Who this may suit
Skilled workers and NT graduates considering Territory nomination for subclass 190.
Key considerations
- Checked 17 October 2026: MigrationNT is not accepting new subclass 190 nomination applications.
- The limited current exceptions concern onshore subclass 491 applications, not subclass 190.
- Eligibility, an available application pathway, nomination and the federal visa decision are separate stages.
Current status takes priority
MigrationNT’s notice, updated 13 October 2026, says it has received sufficient applications for 2026–27. The earlier announcement that the program had opened does not establish that a new 190 application can still be lodged.
If you already applied, check your individual portal and official correspondence. If you are preparing a new application, do not pay a nomination fee on the assumption that published eligibility criteria override the closure. This guide does not predict a reopening date.
Understand the permanent visa decision
Subclass 190 is a permanent visa. Home Affairs assesses the federal requirements, including occupation eligibility, a suitable skills assessment, English, points, health and character. The principal applicant must meet the federal age requirement when invited to apply. State nomination contributes five points where those points are claimable.
Prepare separate federal and Territory assessments. Passing one does not cure a problem with the other. For instance, a suitable assessment does not by itself prove the required NT residence, employment history or commitment.
Published graduate and resident framework
The following is planning information while new 190 applications remain closed. NT graduate criteria start with two academic years of qualifying NT study. They distinguish a six-month post-study residence route with qualifying employment or an offer, a twelve-month route with sustained job-search efforts, and specified graduates over 35 who cannot access a Temporary Graduate visa.
The resident framework requires two consecutive years of NT residence and full-time employment, with a further twelve months of employment available. Occupation-related work is the usual basis; specified exceptional circumstances need individual assessment.
Do not compress these alternatives into “study in the NT and get permanent residence”. The relevant visa held, course structure, completion date and work circumstances can change the answer.
Review the evidence before making commitments
A useful preparation file should let a reviewer reconstruct what happened without filling gaps by assumption. Arrange it chronologically and mark any period where the evidence is incomplete. If dates differ between records, find the reason before repeating the claim in another application.
- Study: identify the actual course-completion date, institution, campus, study mode and any nested qualifications.
- Residence: map your own and accompanying family members’ usual locations, travel and changes of address.
- Employment: distinguish actual duties, hours worked and pay received from what a contract originally proposed.
- Future plans: explain the practical basis for continued employment rather than assuming a fixed-term role will renew.
- Document validity: list the assessment, English and identity documents that may expire while you wait.
When applications are available
The NT process uses an EOI followed by a direct nomination application through its portal. It does not select applicants solely by waiting for an EOI invitation. A successful nomination leads to a separate federal invitation and visa application.
For now, that sequence is an explanation of the process, not permission to lodge a new 190 application. Keep a copy of every submitted version and use the actual government correspondence to track deadlines. A state application or EOI should never be treated as a substitute for maintaining lawful immigration status.
Assess the settlement decision as well
NT nomination carries a three-year Territory living and working commitment. Consider whether that fits your household’s employment, housing, schooling and support needs. Nomination does not provide a job or remove the costs of relocating.
Before making an irreversible move, write down what you would do if the program remained closed or your application were unsuccessful. A realistic alternative is particularly important where a current visa, employment contract or rental arrangement will end first.
How we can help
Ausdirect can assess the relevant stream, compare the evidence with the current restrictions and identify a lawful-status plan where timing is critical. Neither nomination nor a visa outcome can be guaranteed.
Questions to consider
Does a high points score reopen the NT 190 pathway for me?
No. A points score does not override the current closure. MigrationNT also states that it does not prioritise applications by points score.
Your next step
Start with your current visa and expiry date, occupation assessment, NT residence timeline and employment or study history. Use an agreed secure channel for supporting documents.