The ACT 491 Visa: Your Pathway to Living and Working in Canberra
The Skilled Regional Work Visa (subclass 491) is a five-year provisional visa designed for skilled workers who wish to live and work in regional Australia. For those aiming to build a future in Canberra, this visa offers an excellent opportunity — but it requires careful preparation and compliance with both Department of Home Affairs and ACT Government nomination requirements.
Understanding the ACT Nomination
To apply for a Subclass 491 visa, you must first be nominated by a state or territory government. In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), nomination is based on your potential to contribute to the local economy and community. Once you are nominated, the Department of Home Affairs will issue an invitation for you to lodge your visa application.
Important commitment: If nominated by the ACT, you must live and work in Canberra for at least two years from the date your visa is granted (or from your arrival date if applying from overseas).
How to Apply for ACT 491 Nomination
Applicants begin by completing a score-based Canberra Matrix, which allows you to claim points under specific categories such as:
Skilled employment
English proficiency
Educational qualifications
Length of ACT residence or study
Investment activity
Close family ties
Your Matrix score determines your ranking, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for nomination. The system is weighted to favour applicants who can make a strong economic and community contribution to the ACT.
ACT Nomination Criteria for Canberra Residents
If you are currently living in Canberra and wish to apply for ACT 491 nomination, you must meet the following key requirements at the time you submit your Canberra Matrix:
Department of Home Affairs Criteria
Hold a valid English test and skills assessment at both submission and nomination stages.
Satisfy all eligibility conditions for the Subclass 491 visa.
ACT Resident Pathway
You must meet one of the following conditions:
Your occupation is listed on the ACT Nominated Occupation List, or
You are working in Canberra on a Subclass 457 or 482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer, or
You own and actively manage an eligible business registered in the ACT.
Note: Some business types, such as ride-share or delivery services, are not eligible for nomination.
You must have lived in Canberra for at least three months prior to submitting your Matrix, with ACT-based banking activity as evidence.
You must have worked for at least 13 weeks before submitting your Matrix. Employment may include multiple employers or self-employment, as long as the required hours and income thresholds are met.
For employees, a minimum of 15 hours per week is required, and employment must be paid under Australian award or market rates.
For self-employed individuals, income must be at least $520 per week over 13 of the previous 15 weeks, supported by ABN activity and a statutory declaration.
English and Commitment to Canberra
You must meet at least the ‘Competent English’ standard and sign a commitment declaration to live and work in Canberra for at least two years after your visa grant.
If you have a partner, they must also be residing in Canberra (or overseas) and you must provide documentary proof of your relationship.
Service Fee: $300
ACT Nomination Criteria for Overseas Applicants
If you are living outside Australia, you must also meet specific criteria at the time of Canberra Matrix submission:
Department of Home Affairs Criteria
You must hold a valid English test and skills assessment and satisfy the visa eligibility requirements.
Nominated Occupation and Work Experience
Your nominated occupation must appear on the ACT Nominated Occupation List.
You must have at least one year of full-time, post-graduate work experience in your nominated occupation within the last five years, as verified by your assessing authority.
Your skills and experience should be relevant to the ACT economy, and you must hold any required Australian registration or licence.
Employability and Commitment
You must demonstrate ACT employability by researching Canberra’s job market and providing an employment statement that includes evidence of potential roles in your field.
You must also submit a commitment statement outlining your intention to live and work in Canberra for at least two years upon arrival.
Residency and Settlement Funds
At the time of application, you and your dependents must:
Be living overseas
Not have lived in Australia for the past 12 months
Not hold an Australian visa (except a visitor visa)
You must also show evidence of sufficient settlement funds to support your relocation to Canberra.
If applying with a spouse or partner, you must provide a relationship certificate and ensure your partner meets the ‘Competent English’ requirement or holds an Australian passport.
Service Fee: $300
Key Takeaway
The ACT 491 visa offers a pathway for skilled professionals who wish to establish a life in Canberra. However, the process involves several eligibility steps, documentation requirements, and ongoing commitments after visa grant.
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Disclaimer: Important notice for all our social media followers and website readers. Content shared here by Visamigo Lawyers and its affiliates is not to be considered as immigration or legal advice. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance. This material offers general insights (accurate at the time of posting, subject to updates) and is not exhaustive. Prior to any application, it is recommended you consult an Australian Lawyer for personalised advice. Your journey matters, so ensure you're properly informed.
