ACT Skilled Visa Nomination Program | Skilled Migration to the Australian Capital Territory

The ACT skilled migration program boosts the economy and population. This program aims to attract and retain outstanding people to improve the workforce and local economy. The program is only for applicants who can show their economic contribution/benefit and true dedication to the ACT community through long-term presence.

ACT nominates Skilled Nominated (Permanent) subclass 190 and Skilled Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 visas.

After completing the score-based Canberra matrix, there are many steps to perform before applying for the ACT nomination. Before applying for the ACT Skilled Visa Nomination Program, read the following. It aids comprehension and avoids mistakes.

About the ACT Skilled Visa Nomination Program

Visas are required for working, living, and studying in Canberra. For those who qualify for a skilled migration visa, they can apply to work in Australia and fill jobs in high demand. The question is how to apply for a skilled migration visa.

One must be asked to apply for the Australian skilled visa through one of the following.

• Subclass 189 Commonwealth
• State/territory government (491 and 190 visas)
• Other requirements for the skilled migration visa include a character exam, health check, age, and language ability.

Applicants must also demonstrate interest in moving to Australia. Complete the Home Affairs SkillSelect Expression of Interest. According to the criteria, the applicant must achieve at least 65 points on this point test.

Canberra Skilled Migration Visa

The ACT government nominates the territory in the following skilled migration streams:

• Permanent skilled nominee category 190 visa
• Provisional skilled regional 491 visa

If the ACT government nominates your visa, you must work and remain in Canberra for at least two years.

Subclass 190 visa

Skilled workers with visas can work, study, and live anywhere in Australia. This permanent visa allows one to stay in the nation indefinitely.

The international applicant must have a job in demand or close to Canberra. One must also meet all qualifying requirements and get 65 points on the Australia Immigration Point Calculator. After arriving in Canberra, applicants must show a real commitment to residing there for at least two years.

Applicants living in Canberra who are skilled workers or PhD graduates can apply for ACT nomination of subclass 190 visas. Nominated applicants gain 5 points toward their points score. Even if a person meets the 60-point score criteria, the Department of Home Affairs will immediately invite them to apply for a subclass 190 visa.

Subclass 491 Visa

This visa allows skilled workers to work, study, and live in regional Australia for 5 years. Before applying for nomination, applicants must complete SkillSelect by the Department of Home Affairs. They must score 65 points.

Show interest in the ACT nomination to apply for this visa. The applicant can advance after completing the score-based Canberra matrix based on economic demand and ACT community commitment. Candidates who rank high in the 491 visas will be invited to apply for ACT nomination.

If invited, applicants must submit applications and online fees within 14 days. Submit all eligibility paperwork as well.

Application Procedure for ACT Skilled Visa Nomination Program

1. Submission of Expression of Interest

To apply for the ACT Skilled Visa Nomination Program, submit an Expression of Interest.
Before completing the Canberra matrix, one must submit SkillSelect EOI for migration to Australia through the Department of Home Affairs. Doing so requires,

• Have an occupation-specific skill evaluation. One must also score 65 points on the Home Affairs points test.
• To choose ACT based on the ideal Australian living location. The nominee will not meet true commitment requirements if the same is not picked.

SkillSelect EOI of Home Affairs will be confirmed and a visa application issued automatically if the ACT nomination application invitation is received and approved.

2. Choosing ACT Nomination Path

ACT nomination pathway: subclass 491 or subclass 190 visas. After being chosen, meet all nomination eligibility requirements before completing the Canberra matrix.

3. Complete Canberra matrix

To do so,

• Read nomination guidelines. Make sure you can complete the Matrix and claim the points.
• Provide personal info.
• Select ACT 190 or 491 nominations.
• Choose Canberra resident or international applicant.
• Last, choose the matrix score for each category.

Remember that your accompanying documents must prove your eligibility for ACT nomination and matrix point claims at the date the Matrix is submitted.

If the invitation is not received, this Matrix will expire 6 months after submission. Once it expires, it cannot be renewed.

4. ACT nomination application ranking, selection, and invitation

It ranks separately for 190 and 491 visa nominations in the Canberra Matrix Score. There are separate invitation rounds for both nomination streams, and the highest-ranked candidates in each get ACT nomination invitations.

A monthly invitation is sent. The amount of invitations and pro rata nomination allotment varies each cycle by home affairs. The selection cut-off depends on the quality and number of Matrix submitted, as well as ACT government priorities and program parameters.

If there are more candidates with the same Matrix score, the invitation slots are available and may be selected based on matrix submission time and date. Also, If invites exceed demand within the financial year, they may not be issued. If this happens, the government caps nominated occupations at any moment. Candidates are selected and invited if their nomination benefits the territory significantly.

Per Person Policy (One Nomination Place)

Everyone receives one nomination place, and if nominated within 190 or 491 visas, one can apply for the other ACT nomination slot. Note that the government may make exceptions in rare instances. The applicant must meet eligibility requirements and apply for the same visa subclass to re-apply for ACT nomination.

There are fixed annual nomination seats for ACT economy support. Authorities cannot reclaim the nomination spot. It would be unjust to give applicants two or more nominations.

Canberra Matrix

Canberra matrix is designed to equitably manage denominations and pick candidates who can benefit Canberra. As a merit-based assessment mechanism for social or economic benefit to Canberra. Points are given for economic benefit or contribution, formal qualifications, English proficiency, ACT residence or study period, close family links, and investment activities. After the matrix scores are ranked, high-ranking candidates are invited to apply for ACT nomination.

An applicant matrix is rated by points claimed. Anyone with a high rank will receive an email invitation to apply for ACT nomination. The mail contains an online application link.

Even if the application meets qualifying conditions, the matrix score may not be rated.

Support through Professionals

If you want to apply for an ACT Skilled visa nomination program and are eligible, but find the process to be very complicated or need help from authorities or a professional, you can contact the migration agent or another authorized professional to receive the needed help on time and the application on time to increase your chances of receiving the invitation to apply.

Never abandon your dreams. Start working on it today. Migration is complicated yet achievable.