Are you planning to migrate to Australia through skilled migration? The Northern Territory (NT) may offer options for eligible skilled workers whose occupations match its workforce needs.
The Northern Territory Occupation List 2026 is a useful starting point, but it is important to identify which occupation list applies to your intended visa pathway. The NT has different lists and requirements for skilled migration, workforce planning and employer-sponsored migration.
In this guide, LEAMSS explains the key occupation lists, the difference between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491, NT DAMA opportunities and how applicants from India can check their eligibility.
What Is the Northern Territory Occupation List 2026?
The Northern Territory uses occupation information to help identify workforce needs and assess relevant migration pathways. However, there is not one single occupation list that applies to every NT visa option.
The main lists to understand are:
- NT Skilled Occupation Priority List (NTSOPL): Identifies occupations considered important to the Northern Territory workforce.
- NT offshore migration occupation list: Applies to eligible offshore applicants under the relevant NT nomination stream.
- NT DAMA occupation list: Covers occupations that eligible NT employers may be able to sponsor under the Designated Area Migration Agreement.
Being listed does not guarantee a job, state nomination, visa invitation or permanent residency. You must meet the criteria for your specific pathway.
Official resources: NT Government visa nomination and NT DAMA occupations list.
1. What Is the NT Skilled Occupation Priority List?
The NT Skilled Occupation Priority List (NTSOPL) identifies occupations that are in high demand or considered important to the Northern Territory economy.
The NT Government develops and updates this list using workforce information and advice about local skill shortages. It supports workforce planning and can inform skilled migration policy. The official NT Government page records a release date of 31 August 2026 for its current skilled occupation priority list.
To check the latest information, visit the official NT Skilled Occupation Priority List.
Important: The NTSOPL is not a guarantee that every occupation on it is eligible for every skilled visa or state nomination stream. Always check the visa-specific criteria.
2. NT Offshore Migration Occupation List
If you are living in India and want to apply for Northern Territory nomination from outside Australia, check the current offshore nomination requirements.
The NT's offshore migration pathway has its own eligibility criteria. Depending on the relevant stream, applicants may need to demonstrate that their occupation is eligible, that they have a suitable skills assessment and that they meet the work experience, English-language and other requirements.
Before preparing an application:
- Check the current offshore stream criteria.
- Confirm whether your occupation must appear on the applicable occupation list.
- Review the required skills assessment and work experience.
- Check whether the NT is accepting applications under the relevant stream.
- Confirm the current nomination conditions and application instructions.
Read the latest information on the official NT Government visa nomination page.
3. NT DAMA Occupation List 2026
The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) is an employer-sponsored migration arrangement. It allows eligible NT employers to sponsor overseas workers in approved occupations under specified conditions.
The official NT DAMA occupations page lists 325 occupations and explains the relevant visa programs, including:
- Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494)
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186), where the applicant and pathway qualify
The list may be reviewed and updated annually by agreement between the Northern Territory and Australian governments.
Examples of occupations shown on the official list include:
- Accountant (General)
- Software Engineer
- Registered or enrolled nursing-related occupations, subject to the specific listed occupation
- Electrician (General)
- Mechanical Engineer
- Aged or Disabled Carer
- Chef-related occupations, where listed under the relevant occupation title
These are examples, not a complete list. Check the official occupation table to confirm the exact occupation name, code and conditions.
Can you apply directly for NT DAMA?
No. NT DAMA is an employer-sponsored arrangement, so an eligible Northern Territory employer must be involved. Appearing on the list does not automatically give an applicant a visa or PR.
Official source: NT DAMA Occupations List.
4. Northern Territory Subclass 190 vs Subclass 491
The Northern Territory participates in two state nomination pathways: Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. They have different visa outcomes and conditions.
| Feature | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
| Visa type | Permanent skilled visa | Provisional skilled regional visa |
| Nomination |
NT state or territory nomination |
NT nomination or eligible family sponsorship, depending on the pathway |
| Main purpose | Skilled migration to Australia | Skilled migration to a designated regional area |
| PR outcome | Permanent visa if granted | May lead to Subclass 191 if requirements are met |
| Eligibility | Must meet visa and NT nomination criteria | Must meet visa and NT nomination or sponsorship criteria |
Neither pathway guarantees nomination. Applicants must meet the relevant Department of Home Affairs requirements and the NT's current criteria.
Also Read....
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491).
5. Northern Territory Nomination Update for 2026–27
The NT Government has announced that it received its full allocation for the 2026–27 General Skilled Migration nomination program. Its official nomination page states that applications opened to new applicants on 21 August 2026 for all onshore and selected offshore streams, with updated criteria for the new program year.
However, an allocation announcement does not by itself confirm that every stream is currently open or that every occupation is eligible.
Before applying, check:
- The latest NT nomination criteria for your stream
- Whether the relevant application stream is accepting applications
- Your occupation and skills assessment requirements
- Any work experience or employment requirements
- The current nomination allocation and application instructions
Use the official NT Government nomination page for the latest status.
6. How to Check Whether Your Occupation Is Eligible
If you are planning Australian skilled migration from India, follow this practical checklist.
Step 1: Identify your occupation. Use the occupation that accurately matches your qualifications, skills and employment duties—not just your job title.
Step 2: Select your pathway. Decide whether you are exploring NT state nomination, offshore nomination or an employer-sponsored route such as NT DAMA.
Step 3: Check the relevant occupation list. Confirm the exact occupation title and code on the official government page for your pathway.
Step 4: Review the skills assessment. Check the assessing authority and the documents required for your occupation.
Step 5: Review visa eligibility. Age, English-language ability, work experience, points, employment and other criteria may apply depending on the visa.
Step 6: Check the latest NT criteria. State nomination requirements can change, and meeting the federal visa criteria alone does not guarantee NT nomination.
Step 7: Follow the official application process. Submit the required EOI, nomination application or employer-sponsored paperwork as instructed for your pathway.
7. Does Being on the Northern Territory Occupation List Guarantee PR?
No. An occupation appearing on an NT list does not automatically guarantee a job offer, nomination, visa invitation or permanent residency.
Your eligibility depends on the specific pathway and may involve:
- A suitable skills assessment
- Relevant qualifications and work experience
- English-language requirements
- Age and points requirements, where applicable
- State nomination criteria or an eligible sponsoring employer
- Meeting all visa conditions and application requirements
The Northern Territory assesses nomination applications under its current criteria. The Department of Home Affairs separately assesses visa applications.
Last reviewed: 23 October 2026. Occupation lists, nomination criteria and visa rules may change. Confirm the latest information with the Northern Territory Government and Australian Department of Home Affairs before applying.
