Visa pathways to live and work in the Northern Territory
Visas that require a Northern Territory employer
You will need a genuine job offer from a Territory business to use these pathways.
- Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) is an employer-sponsored visa program. An individual worker cannot apply directly under the NT DAMA. They should look for a job with a Northern Territory employer who will sponsor them.
- Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme lets approved Territory employers hire workers from 9 Pacific countries and Timor‑Leste for short‑term (up to 9 months) or longer‑term roles (1–4 years) in eligible sectors.
- Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) allows short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work in limited circumstances (up to 6 months).
- Training visa (subclass 407) for structured, workplace‑based training to enhance skills, a field of study or professional development.
General skilled migration visas
For skilled people with good levels of English who can contribute to the NT. These visas are points‑tested, and must meet mandatory Australian Government criteria to be eligible for a NT Government nomination.
These visas are for young, skilled people with good levels of English:
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa
The subclasses 491 and 190 visas need a nomination from Australia's Northern Territory Government.
If you are an Offshore applicant, read the NT migration occupation list to see if your skills are in demand in the Northern Territory.
If you are a New Zealand citizen
If you are a New Zealand citizen, your move to life in Australia's Northern Territory couldn't be easier. Upon setting foot in Australia, you will automatically receive a Special Category visa (Subclass 444). This grants you the freedom to live, work, visit and study in Australia indefinitely, and qualify for citizenship after 4 years.
If you’re a New Zealand permanent resident but not a citizen, you’ll need to apply for an appropriate visa before you travel.
Check your eligibility and visas options on the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.
Other Australian Government Visas
There are plenty of other pathways to experience Australia’s Northern Territory such as tourist, student, family, refugee and humanitarian, depending on your situation. The Department of Home Affairs’ Explore visa options tool can help you work out the best option.
Move to the Northern Territory
If you already have a job offer in the Northern Territory, speak with your employer about the visa that best suits your circumstances and whether they can sponsor your application.
If you are a skilled worker seeking employment, check the eligibility requirements for Northern Territory nomination and learn how to apply for a GSM 190 or 491 visa. If you are an Offshore applicant, you should also confirm that your occupation is listed on the NT Migration Occupation List.
If you are from the Pacific Islands or Timor-Leste, visit the PALM website for information about employer registration and worker readiness steps.
For detailed criteria, processing times and fees always refer to the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.