Northern Territory Interim Subclass 491 Allocation Update 2025-26

IntroductionThe Northern Territory (NT) Government is currently operating under a limited interim allocation for the 2025-26 skilled migration program, as it awaits the full nomination allocation from the Australian Government. This update provides key guidance for eligible onshore applicants seeking a subclass 491 nomination under the NT Graduate or NT Resident streams.

Interim Allocation DetailsThe Australian Government has released a small interim allocation while State and Territory governments await their full 2025-26 program allocations. The NT Government has a restricted number of subclass 491 nominations available for applicants whose visa circumstances meet certain criteria.

Eligibility Under Interim AllocationUntil the interim allocation is fully exhausted, new subclass 491 nomination applications will be accepted by exception for onshore applicants who:

• Have visas expiring before 31 December 2025 and are ineligible for a Temporary Graduate visa.

• Are due to become ineligible for the GSM program because they turn 45 before 31 December 2025.

• Have birthdays before 31 December 2025, resulting in skilled migration points falling below 65 for subclass 491.

Applicants meeting these conditions must ensure they satisfy all relevant criteria for their stream, as published by the NT Government, before lodging their nomination.

Program StatusThe 2025-26 program remains closed to all other applicants until the full allocation is received from the Australian Government. Eligible onshore applicants are encouraged to lodge their applications promptly to secure a nomination under this interim allocation.

The interim subclass 491 allocation provides a time-sensitive opportunity for eligible onshore applicants in the NT. Applicants must ensure compliance with all eligibility requirements and submit their applications without delay. The program will reopen for broader applications once the Australian Government confirms the full allocation for 2025-26.