Northern Territory: 2022-2023 Skilled Migration Program Now Open

The Northern Territory (NT) 2022-2023 Skilled Migration Program is now open. This program aims to fill critical occupation shortages in the NT by providing visa opportunities to skilled migrants. Both onshore and offshore applicants may now apply for NT state nomination.

The NT Government is seeking skilled migrants to fill critical skills shortages in occupations such as:

• Civil engineers

• Teachers

• Doctors

• Social workers

• Plumbers

The Australian Government's skilled occupation list outlines all skills and occupations currently eligible for skilled migration to Australia. The NT Government has also published the NT Offshore Migration Occupation List (NTOMOL).

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• Subclass 190 Skilled Nomination visa - A state-nominated permanent visa. This visa allows skilled migrants to live and work in Australia permanently.

• Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa - A state-nominated provisional visa. This visa allows skilled migrants to live and work in a regional area of Australia for up to five years. If eligible, you can apply for permanent residency three years from the date this visa is granted.

What is a state nomination?

In order to apply for a state-nominated visa, the state you intend to live and work in must nominate you as a preferred migrant. State nomination does not guarantee you will be granted a visa. NT state nominations will only be granted to applicants who:

• Meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements

• Meet the NT state nomination requirements

• Commit to living and working in the NT in their eligible skilled occupation for at least three years once their visa is granted

Department of Home Affairs requirements

In order to satisfy the Department of Home Affair’s skilled visa eligibility requirements, applicants must:

• Be under 45 years old at the time of nomination

• Have a positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation

• Have a minimum of 65 points on the skilled migration points test

• Meet the minimum English language requirement

Register for a free migration consultation today to ensure you are on the right track for state nomination.

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All skilled migrants must demonstrate that they have competent English language skills. The NT accepts IELTS and a competent English skill level is equivalent to a minimum score of IELTS band 6.0 for each of the four components.

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To apply for NT state nomination you must belong to one of the following categories:

• NT graduate

• NT resident

• Offshore applicant

NT graduate nomination requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• They have completed at least one tertiary qualification after studying at an NT-based institution for at least two years

• Following the completion of their last qualification, the applicant lived in the NT for a minimum of six continuous months while holding a visa with no work limitations

• The applicant can demonstrate significant and sustained efforts to gain employment within the NT in their nominated occupation

NT resident nomination requirements

NT resident - subclass 190 requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• They have been living in the NT for a minimum of two years up to and including the date of their application

• None of their migrating dependents are living in another Australian state or territory

• They have been employed full-time in an eligible occupation for two years up until and including the date of their application

• Their eligible full-time employment is available for 12 more months

NT resident - subclass 491 requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• They have been in full-time employment in an eligible occupation within the NT for the six months prior to their application

• Their eligible full-time employment is available for the next 12 months

• None of their migrating dependents are living in another Australian state or territory

• Prior to their application, they have lived in the NT for a continuous period of - Six months (if they began living in the NT before July 1st, 2020) - 12 months (if they began living in the NT on or after July 1st, 2020)

Offshore applicant nomination requirements

There are three NT state nomination streams available for offshore applicants.

Priority occupation stream

To be eligible for a nomination under this stream, applicants must provide:

• A positive migration skills assessment in an occupation listed on the Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupations List (NTOMOL).

NT family stream

To be eligible for a nomination under this stream, applicants must:

• Be making demonstrable efforts to find employment in the NT

• Have a nominated occupation that is on the Australian Government skilled occupation list

They must also have an eligible family member who:

• Is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen

• Has been living in the NT for a minimum of 12 months

• Has provided a statutory declaration that they are willing and able to support the applicant in finding accommodation and employment in the NT

NT job offer stream

To be eligible for a nomination under this stream, applicants must have a genuine job offer in the NT. The offer must be for a nominated occupation which is also listed on the Australian Government skilled occupation list, and the employer must have been actively operating in the NT for the past 12 months at a minimum.

Additional offshore applicant requirements

In addition to meeting the relevant nomination stream requirements, offshore applicants must also demonstrate that they:

• Have at least three years of post-qualification work experience in their nominated occupation within the past 10 years

• Have the financial ability to settle in the NT

• Can make a genuine long-term commitment to living and working in the NT

Offshore applicants are typically only considered for subclass 491 visa nominations, however subclass 190 visa nominations may be offered under exceptional circumstances.

Your complete guide to IELTS Speaking

The Northern Territory is a welcoming, family-friendly place to call home. Get a taste of the laid-back Australian way of life with a warm climate, friendly locals and incredible starry skies.

With a fast-growing economy, strong work-life balance and enviable working conditions, the NT is full of opportunity. Enjoy iconic Australian attractions such as Uluru and Kakadu National Park right on your doorstep! With major developments including shopping centres, casinos and resorts appearing all over the state, NT provides the perfect blend of natural wonder and modern convenience for the whole family to enjoy.

IELTS on computer vs IELTS on paper

Achieving a great IELTS score takes time and planning. You can’t just book and take your test in a matter of days – no matter how strong your English skills are. Successful test takers create a schedule to help them study everything they need to know before they sit an IELTS test. They make time to practise all four English skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking – as they know that each one is different.

If they have trouble with a topic, they attend a FREE Masterclass with an IELTS expert who can teach them how to improve. And, when they’re almost ready to take IELTS, they will complete as many practice tests as they can find. 

So, when there are hundreds of resources to help you study, where do you begin? Click here to access your go-to guide to IELTS preparation. All of our most important materials – both free and paid – are listed here, divided by category.

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Legislation about immigration changes frequently. It’s important to check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for changes that may apply to you. If you are interested in Australian student visas, work visas, or looking to migrate permanently, you need to lodge an application with the Australian Government. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or migration agent.