Understanding ACT Nominations for Skilled Migration in Australia
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government possesses the authority to address skill shortages and labour market demands within the Territory through the state/territory nominated pathway of the Australian Migration Programme. Annually, the Australian Government allocates a fixed number of nomination slots to the ACT.
For the 2023-24 period, a total of 1,200 nomination positions have been designated, distributed as follows:
• ACT Permanent 190 Nomination: 600 positions
• ACT Provisional 491 Nomination: 600 positions
• Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP): 0 positions
ACT nomination
The Department of Home Affairs allows us to nominate applicants for two types of skilled migration visas in the ACT:
Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) (provisional)
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) (permanent)
SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI)
Prior to commencing the ACT nomination procedure, it is imperative to submit a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. SkillSelect is an online application system overseen by the Department of Home Affairs. It is crucial to note that if you fail to meet the Home Affairs visa criteria, you will not be eligible to apply for ACT nomination.
Should you receive an invitation to apply for ACT nomination, it is imperative to maintain compliance with the Department of Home Affairs visa criteria until the evaluation of your ACT nomination application. The ACT is unable to confirm a nomination on SkillSelect unless the Department of Home Affairs visa criteria are met.
Registration of interest
Invitations to apply for ACT nomination are issued exclusively to eligible candidates. Select the appropriate ACT nomination pathway and thoroughly review the eligibility criteria. Once you are confident that you meet the stipulated criteria, you may express your intent to apply for ACT nomination by completing the Canberra Matrix.
491 nomination criteria
The Skilled Regional Work Visa (Subclass 491) is a five-year provisional visa designed for skilled workers seeking to reside and work in regional Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must receive a nomination from a state or territory government, which initiates the visa invitation process from the Department of Home Affairs.
Two-Year Commitment
If the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) nominates you to apply for a Subclass 491 visa, you are required to live and work in Canberra for a minimum of two years from the date of visa grant. If you are relocating from overseas, this commitment begins from your arrival date in Canberra.
How to apply for ACT 491 nomination
To express your interest in pursuing an ACT 491 nomination, you need to complete a 'Canberra Matrix,' a scoring system where points can be accrued based on specific criteria. These criteria encompass skilled employment, English language proficiency, formal qualifications, the duration of residence/study in the ACT, investment activities, close family connections, and more. The Canberra Matrix will be used to rank your application according to the points you have accrued. High-ranking applicants will receive invitations to apply for ACT nomination.
The Canberra Matrix is designed with a weighted system that ensures candidates who have demonstrated a substantial economic contribution to the Territory or displayed a genuine commitment to the ACT are more likely to receive higher rankings and subsequent invitations for ACT nomination.
ACT 491 nomination criteria
It is imperative to meticulously review the eligibility criteria for the 491 nomination. Once you are confident that you fulfill all the specified criteria, you can proceed to submit the Canberra Matrix.
It's essential to understand that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation to apply for ACT 491 nomination. The demand for ACT 491 nominations significantly surpasses the number of available nomination places, making the selection process highly competitive.
491 Nomination - Canberra resident applicant eligibility
To apply for ACT nomination for the Skilled Regional Work (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) as a Canberra resident, you must satisfy the following criteria at the time of submitting your Canberra Matrix:
Department of Home Affairs Criteria:
You must meet the relevant Department of Home Affairs Criteria and be eligible to apply for your visa. This includes having a valid English test and Skill Assessment.
Your English test and Skill Assessment must remain valid both at the time of Canberra Matrix submission and at the date of ACT nomination.
ACT Resident Pathway: You must meet one of the following criteria:
Your nominated occupation is listed on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer and have worked in Canberra in your nominated occupation for the sponsoring ACT employer for the last three months. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
You are the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT, and you are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List. (Note: Certain business types such as sub-tenancy, ride-share, taxi, delivery, courier services, or an on-sold business used for ACT nomination qualification are not eligible.)
Residence in Canberra:
You must have resided in Canberra for at least three months at the time of Canberra Matrix submission and continue to do so until the date of the invitation. Your bank statements and transaction history must confirm ACT banking activity for this period. Residing within a 30-minute commuting distance in NSW, such as Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, and Googong, is also acceptable.
Employment in Canberra:
You must have worked in Canberra for a minimum of 13 weeks. Various employment types, including working for multiple employers, being self-employed, and Small Business Owners, are considered, provided you meet the specific criteria for each. Additionally, you must meet the overall hourly or earnings requirements as outlined below.
Employee:
You should have worked a minimum of 15 hours per week for at least 13 out of the 15 weeks before submitting the Canberra Matrix. Your payslips and bank statements or transaction history must verify income or salary payments (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) for the claimed employment period.
Your employment must conform to Australian terms and conditions and should yield weekly income at or above the relevant award or market salary rate. Unpaid positions, including internships, stipends, scholarships, and volunteer roles, are not eligible.
A statutory declaration from your employer confirming that you hold a genuine position in line with Australian employment laws is required. For those working in a large organisation, this declaration can be signed by a manager or direct supervisor.
If employed in Canberra by an interstate employer, a valid reason for your presence in Canberra is necessary. Working online or from a home office is not a valid basis.
Self-employed (without claiming Matrix points as a Small Business Owner):
Your total taxable income should be at least $520 per week for at least 13 out of the 15 weeks before submitting the Canberra Matrix.
You must have at least 12 months of business activity registered under your ABN in the ACT.
You must sign a statutory declaration confirming details such as your ABN, location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties, and annual income.
Small Business Owner:
If you are eligible to claim Canberra Matrix points in the Small Business Owner Category, you must sign a statutory declaration confirming specific information regarding your business activity. This includes details such as your ABN, the number of employees, location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties, and annual income.
English:
You must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'competent' English unless a higher level is required by your assessing authority.
Commitment to Canberra
You are required to sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra during the visa processing period and for at least two years from the date of visa grant.
Spouse/Partner:
If you have a Spouse/Partner, they must either be a resident in Canberra or living overseas.
To claim Matrix points for your Spouse or Partner, you must provide proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership/union certificate, or VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) secondary applicant status. This document must be dated before the submission of the Canberra Matrix. De facto relationships without a relationship certificate are not accepted.
When claiming Matrix points in the spouse/partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'competent' English or hold an Australian passport.
491 Nomination - Overseas applicant eligibility
If you intend to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Regional Work (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) as an overseas resident, you must adhere to the following criteria at the time of submitting the Canberra Matrix:
Department of Home Affairs Criteria:
You must meet the relevant Department of Home Affairs Criteria and be eligible to apply for your visa. This includes possessing a valid English test and Skill Assessment.
Your English test and Skill Assessment must remain valid both at the time of Canberra Matrix submission and at the date of ACT nomination.
Nominated Occupation:
Your nominated occupation should be listed on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
Relevant Overseas Work Experience:
You should have at least one year of full-time, post-graduate work experience in your nominated occupation within the last five years.
The work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing body in your points-tested skill assessment if the points advice service is provided by the assessing body.
Relevance to the ACT Economy:
Your skills and experience in the nominated occupation must be pertinent to the ACT economy.
Australian Registration or Licence (If Required):
If needed, you must possess the relevant Australian registration or licence for your nominated occupation.
English:
You must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'competent' English, unless a higher level is required by your assessing authority.
ACT Employability:
You should have conducted research on the ACT labour market and are content that you are employable in Canberra, and your background is relevant to the ACT economy.
It's worth noting that you may not be eligible to apply for positions within the Australian Government due to citizenship and security clearance prerequisites.
Employment Statement:
You must provide an employment statement that explains the research undertaken and confirms your employability in Canberra. The statement should also include recent job vacancies for which you are eligible.
Commitment to Canberra:
You must have researched Canberra and are committed to residing in the ACT.
You must submit a commitment statement, explaining in your own words why you aspire to live in Canberra.
You are also required to sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra for at least two years from the date of your arrival in Australia.
Residency:
Both you and any migrating dependents (except children enrolled at school in the ACT) should be living overseas.
You should not have lived in Australia for the past 12 months.
You should not hold a current Australian visa or bridging visa, except for an Australian visitor visa.
Settlement Funds:
You should have access to sufficient funds to support your migration and settlement in Canberra.
Spouse/Partner:
If you have a Spouse or Partner, they must either be residents in Canberra or living overseas.
To claim Matrix points for your Spouse or Partner, you must provide proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or civil partnership/union certificate. For ACT nomination purposes, a de facto relationship is not accepted without a relationship certificate unless it is legally unattainable in your country of residence.
When claiming Matrix points in the spouse/partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'competent' English or hold an Australian passport.
190 nomination criteria
The Subclass 190 visa, also known as the Skilled Nominated Visa, offers permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live and work in the country. To apply for this visa, you must be nominated by a State or Territory government, and this nomination initiates the visa invitation process from the Department of Home Affairs.
"Eligibility Requirements for ACT Nomination under Subclass 190 Visa"
The Subclass 190 visa, also known as the Skilled Nominated Visa, offers permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live and work in the country. To apply for this visa, you must be nominated by a State or Territory government, and this nomination initiates the visa invitation process from the Department of Home Affairs.
Two-Year Commitment
If the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) nominates you to apply for a Subclass 190 visa, you are obliged to reside and work in Canberra for at least two years from the date of visa grant. If you are moving from overseas, this commitment begins from your arrival date in Canberra.
How to Apply for ACT 190 Nomination
To express your interest in pursuing an ACT 190 nomination, you need to complete a 'Canberra Matrix', a scoring system where points can be accrued based on specific criteria. These criteria encompass skilled employment, English language proficiency, formal qualifications, the duration of residence/study in the ACT, investment activities, close family connections, and more. The Canberra Matrix will be used to rank your application according to the points you have accrued. High-ranking applicants will receive invitations to apply for ACT nomination.
The Canberra Matrix is designed with a weighted system that ensures candidates who have demonstrated a significant economic contribution to the Territory or displayed a genuine commitment to the ACT are more likely to receive higher rankings and subsequent invitations for ACT nomination.
ACT 190 Nomination Criteria
It is crucial to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria for the 190 nomination. Once you are confident that you fulfill all the specified criteria, you can proceed to submit the Canberra Matrix. It's essential to understand that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation to apply for ACT 190 nomination. The demand for ACT 190 nominations significantly surpasses the number of available nomination places, making the selection process highly competitive.
190 Nomination - Canberra resident applicant eligibility
If you intend to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) and are currently a resident in Canberra, you must meet the following criteria at the time of submitting the Canberra Matrix:
Department of Home Affairs Criteria:
You must fulfill the relevant Department of Home Affairs Criteria and be eligible to apply for your visa. This includes having a valid English test and Skill Assessment.
Your English test and Skill Assessment must remain valid both at the time of Canberra Matrix submission and at the date of ACT nomination.
ACT Resident Pathway: You must meet one of the following conditions:
Your nominated occupation is listed on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer, and you have worked in Canberra in your nominated occupation for the sponsoring ACT employer for the last three months. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
You are the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
Note that certain business types such as sub-tenancy, ride-share, taxi, delivery, courier services, or an on-sold business previously used to qualify for ACT nomination are not eligible.
Residence in Canberra:
You should have resided in Canberra for at least six months at the time of Canberra Matrix submission and continue to do so until the date of invitation.
Your bank statements/transaction history must reflect ACT banking activity during this period.
Additionally, you may also live within a 30-minute commuting distance in NSW, such as Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, and Googong.
Employment in Canberra:
You must have worked in Canberra for at least 26 weeks.
You can work for more than one employer, be self-employed, and/or be a Small Business Owner. Different employment types can be combined, provided you meet the criteria for each and satisfy the overall hourly or earnings requirements as outlined below.
Employee:
You must have worked a minimum of 30 hours per week in at least 26 out of the 30 weeks before Canberra Matrix submission. Your payslips and bank statements/transaction history must record the income/salary payments (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) for the claimed period of employment.
Your employment should comply with Australian terms and conditions, with your weekly income meeting or exceeding the relevant award or market salary rate. Unpaid employment, such as internships, stipends, scholarships, and volunteer positions, is not eligible.
Your employer must provide a statutory declaration confirming your genuine employment in line with Australian legislation. If you work for a large organisation, the statutory declaration may be signed by your manager or direct supervisor.
If you work in Canberra for an interstate employer, there must be a valid reason for your location in Canberra, and remote work or home-based work is not acceptable.
Self-employed (Not Claiming Matrix Points as a Small Business Owner):
Your total (taxable) income should be at least $1,000 per week in at least 26 out of the 30 weeks before Canberra Matrix submission.
You must have a minimum of 12 months of ACT business activity recorded on your ABN (Australian Business Number).
You need to provide a statutory declaration confirming your ABN, the location of your ACT business, the start date of ACT business activity, your duties, and annual income.
Small Business Owner:
You are eligible to claim Canberra Matrix points in the Small Business Owner Category.
You must provide a statutory declaration confirming the details of your business activity, including your ABN, the number of people you employ (and for how long), the location of your ACT business, the start date of ACT business activity, your duties, and annual income.
English:
You should meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'Proficient' or 'Superior' English unless your nominated occupation is Chef (ANZSCO 351311) or has an ANZSCO skill level of 3 to 5.
Commitment to Canberra:
You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra while your visa is processed and for at least two years from the date of visa grant.
Spouse/Partner:
If you have a Spouse or Partner, they must either be residents in Canberra or living overseas.
To claim Matrix points for your Spouse or Partner, you must provide proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership/union certificate, or VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) secondary applicant status for yourself or your spouse/partner. The document should be dated before the Matrix is submitted.
A de facto relationship without a relationship certificate is not accepted for ACT nomination purposes.
Matrix Points for Spouse/Partner Employment:
When claiming Matrix points in the spouse/partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'competent' English or hold an Australian passport.
190 Nomination - Overseas applicant eligibility
If you intend to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Regional Work (Provisional) visa (subclass 190) as an overseas resident, you must meet the following criteria at the time of submitting the Canberra Matrix:
Department of Home Affairs Criteria:
You must meet the relevant Department of Home Affairs Criteria and be eligible to apply for your visa. This includes having a valid English test and Skill Assessment.
Your English test and Skill Assessment must remain valid both at the time of Canberra Matrix submission and at the date of ACT nomination.
Nominated Occupation:
Your nominated occupation should be listed on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
Relevant Overseas Work Experience:
You must possess at least three years of full-time, post-graduate work experience in your nominated occupation within the last five years.
This work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing body in your points-tested skill assessment if the points advice service is provided by the assessing body.
Skills and Experience Relevance to the ACT Economy:
Your skills and experience in your nominated occupation should be relevant to the ACT economy.
Australian Registration or Licence:
If required, you must hold the relevant Australian registration or licence for your nominated occupation.
English:
You should meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'Proficient' or 'Superior' English unless your nominated occupation is Chef (ANZSCO 351311) or has an ANZSCO skill level of 3 to 5.
ACT Employability:
You must have researched the ACT labour market and be satisfied that you are employable in Canberra, and that your background is relevant to the ACT economy. Please note that you may not be eligible to apply for positions within the Australian Government due to citizenship/security clearance requirements.
An employment statement should be attached, explaining the research undertaken and confirming your employability in Canberra. This statement should include recent job vacancies for which you are eligible.
Commitment to Canberra:
You must have researched Canberra and be committed to living in the ACT.
A commitment statement must be attached to the application, explaining in your own words why you want to live in Canberra.
You must also sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra for at least two years from the date of arrival in Australia.
Residency:
You and any migrating dependents (except children enrolled at school in the ACT) should:
Be living overseas.
Have not lived in Australia for the last 12 months.
Not hold a current Australian visa (or bridging visa) except for an Australian visitor visa.
Settlement Funds:
You should have access to sufficient funds to cover your migration and settlement in Canberra.
Spouse/Partner:
If you have a Spouse or Partner, they should either be residents in Canberra or living overseas.
To claim Matrix points for your spouse or partner, you must provide proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or civil partnership/union certificate. For ACT nomination purposes, a de facto relationship is not accepted without a relationship certificate unless it is legally impossible to obtain one in your country of residence.
When claiming Matrix points in the spouse/partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'competent' English or hold an Australian passport.
Doctorate streamlined nomination
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) provides streamlined nomination for individuals holding a Doctorate obtained from an ACT university. This process offers several advantages, including a simplified application procedure with minimal documentation requirements, priority processing, and a fee waiver. Your nominated occupation does not need to be on the ACT Critical Skills List; you can select any occupation from the relevant Department of Home Affairs List of Eligible Skilled Occupations, provided you have the mandatory skill assessment.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Canberra Resident: You are eligible for ACT Doctorate Streamlined Nomination if you:
Have resided in Canberra for at least 12 months at the time of invitation.
Have completed a professional or research doctoral degree at an ACT university.
Interstate Resident: If you are residing in another state or territory, you can apply for ACT Doctorate Streamlined Nomination if you were awarded a professional or research doctoral degree from an ACT university within the last two years.
Overseas Applicant: If you are living overseas, you are eligible for ACT Doctorate Streamlined Nomination if you were granted a professional or research doctoral degree from an ACT university within the last two years.
Step 2: Express Your Interest in ACT Nomination
You can express your interest in ACT Doctorate Streamlined Nomination by completing the online Canberra Matrix. In this process, you are not required to claim Matrix points. Follow these steps:
Enter your personal information.
Choose between ACT 491 nomination or ACT 190 nomination.
Select "Completed a doctorate at an ACT university."
Indicate whether you are a "Canberra resident" or an "Interstate / Overseas applicant."
Submit your information.
Step 3: Applying for ACT Nomination
After submitting the Canberra Matrix, you will receive an invitation email with a link to the online application within seven working days. It is important to note that the application for ACT nomination must be lodged within 14 days from the date of the invitation. Failure to do so will result in the invitation automatically expiring.
Step 4: Document Checklist
When applying for ACT nomination, you must provide the following documents as part of your online application:
SkillSelect EOI: A SkillSelect EOI record of response that displays your personal, education, English proficiency, and employment details. Ensure that you have selected the ACT as your preferred location on the EOI.
Skilled Occupation: A current skill assessment in your nominated occupation.
Australian Qualifications: Depending on your residency status, provide the following:
Doctorate course completion letter or Doctorate award from an ACT university (if you are a Canberra resident).
Doctorate award from an ACT university (if you are an interstate or overseas applicant).
