The Northern Territory (NT) Government has announced the opening of nomination applications for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa for the 2023-24 program year, starting from October 23, 2023. However, applicants should be aware of several significant changes in the eligibility criteria:
1. Exclusion of NT Graduates: NT Graduates holding a Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa, valid until at least July 1, 2024, or those eligible for such a visa, will not be eligible for nomination in this program year.
2. NT Residents' Work Requirement: NT Residents who have not worked in their nominated or related occupation for at least 6 months within the NT will only be considered for nomination if they have been employed in the NT for 6 months in critical sectors. These critical sectors include health, aged and disabled care, education and childcare, and hospitality.
3. Limited Offshore Priority Occupation Stream: The Priority Occupation Stream for offshore applications is now limited to 54 occupations listed on the new NT Offshore Migration Occupation List.
Lastly, please note that due to insufficient nomination allocations provided by the Australian Government for the current program year (2023-24), the NT Government cannot currently accept new subclass 190 nomination applications. However, those who meet the relevant criteria will be offered a subclass 491 nomination.