Northern Territory Migration Process under the Subclass 491 Visa

Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) presents an idyllic image of life in the first world – a moderate climate, affordable housing, free public education system, well-developed healthcare facilities, multicultural population, and beneficial incentives available to permanent residents. The combination of these factors makes Northern Territory migration an attractive proposition for skilled workers, businesspersons and students from across the world.

Under the newly launched Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), Australian states and territories can nominate eligible foreign skilled workers to live and work in a regional area of the state/territory for up to five years. Since this is a points-tested visa, being nominated by a state/territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative in Australia, adds 15 points to the total score of the applicant, thus enhancing eligibility.

This is a significant advantage in comparison to the Skilled Nominated Visa NT Visa 190, which directly offers permanent residence but only allows applicants to claim 5 points for state/territory nomination. Thus, there is greater scope to avail more points under the Subclass 491 Visa, making it more accessible for those who cannot meet the eligibility requirements of other General Skilled Migration visas.

In order to qualify to apply for Subclass 491 nomination to NT, aspirants must fulfil the eligibility conditions for this visa established by the federal immigration authority (DHA – Department of Home Affairs), meet the minimum requirements set by the NT government, and commit to living and working in NT for at least three years after obtaining the visa. 

Before commencing the application procedure, candidates must ensure that their primary occupation features on the NT Skilled Occupation List (SOL) – and they can satisfy the associated requirements related to academic qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and licensing (if required). The NT SOL essentially contains occupations that are facing labor shortages in the territory. Thus, job vacancies in these occupations must be occupied by foreign workers.

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest to the DHA via SkillSelect, indicating an interest in being nominated by NT. 

Step 2: Submit an online application for nomination to the NT, along with supporting documents and a fee of AU$300. The application processing time for offshore applicants is typically six months. Applications of those who are already living in NT as residents or students will be processed within one month.

Step 3: If the application is approved, the nominee will receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 visa. The visa application must be submitted to the DHA online via ImmiAccount. The DHA will determine the final visa outcome.

By fulfilling the afore-mentioned requirements and following the prescribed Northern Territory migration process for the Subclass 491 visa, aspirants can attain temporary provisional residence in Australia. After three years of living and working in a regional area of NT, visa holders may become eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Subclass 191 Visa. Thus, this pathway is a feasible route to permanent residence, and eventual citizenship, in Australia. 

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