Subclass 491 NT nomination | How to apply

Subclass 491 NT nomination is the second stage of applying for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa that, if successful, will allow you to live and work in the Northern Territory. Subclass 491 visa is valid for 5 years and there is a PR pathway after 3 years (click here to learn how to apply for Subclass 191 visa).

If you are successful with Subclass 491 NT nomination and you are granted the visa, you will have to work, live and settle for at least 3 years in the NT.

Subclass 491 NT nomination criteria

In addition to meeting the Department’s 65 points (if the NT government nominate you, you will receive an additional 15 points toward your 65 points, click here to calculate your points).

• The NT government will consider how likely you will be able to secure employment
• Whether your employment meet the needs of NT industries
• Your occupation is listed on the NT Migration Occupation List (NTMOL)
• You must be under 45
• You have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
• You have Competent English, e.g. at least 6 in each of the 4 bands in IELTS or hold a passport issued by the USA, the UK, Canada, NZ and Ireland. If you have over 18 family members included in your application, they must have at least Functional English, e.g. at least 4.5 in each of the 4 bands in IELTS.

You should note that if you are granted a Subclass 491 on the basis of NT nomination, you may not live and/or work outside NT as the NT government will not issue release letters for transfer to other states or territories.

You should also note that you might not be eligible to apply for Subclass 491 visa in Australia if your last substantive visa was refused or cancelled (click here to learn about section 48 bar).

How to lodge Subclass 491 NT nomination

1. If you are able to meet the Department’s requirements, you must lodge an EOI through SkillSelect
2. Submit an application an online application for Subclass 491 NT nomination on the NT government website. There is a fee of $300 (as at November 2020). You can only submit 1 application at a time.

If you are nominated, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa within 60 days. If you are granted the visa, you will be required to meet your long term commitments to living and working in the NT.

Other information regarding Subclass 491 NT nomination

• Processing time for offshore applications is approximately 6 months
• Processing time for NT student / NT resident applicants is approximately 3 months
• When submitting Subclass 491 nomination, you should also apply for Subclass 190 (click here to learn more). However, if you have been nominated for a Subclass 491, you will not be eligible for Subclass 190 nomination
• You can re-apply if your nomination is not successful. However, you should only re-apply if your circumstances have changed and new information is now available. For e.g. you have a job offer or you obtained a better English test result.
• If you studied in NT, your study must be full-time and for at least 2 years. You must also have completed your study.
• If you are successful with Subclass 491 NT nomination, you must live and work in the NT for at least 3 years
• If you or any of your migrating dependants are already in Australia, you are only eligible for Subclass 491 NT nomination if you are already living in the NT.
• If you or any of your migrating dependents are currently on a student visa studying in the NT, you will not be eligible for Subclass 491 NT nomination
• If you are outside Australia, you can only apply for Subclass 491 NT nomination and not Subclass 190 nomination
• Offshore applicants must have been employed for at least 1 year out of the last 2 years before applying, of have relevant Australian qualifications
• Offshore applicants must have an offer of full-time employment in the NT, if required under the NT Migration Occupation List
• You will need to show you have at least $35,000 for individual living expenses or $50,000 for a couple or $60,000 for a couple with 1 child or $65,000 for a couple with 2 children
• If you are a NZ citizen and you meet the skilled migration criteria, you may be eligible for permanent residency if your employer nominated you under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme or Subclass 187 (click here to learn more about Subclass 187 visa)

If you are interested in other States or Territories Subclass 491 nomination, click here for:

• Queensland, including Small Business Operator scheme
• NSW
• ACT
• Victoria
• Tasmania, including Small Business Operator scheme
• South Australia
• Western Australia

If you are granted a Subclass 491 visa, visa condition 8579 will be imposed and you must live, work or study in a specified or designated area (click here to learn more).

Australian migration law is complex and difficult to understand, contact our immigration lawyer for a consultation (fee applies) to help you decide if Subclass 491 NT nomination is right for you or click here to find other visas.

This article is not intended to be or taken as migration legal advice. The author of this article disclaims any liability for any action or omission on the information provided or not provided in this article. You should always consult an immigration lawyer or a registered migration agent to form an informed opinion on your immigration matter.