Discover innovative migration pathways, secure your skilled role in the Northern Territory, and start building a new life in a region known for opportunity, growth and a welcoming community.
Build your future in the Northern Territory
Pathway to innovative skilled migration
Innovative skilled migration in the Northern Territory, supported by the MINT program.
A specialised pathway for skilled professionals and high-value investors.
The Migration Innovation Northern Territory (MINT) program is a unique initiative designed for highly skilled individuals who can contribute both their expertise and significant investment to the Northern Territory’s innovation ecosystem.
Unlike standard visa programs, the MINT program is operated by Paspalis Group and supported by the Northern Territory Government. It uses the Northern Territory’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination allocation and provides a pathway to permanent residency for applicants who can bring advanced skills and meaningful investment into the region.
Core Visa Subclasses Used by MINT
The MINT program does not introduce new visa subclasses. Instead, it provides NT state nomination for one of the following existing GSM visas:
| Visa Subclass | Status | Nomination Requirement | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) | Permanent | NT State/Territory Government Nomination | Live and work anywhere in Australia with permanent residency. Must commit to NT. |
| Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) | Provisional (5 years) | NT State/Territory Government Nomination | Live and work in NT regional areas with a clear pathway to PR after 3 years. |
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the MINT program, applicants must meet distinct sets of criteria:
The MINT Program Pathway: Step-by-Step
- 1
Initial Assessment: You must engage an approved Panel Agent to assess your eligibility for both the GSM visa and the MINT program criteria.
- 2
MINT Program Application: Your Panel Agent will submit your application to Paspalis to request a place in the MINT program.
- 3
Sign Agreement & Pay Fee: If approved, you will sign an agreement with Paspalis and pay the required placement fee.
- 4
NT Nomination Application: Your agent will lodge your NT state nomination application with MigrationNT.
- 5
Provisional Approval: Once MigrationNT gives provisional approval, you must make your required investment into the Paspalis Innovation Fund (PIIF).
- 6
Official NT Nomination: After the investment is verified, MigrationNT will issue your official state nomination.
- 7
Lodge Visa Application: Your Panel Agent will lodge your final visa application (subclass 190 or 491) with the Department of Home Affairs.
- 8
Visa Grant: Once approved, your visa is granted — with the requirement to live and work in the Northern Territory.
Your Gateway to Australian Innovation Success
A Niche Pathway for Skilled Innovators
The MINT program is highly specialised and not suitable for most applicants.
It is designed specifically for individuals who:
This makes the MINT program ideal for experienced professionals, founders, executives, and investors seeking a long-term commitment to the Northern Territory’s growth
Approved Agent for the MINT Program
The MINT program is unlike any other migration pathway as it can only be managed by an officially approved Panel Agent. Individual applicants, migration agents, or lawyers who are not on the approved panel cannot lodge or manage a MINT application.
As one of the authorised Panel Agents, Hays Migration is uniquely positioned to support you throughout this highly specialised process. We work directly with Paspalis and MigrationNT to manage every stage of your application, from assessing your eligibility and preparing your investment documentation to lodging your NT nomination and visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Our team combines deep expertise in GSM migration, investment pathways, and Northern Territory policy requirements to ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and strategically positioned for success.
If you meet the criteria of a skilled professional with the capacity to invest in the NT’s innovation sector, we can help you navigate this exclusive program with clarity and confidence from start to finish.
