The Northern Territory has secured 1,850 nominations under the 2026-27 General Skilled Migration program, an increase of 200 on last year.
The Territory received the highest number of Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) nominations of any Australian jurisdiction.
The result reflects the Territory Government's advocacy for migration settings that back long-term population and economic growth.
The Northern Territory Government has welcomed an increased nomination allocation for the 2026-27 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, receiving the highest number of Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) nominations of any Australian jurisdiction.
A total of 1,850 nominations has been allocated to the Territory, made up of 850 nominations for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa and 1,000 nominations for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa. This is an increase on the 2025-26 program of 1,650 nominations and reflects the Government's strong advocacy for fit-for-purpose migration settings that support the Territory's long-term economic and population growth.
The increased allocation is recognition of the Government's efforts to ensure the Territory's distinct workforce needs are met, including for the major projects that will drive our economy forward, such as the Beetaloo Sub-basin and the Nolans Rare Earths Project.
The Territory's economy is projected to grow by 5.8 per cent in 2026-27. Growing a sustainable workforce through skilled migration is fundamental to realising these opportunities and enabling the Territory's long-term growth and development.
The Government remains committed to prioritising jobs for Territorians first, then workers from interstate, before businesses seek workers from overseas.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill, said the increased allocation was a direct result of the Government's advocacy in Canberra.
"Receiving the increased General Skilled Migration allocation for the 2026-27 program is a testament to the advocacy work undertaken by the Northern Territory Government to support population growth, drive economic development and alleviate skill shortages in remote and regional areas," Minister Cahill said.
"As a regional area with ongoing workforce shortages and challenges, it is important we have programs in place that help retain a long-term population."
"We will continue to advocate to the Australian Government for migration settings that deliver regional economic development and distribute visas based on need and demand."
