An exhaust emission control device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of completing a regeneration operation in a short time period, thereby making it possible to ensure excellent fuel economy. The exhaust emission control device includes a NOx catalyst, an ECU, and a NOx catalyst temperature sensor. The ECU sets a control parameter for controlling the operation of the engine to first to third predetermined values. The ECU selects the first predetermined value when the temperature of the NOx catalyst detected by the NOx catalyst temperature sensor is within a target temperature range, and selects the second predetermined value when the detected temperature of the NOx catalyst is lower than the target temperature range. Further, the ECU selects the third predetermined values when the detected temperature of the NOx catalyst is higher than the target temperature range.