based in the NT, and the employer must have a record of trading in the NT for at least 12 months
- positions that are based at serviced office spaces or involve hot-desking arrangements will generally not be considered favourably
- you must be paid at market salary.
Applicants who have not been employed in their nominated occupation or a related occupation will generally not qualify for NT nomination.
Applicants who meet all of the other requirements specified above but are employed outside of their nominated or related occupation may qualify for a subclass 491 nomination on an exceptional and case by case basis if they are employed in one of the following critical sectors: health, aged or disabled care, education (including childcare), hospitality, construction and the trades.
Applicants who are on a Temporary Work (Skilled)(subclass 457) or Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) must provide a letter of support from your current subclass 457 or subclass 482 sponsoring business stating that they:
- support your visa application
- understand that you will not be tied to their business once the subclass 491 / subclass 190 visa is granted.
The NT Government may contact your employer. There may be circumstances where the need for support from your current employer can be waived. Applicants who are unable to provide a letter of support from their employer must provide a detailed statement explaining the reasons as to why they are unable to do so.
