3 October 2022
Applications are now open for the Offshore General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, giving more incentives and greater access for skilled overseas workers to call the Northern Territory home.
Offshore applications are now being accepted by MigrationNT for the first time since Australia's international borders were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under the program, overseas skilled workers who meet a range of criteria can qualify for a five-year provisional visa, with a pathway to permanent residency drawing workers from a number of crucial industries including health, science, finance, agriculture, construction, telecommunications, IT and hospitality.
The offshore GSM program nomination criteria has been revised to target overseas skilled workers who have expertise and experience in high priority occupations, have established family connections and support in the NT or have verifiable job offers from NT employers.
The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) has also opened, providing five-year provisional visas with a pathway to permanent residence for overseas investors and entrepreneurs who seek to reside and invest, conduct business or pursue entrepreneurial activities in the NT.
MigrationNT's refreshed nomination criteria for BIIP provides increased flexibility, and is expected to increase the pool of eligible applicants under the program.
To learn more about the Offshore General Skilled Migration Program visit [http://theterritory.com.au/migrate/migrate-to-work]. To learn more about the Business Innovation and Investment Program visit [http://theterritory.com.au/migrate/migrate-for-business].
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
"The Northern Territory is bursting with opportunity. The economy is going in the right direction, we just need to make sure we have the working population to make sure we stay competitive.
"The Offshore General Skilled Migration program, will now give more incentives and greater access for skilled overseas workers to call the Northern Territory home. We want to help more businesses find staff to make sure business keeps moving. This is not about just encouraging people to move to the Territory for the short term, we want to incentivise them to stay.
"We will always look at innovative ways to adapt programs we have underway to make a difference to locals and fill gaps where we can."
Quotes attributed to Minister for Business, Jobs and Training, Paul Kirby:
"The Territory Labor Government is working with business to address ongoing worker shortages, with increased international migration a key part to our population growth, and delivering a skilled and diverse workforce.
"We are making the Territory an attractive destination for overseas skilled workers and investors, and are making the process to get them here as smooth and as accessible as we can."
Northern Territory Government
