Last Updated: 7th May 2026
The Migration Innovation Northern Territory (MINT) Program is a unique initiative designed specifically for suitable skilled offshore applicants with minimal ties to Australia, offering a potential pathway towards permanent residency.
With only 50 places available per financial year, the MINT Program is one of the most competitive migration pathways available.
However, for applicants with the right background, professional experience and investment capability, the MINT Program can be a powerful pathway to help accelerate their migration journey to Australia.
Eligibility Overview
As the MINT Program is designed for overseas applicants, there are several key eligibility requirements that applicants must meet before proceeding with this pathway.
For applicants who meet these requirements, the MINT Program can be a fast-track pathway towards permanent residency in Australia.
No Strong Ties to Australia
One of the key requirements of the MINT Program is that applicants must have minimal ties to Australia.
This means you must not have held most Australian visas in the past five years, including a Student visa, with the only exception being a Tourist visa.
You will also need to demonstrate that you do not have close personal or financial ties to Australia. For example, you should not hold assets in Australia or have immediate family members living in Australia.
Minimum Investment Criteria
Applicants must be able to invest a significant amount into the Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund (PIIF), a venture capital fund that supports innovation, technology development and emerging projects in the Northern Territory.
As part of the application process, the source of funds must go through an Anti-Money Laundering assessment before the investment can be approved and placed into the fund.
For FY27, the minimum investment amount has remained the same as the previous financial year at AUD$590,000. This is a rare and positive development, as the required investment amount typically increases year on year.
For suitable candidates considering the MINT Program in FY27, this presents a strong opportunity to move forward while the investment threshold remains unchanged.
NT Nomination and Age Criteria
Applicants must also meet the Northern Territory’s state nomination criteria for either the subclass 491 or subclass 190 visa.
At the time of application, applicants must also be under 45 years old.
A Real Case Overview: Lodgement to Pre-Approved Nomination In 10 Days
This recent client case is a strong example of what may be possible through the MINT Program, and how the right pathway can significantly reduce the time and effort required to secure a migration outcome.
For privacy reasons, we will use the alias Zen when referring to our client.
Zen had been working as a Marketing Specialist for nearly 10 years. He was exploring migration options to provide his family with an alternative lifestyle, better education opportunities and access to quality healthcare.
After extensive research, he decided that Australia would be the next home for him and his family – and that was when he came across the MINT Program.
Zen first contacted us in early March for an eligibility check and further advice about the MINT Program and life in Australia. After assessing his background and providing further guidance, we confirmed that he met the key requirements of the MINT Program.
He then proceeded to sign an official service agreement with us shortly after the consultation.
An Unusual Timeline
Due to the timing, we were approaching the end of the financial year and the lodgement window was tight.
As one of the authorised panel agents for the MINT Program, and with our migration and consulting team working fully in-house, we were able to move quickly to help Zen prepare and complete the key steps.
As a result, we were able to lodge his case just three weeks after the service agreement was signed.
Timeline at a Glance
- 15th March: Service agreement signed
- 25th March – 7th April: Document preparation and client briefing on the full MINT application process
- 39th April: Skills assessment lodged with priority processing requested
- 417th April: Positive skills assessment obtained under Marketing Specialist
- 518th April: MINT Program registration completed
- 620th April: EOI submitted for Northern Territory’s state-nominated 491 visa
- 730th April: Preliminary approval obtained, securing a pre-approved 491 nomination with 70 total EOI points
From lodgement to preliminary invitation approval, it only took 10 days – significantly quicker than the average wait time of around two months.
If Zen had applied through the standard skilled migration stream, his waiting time could have been significantly longer.
Through the MINT Program, his 491 nomination is now secured, pending final checks such as the Anti-Money Laundering assessment. Once the remaining checks are completed, he will be able to progress to the 491 visa application stage and move one step closer to relocating to Australia with his family.
Secure Your FY27 Place With an Authorised Panel Agent
Zen’s case is a strong example of how the MINT Program can open up a migration pathway for suitable offshore applicants and help them move towards permanent residency faster – without needing to first build Australian study history or local work experience.
Due to the unique nature of the MINT Program, only seven authorised panel agents can manage MINT applications.
As one of the official panel agents, our lead MARA agent Maggie Li and our team of consultants can help assess your eligibility and manage your MINT application from start to finish.
FY27’s registration is now open, and we only have a limited number of places remaining. If you think that you may be eligible, don’t miss this opportunity and contact us today to start your eligibility assessment.
