ACT Nomination 2024-25: Requirements & Important Steps

The Australian Government has recently announced migration allocations to each state and territory for the 2024–25-year migration program. These allocations are nominated for the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa routes. The purpose of these allocations is to nominate skilled workers around the world to fill the gap of skill shortages in Australia.

 

The ACT Australian Capital Territory nominations are included in the Migration Program 2024–25. These nominations are now open for the Canberra Matrix invitation round, held on August 8, 2024.

 

Note: The next invitation round will be held before 27 September 2024.

 

The ACT nominations allow the ACT Government to invite overseas skilled workers to live and work in Australian capital territory areas. In the ACT nominations for the financial year 2024, there are allocated 1,800 migration places, which are divided as follows:

• 1000 ACT permanent nominations for subclass 190 
• 800 ACT provisional nominations for subclass 491

 

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Nomination Pathways 2024–25

 

1. Pathways for Offshore (Overseas) Applicants

The Australian Department of Home Affairs allows overseas migrants to apply for two skilled migration pathways under ACT nominations 2024-25, which are:

 

• Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 (Permanent)
• Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 (Provisional)

 

Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent) Visa

Subclass 190 offers eligible overseas skilled workers the right to live, work, and study in any part of Australia permanently. For the ACT 190 nomination, you should have almost three years of relevant experience in your nominated occupation. 

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional) Visa

Subclass 491 allows eligible skilled internationals to live, work, and study in regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. For an ACT 491 nomination, you must have one year of relevant experience in your nominated occupation.

 

Note: Under these pathways, you and your dependents can only live outside Australia while applying (except your children are enrolled in an ACT school or institution).

 

2. Pathways for Onshore Applicants (Canberra Residence)

Under these pathways, you need to live in Canberra and meet the eligibility criteria that are already set to apply for an ACT nomination:

 

ACT 190 Nomination

To follow this pathway, applicants must be living and working in Canberra for approximately six months.

ACT 491 Nomination

To be eligible under this pathway, applicants must be living and working in Canberra for at least three months. 

 

Note: Applicants living interstate or overseas and any of their dependents living or working interstate when they apply are not eligible to apply for ACT nominations under this pathway.

 

ACT Nomination Eligibility Requirements for 2024-25

 

1. ACT 491 Nomination Eligibility Criteria 2024-25

For Onshore Applicants

If you want to apply for an ACT nomination for a skilled regional work (provisional) visa (subclass 491) as a Canberra resident, you just need to follow the below-mentioned requirements at the date you submit the Canberra matrix:

• You should meet the relevant eligibility criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.
• You must have a valid English test and skill assessment at the Canberra Matrix submission and ACT nomination dates.
• Your nominated occupation must be included on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
• You must be the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer, working in Canberra for the last six months.
• Or you are the majority owner of an eligible registered business in the ACT, claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category.
• You have lived in Canberra for at least three months at the date of the Canberra Matrix submission and will continue to live there until the date of the invitation.
• Your bank statements must be recorded in the ACT banking activity for this period.
• You have been working on a genuine position in Canberra for at least 13 weeks.

 

For Overseas Applicants

If you want to apply for ACT nomination under a Skilled Regional Work (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) as an overseas resident, you need to meet the following requirements at the date you submit the Canberra Matrix:

• You must meet all the relevant requirements of the Department of Home Affairs, Australia.
• You must have a valid English test score and skill assessment at the Canberra Matrix submission and ACT nomination dates.
• Your nominated occupation should be included on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
• You should have at least one year of full-time, postgraduate work experience in your nominated occupation in the previous five years.
• Your work experience must be assessed as relevant assessing authority in your points-tested skill assessment.
• Your skills and experience must be relevant to the ACT economy. 
• You must hold the relevant Australian registration or license for your nominated occupation (if required).
• You must attach a commitment statement explaining why you want to live in Canberra and show genuine interest in living in the ACT after receiving an ACT nomination.

 

2. ACT 190 Nomination Eligibility Criteria

For Onshore Applicants

If you want to apply for an ACT nomination for a skilled nominated (permanent) visa (subclass 190) as an onshore applicant. In that case, you must follow the eligibility criteria at the date you submit the Canberra Matrix:

• You must meet the relevant criteria of the Department of Home Affairs Australia.
• You must have a valid English test and skill assessment at the date of submission of the Canberra Matrix and ACT nomination.
• Your nominated occupation must be on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
• You should be the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer and have been working in Canberra for the last six months. (Or you are the majority owner of an eligible registered business in the ACT, claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category.).
• You must have been a resident of Canberra for at least six months at the date of Canberra Matrix submission and continue to live there until the date of invitation.
• You ought to work in Canberra for at least 30 hours per week for at least 26 out of the 30 weeks before Canberra Matrix submission.

For Overseas Applicants

If you want to apply for an ACT nomination for a Skilled Nominated subclass 190 (permanent) visa as an overseas resident, you must adhere to the following eligibility criteria at the date you submit the Canberra Matrix:

• You must meet the relevant criteria of the Department of Home Affairs Australia.
• You must have a valid English test and skill assessment at the date of submission of the Canberra Matrix and ACT nomination.
•  Your nominated occupation must be on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
• You must have three years of postgraduate full-time work experience in your nominated occupation in the last five years.
• You must meet the ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ English requirements, except your nominated occupation is Chef (351311) or has an ANZSCO skill level of 3 to 5.
• You and any migrating dependents must be living overseas (except any of your children who are enrolled at school in the ACT). 
• You must not hold any Australian visa (or bridging visa) except for an Australian visitor visa.
• You must have access to sufficient money to fund your migration and settlement in Canberra.

 

Note: For more information, visit the official website of the ACT Government.

 

What is the Canberra Matrix?

The Canberra Matrix is a points-based system that assesses and ranks applicants for ACT (Australian Capital Territory) nominations for skilled migration. It fairly manages the skilled nomination process and selects suitable applicants to contribute to the Canberra region. This matrix is a merit-based assessment tool that helps you score points for your economic and social contributions to Canberra.

 

Submit SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI)

Before progressing with the ACT nomination process, you must submit a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. It is an Australian online application process that is administered by the Department of Home Affairs Australia. An EOI submission is required to be invited for a skilled visa. Without it, you can’t apply for an ACT nomination.

 

ACT Nomination 2024-25 Step-by-Step Application Process

 

Step 1: Check and meet the ACT Nomination Eligibility Criteria

First of all, check the ACT nomination eligibility criteria for 491 or 190 nominations for onshore and offshore applicants.

 

Note: For PhD Streamlined: Check eligibility criteria and complete the Canberra Matrix (no need to claim Matrix points). You will receive an invitation to apply for an ACT nomination within seven days.

 

Step 2: Register Interest by Completing the Canberra Matrix

Once you determine your eligibility, register your interest by completing the Canberra Matrix to apply for an ACT nomination on your prior pathway. There might be different matrixes for Canberra residents and overseas applicants. You can check your score by using the Matrix calculator.

Step 3: Apply for ACT Nomination If You Received an Invitation

Once your Metrix is ranked, you will receive an email invitation with a link to the online application form. If you do not submit it within 14 days, the invitation may lapse.

Step 4: Application Assessment

Applications are processed in the order they are submitted. However, due to personal circumstances, some applications will not be prioritised.

Step 5: Apply for the ACT Nomination Visa

After that, apply for the ACT nomination visa within 60 days, as the nomination expires in two months. 

 

What to Do Next?

The Australian Capital Territory ACT nomination offers two clear pathways, subclass 190 and 491, to enter the territory areas of Australia. This nomination process can be complicated for you to deal with. Understanding and meeting the eligibility criteria, completing all the Canberra matrixes accurately, and staying informed about your application status can help your chances of securing an ACT nomination.

However, you might require expert assistance to tackle the complex process, including EOI submission application preparation and more. 

Keep in touch with us by visiting our website and our Blogs and News section for more information. 

If you have any queries regarding the ACT nomination, consult with our expert migration agent, Nasir Nawaz. 

Book your consultation now!