Skilled visa - ACT nomination
The Canberra Matrix is closed to overseas applicants in 2021-22
The Australian Government’s priority for migration in 2020-21 is supporting Australia’s economic and public health response to, and recovery from, the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes an emphasis on migrants who will make productive investments in Australia, create jobs for Australians, provide critical health and medical skills, and support economic productivity.
Under the Territory Migration Agreement, the ACT is allocated a fixed number of nominations each year. The Australian Government has directed that the nominations provided to states and territories are to focus on applicants critical to supporting the COVID-19 response. This includes individuals providing critical or specialist medical services, those with critical skills required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services, and people who deliver services in sectors critical to Australia’s economic recovery.
• See ACT ‘Critical Skills List.
Applying for ACT nomination
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) offers Territory nomination to Canberra Residents under the following skilled migration streams:
• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visa.
• Skilled Nominated (permanent) subclass 190 visa.
Before applying for ACT nomination, you must complete the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) SKILLSELECT and meet the Home Affairs points test (currently 65 points).
Applying for ACT nomination is a two stage process:
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You must formally express an interest in applying for ACT nomination by completing a score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’ where you are allocated points against demonstrated economic contribution or benefit and/or a genuine commitment to be part of the ACT community. You can select either ACT 491 nomination or ACT 190 nomination. The highest ranked candidates in each stream will then be selected and invited to apply for ACT nomination. There is not guarantee that your Matrix score will be ranked as the demand for ACT nomination far exceeds the number of nomination places available each year.
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If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination, you must complete and submit the online application (and pay the service fee) within 14 days. You must attach the required documents to evidence your eligibility and Matrix score claimed at the date of Matrix submission.
You must read the ACT nomination guidelines carefully to ensure that you are eligible to complete the Canberra Matrix for ACT 491 / 190 nomination.
From 1 April 2021, an employer Statutory Declaration confirming your empoyment in Canberra is genuine must be attached to your application for ACT nomination, regardless of when the Matrix was submitted.
ACT Guidelines - 491/ 190 Nomination - CLICK HERE Canberra Matrix - CLICK HERE
2020-21 Ranking and selection process
Separate invitation rounds will be held for the 491 and 190 nomination streams. The highest ranked candidates in each stream will be invited to apply for ACT nomination. An invitation may not be issued if an occupation cap is met or the annual allocation of nomination places is met.
- Only Matrix with a nominated occupation on the ACT Critical Skills List May 2021 will be selected and, if ranked, invited to apply for ACT nomination.
- If your nominated occupation was removed from the ACT Critical Skills List May 2021, your Matrix will NOT be selected and will automatically lapse after six months.
- 457 / 482 visa holders who have a Matrix score of 60 plus points will be invited to apply for ACT nomination.
PhD Streamlined nomination
The ACT offers streamlined nomination for holders of a PhD completed at an ACT university. You will benefit from a simplified application process with minimal supporting documentation, priority processing and the removal of the $300 service fee.
Guidelines - Streamlined PhD nomination
You must express your interest in ACT nomination through the Canberra Matrix. You do not claim a matrix score. The invitation to apply for ACT nomination will be issued within seven days.
ACT Critical Skills List
Cap on Occupations
The number of ACT nomination places may be capped for each occupation on the ACT Critical Skills List. Invitations may not be issued when the monthly cap for an occupation is reached.
