ACT State Nomination for Skilled Migration

The Australian Capital Territory offers nomination pathways for eligible applicants who are already living, working or studying in Canberra. These pathways recognise individuals who have established a genuine connection with the ACT and are contributing to the local community and economy.

Canberra Residents

This pathway is available to skilled professionals who are currently residing in Canberra and meet the ACT Government's nomination requirements. Applicants are assessed through the Canberra Matrix, which ranks candidates based on factors such as employment, skills, qualifications, English language proficiency and their overall contribution to the ACT.

Doctorate Streamlined Nomination

This pathway is designed for eligible applicants who have completed a doctorate qualification at an ACT university. It provides a simplified nomination option for highly qualified graduates who wish to continue their professional and personal journey in the Australian Capital Territory while contributing their advanced knowledge and research expertise to the local economy.

The ACT also offers nomination pathways for eligible skilled professionals living outside the Australian Capital Territory. These pathways are intended for applicants whose skills and experience align with the ACT's current workforce priorities and who can contribute to the territory's long-term economic growth.

Overseas Applicants

Skilled professionals residing outside Australia or outside the ACT may be considered for nomination if they possess skills that are in demand and demonstrate the ability to contribute to the ACT economy. Invitations are issued based on the ACT's nomination priorities, labour market needs and the applicant's Canberra Matrix score.

Significant Economic Benefit

This pathway is available to applicants who can demonstrate that their professional expertise, business activities or specialised skills will deliver a significant economic benefit to the Australian Capital Territory. Applications under this pathway are assessed individually, taking into account the applicant's potential contribution to the ACT's economy, innovation and workforce development.

The Canberra Matrix is the ACT Government's points-based ranking system used to select eligible applicants for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 state nomination.

Applicants who meet the ACT nomination requirements can submit a Canberra Matrix to express their interest in receiving ACT nomination. Points are awarded for factors such as skilled employment, English language proficiency, qualifications, ACT residence or study, business or investment activity and family connections.

The ACT Government regularly invites the highest-ranked eligible applicants to apply for state nomination. A higher Canberra Matrix score can improve your chances of receiving an invitation; however, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.

The Australian Capital Territory nominates eligible skilled professionals under two Australian skilled migration visa categories. Each pathway is designed to support applicants based on their long-term settlement goals and eligibility.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by the ACT Government. Successful applicants can live, work and study anywhere in Australia while enjoying the benefits of permanent residency, including access to Medicare, the ability to sponsor eligible family members and a pathway to Australian citizenship.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa that allows skilled professionals to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia, including the Australian Capital Territory, for up to five years. Eligible visa holders may apply for permanent residency after meeting the Australian Government's residency, employment and income requirements.

To be eligible for ACT State Nomination, applicants must satisfy both the Australian Government's skilled migration requirements and the ACT Government's nomination criteria. While the requirements vary depending on the chosen pathway, applicants are generally expected to:

• Meet the eligibility requirements for either the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).
• Hold a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
• Meet the minimum English language requirement.
• Have a positive skills assessment for an eligible occupation.
• Submit a Canberra Matrix and claim points supported by valid evidence.
• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to living and working in the Australian Capital Territory.
• Meet any additional eligibility requirements applicable to their selected ACT nomination pathway.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Review the eligibility requirements for your chosen ACT nomination pathway and ensure you meet both the Australian Government's skilled migration criteria and the ACT Government's nomination requirements.

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Create or update your Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian Government's SkillSelect system with accurate information about your skills, qualifications and work experience.

Step 3: Complete the Canberra Matrix

Submit your Canberra Matrix by selecting the appropriate nomination pathway and claiming points based on your qualifications, employment, English language proficiency and other eligible factors. Ensure all claims can be supported with valid documentation.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation

The ACT Government regularly ranks Canberra Matrix submissions and invites the highest-ranked eligible applicants to apply for ACT State Nomination. Receiving an invitation depends on your Matrix ranking, nomination places available and the ACT's current workforce priorities.

Step 1: Submit Your ACT Nomination Application

If you receive an invitation, you can submit your ACT nomination application along with the required supporting documents. Your application will be assessed to ensure you meet the ACT nomination requirements and that the information provided in your Canberra Matrix is accurate.

Step 2: Receive ACT Nomination

If your nomination application is successful, the ACT Government will nominate you for your selected visa subclass. You will then be eligible to proceed with your Australian visa application.

Step 3: Lodge Your Visa Application

Following ACT nomination, submit your visa application to the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs. Ensure all required documents are included and that your application satisfies the eligibility requirements for your nominated visa subclass.

Step 4: Visa Assessment & Grant

The Department of Home Affairs will assess your visa application, including your health, character and other migration requirements. If your application is approved, you will receive your nominated Australian skilled migration visa, allowing you to begin your new journey in the Australian Capital Territory.

The Australian Capital Territory is one of Australia's most attractive destinations for skilled migrants, offering excellent career opportunities, a high standard of living and a strong economy. As the home of Australia's national capital, Canberra provides access to government organisations, leading educational institutions, research facilities and a growing private sector.

Key benefits of living and working in the ACT include:

• Strong demand for skilled professionals across a range of industries.
• High quality of life with modern infrastructure and excellent public services.
• Access to world-class education, healthcare and community facilities.
• Safe, clean and well-planned neighbourhoods with abundant green spaces.
• Competitive salaries and strong career development opportunities.
• A multicultural and welcoming community that supports skilled migrants and their families.

For professionals seeking long-term career growth and a balanced lifestyle, the ACT offers an excellent environment to live, work and build a future in Australia.

Every migration journey begins with understanding the right pathway. Our experienced consultants carefully assess your profile, including your skills, qualifications, work experience and migration goals, to determine whether the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 pathway is the most suitable option for you. We provide honest advice based on the latest ACT nomination requirements.

ACT nomination is highly competitive and requires more than simply meeting the minimum requirements. We help you understand the Canberra Matrix, identify opportunities to strengthen your profile and develop a nomination strategy that aligns with the ACT Government's current priorities. Our goal is to maximize your chances of receiving an invitation for the ACT nomination.

Preparing a complete and accurate application is essential for a smooth migration process. We assist you in organising, reviewing and verifying your supporting documents, ensuring they meet both ACT Government nomination requirements and Australian Government visa regulations. Our team carefully reviews every document before submission to minimise delays and unnecessary complications.

From submitting your Canberra Matrix to lodging your ACT nomination and visa application, we provide end-to-end guidance throughout every stage of the process. Our consultants help ensure applications are completed accurately, submitted within the required timeframes and comply with the latest migration requirements.

Our support continues beyond preparing and submitting your application. We keep you informed throughout the nomination and visa process, assist with any additional document requests and provide timely updates on your application's progress.

Once your visa is granted, we also offer practical guidance to help you prepare for your move to the Australian Capital Territory, including information on employment opportunities, accommodation, education, healthcare and settling into your new community with confidence.