Due to the high volume of offshore NT Subclass 491 applications lodged this financial year, combined with slower processing speeds, invitation outcomes that would normally arrive around March or April have been trickling out only sporadically. We have therefore held off on publishing a comprehensive summary until now. Below is a brief roundup of the invitations we have received to date, along with some externally sourced data — if you have received an invitation, feel free to share in the commentssection!
As we approach the end of the financial year, NT has also released its May processing update (Image 2), confirming that due to the exceptionally high volume of priority-occupation offshore applications lodged this financial year, processing remains stalled at applications submitted on the opening day of 24 November 2025 (the vast majority of occupations also lodged on that first day).
NT Subclass 491 — End-of-Financial-Year Quota Allocation and Rollover Policy
Overall progress is significantly slower than in previous years. However, remaining quota for this financial year will be prioritised for applicants whose visas are about to expire.
After 30 June, processing of outstanding applications will continue. For applicants who have already received and signed their Declaration but have not yet received a formal nomination, applications will automatically roll over into the new financial year — provided the new financial year quota is available and the applicant still meets all eligibility requirements, the formal nomination will be issued directly!
Recent Complete List of NT Offshore 491 Invited Occupations
Invited occupations received on our end include: university lecturer, construction project manager, external auditor, biomedical engineer, restaurant manager, marketing specialist, conference organiser, massagetherapist, contract administrator, and others.
Overall, processing speed over the past month has picked up somewhat, though a substantial queue of cases remains. Most clients receive their formal invitation within 1–2 weeks of signing their Declaration.
NT Subclass 491 Offshore State Nomination — Overall Application Advantages and Selection Changes
The NT Subclass 491 is currently the state-nominated pathway with the lowest points threshold and the comparatively highest number of invitations issued to offshore applicants. Compared to the previous three years, however, processing this year has slowed noticeably and occupation selection has begun. That said, NT is well known for its high standards and consistency — as long as you are in the pool and meet NT’s requirements, all that remains is patience. We look forward to more good news ahead!
On a separate note, NT has indicated that once the new financial year quota is confirmed, processing of applications already in the pool will continue. This offers some early indication of new financial year quota activity. State quotas for the new financial year should not be delayed as long as this year’s were (this year’s formal quota was not released until November).
