NT nomination 2026–27: general intake closed, limited onshore 491 exceptions
The NT has sufficient 2026–27 nomination applications. Understand the closure to new 190 and offshore applications and limited onshore 491 exceptions.
The source-check date records when the official pages below were last reviewed for this article. It is not a publication date.
In brief
- The NT says it has received sufficient applications for 2026–27. New 190 nomination applications and all offshore streams are not being accepted at this time.
- Limited onshore 491 applications may be accepted by exception for eligible NT Graduates or NT Residents with specified deadlines.
- This is a nomination-intake notice—not a blanket visa cancellation, a guarantee for existing applications or closure of every employer-sponsored route.
The NT notice was checked on 18 October 2026 and was last updated on 13 October. That update date is not represented as the date the closure first took effect. Exceptions, eligibility and visa deadlines must be assessed individually.
What the NT notice actually says
MigrationNT states that it has received sufficient General Skilled Migration nomination applications for the 2026–27 program year. Its current notice says no new subclass 190 nomination applications or applications through any offshore streams will be accepted at this time.
It would be inaccurate to say that absolutely every new nomination application is closed: the notice retains limited exceptions for onshore subclass 491 applicants. Equally, a deadline approaching does not automatically place someone within an exception.
The notice describes sufficient applications received, not proof that all nomination places have already been granted. This article does not announce a reopening date or assume the next program year’s settings.
Who may still be considered for an onshore 491 exception?
The exception is limited to onshore applicants who meet the NT Graduate or NT Resident eligibility criteria for subclass 491 and one of the specified deadline circumstances. The notice identifies the following groups:
- Applicants whose substantive visas expire on or before 30 September 2027 and who are not eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
- Applicants who will become ineligible for the GSM program because they turn 45 on or before 30 September 2027.
- Applicants with birthdays on or before 30 September 2027 that would reduce their subclass 491 skilled migration points below 65.
An exception is not an invitation or approval guarantee
Meeting a deadline circumstance alone is insufficient. The applicant must also meet the relevant NT Graduate or NT Resident nomination criteria and the applicable federal visa requirements. The exception does not reopen subclass 190 or offshore streams.
MigrationNT specifically warns that it cannot guarantee nomination before visa deadlines. A nomination application, an EOI or a request for exceptional consideration does not itself extend a visa or create a bridging visa.
If your visa is expiring, review lawful-stay options promptly with a registered migration agent or legal practitioner. Do not wait for a nomination decision on the assumption that it preserves your status.
What if you have already lodged an application?
The notice restricts new applications. It does not say that every previously lodged application has been refused or cancelled. Check your actual application status and any direct communication from MigrationNT.
A pending application is not a guaranteed nomination, a reserved visa grant or confirmation of processing before a particular date. Do not withdraw an existing application or make irreversible work or relocation decisions solely because you have read a closure headline.
Review alternatives without treating another state as a shortcut
Where appropriate, compare other states’ nomination requirements, skilled independent migration and genuine employer-sponsored opportunities. Each option has separate eligibility, occupation, employment and timing requirements.
This GSM nomination notice does not itself announce the closure of every NT employer-sponsored or labour-agreement pathway. Nor does it establish that an employer route is available to a particular applicant.
Your current visa, evidence, genuine employment prospects and settlement plans should guide the next step. A move interstate or another qualification is not automatically a solution to a closed intake.
Official sources
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