2024-25 NT skilled migration update: Limited 491 nominations still available

As the 2024-25 program year progresses, the Northern Territory (NT) has released its latest update on General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination applications. This update confirms that a limited special pathway remains open for onshore applicants, while offshore applications continue to be suspended.

If you currently hold an Australian visa that is due to expire before the end of 2025, this could be your final opportunity to lodge a nomination. Please read carefully to ensure you don’t miss this chance.

NT skilled migration snapshot

• All GSM nomination applications for the 2024-25 program year must be lodged by 30 June 2025.

• Nomination allocations for the 2025-26 program year are not yet available and will depend on future Australian Government allocations.

• Offshore applications remain suspended. All previously submitted offshore applications will be finalised by 30 June 2025.

Key alert: Limited 491 nominations available for exceptional cases

The Northern Territory has completed the assessment of all existing onshore applications and is now reserving a small number of subclass 491 nominations for applicants who meet very specific criteria:

Who can apply?

• Applicants whose visas expire on or before 31 December 2025 and who are not eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).

• Applicants who are about to lose GSM eligibility due to age-related issues (e.g. turning 45 or losing age-related points that would bring their total GSM points below 65).

Final deadline

All applications must be submitted on or before 30 June 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted, and the timeline for the next program year is yet to be confirmed.

Professional advice for onshore applicants

• If you meet the above criteria, lodge your 491 nomination as soon as possible to avoid processing delays and potential last-minute rejections.

• It is highly recommended to consult a professional migration lawyer or registered migration agent to carefully plan your visa strategy and ensure lawful stay in Australia.

The NT skilled migration allocation is nearly exhausted, but this narrow pathway remains open for a small group of eligible onshore applicants who are facing visa expiry or imminent loss of GSM points.

If you or your family are affected, now is the time to act. Do not miss this final opportunity.

If you have any questions or would like professional assistance, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: [email protected]). We are committed to providing transparent, expert migration services to help you achieve your dream of moving to Australia.