ACT nomination triggers the invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for a skilled migration visa.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has the flexibility to address skills shortages and labour market needs in the Territory through the state/territory nominated stream of the Australian Migration Program. The Australian Government allocates the ACT a fixed number of nomination places each financial year.
The 2024-25 allocation is 1,800 nomination places:
- ACT permanent 190 nomination: 1000 places
- ACT provisional 491 nomination: 800 places
ACT nomination triggers the visa invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. ACT nomination does not guarantee a migration outcome. You must still meet the Department of Home Affairs visa criteria.
Read the eligibility criteria for 491 nomination carefully. Once you are satisfied that you meet all the criteria, you can submit the Canberra Matrix.
Read the eligibility criteria for 190 nomination carefully. Once you are satisfied that you meet all the criteria, you can submit the Canberra Matrix.
The ACT offers streamlined nomination for holders of a professional or research doctorate completed at an ACT university.
You can register an interest in applying for ACT nomination by completing a score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’ where points can be claimed against specific economic and commitment criteria.
The ACT Critical Skills List identifies the occupations in current demand in the ACT. This List is important if you want to apply for ACT nomination.
Once the Department of Home Affairs grants your visa, you have an obligation to live and work in Canberra for at least two years
Resources including supporting document checklist, Canberra Matrix invitation round rankings and education for dependents information.
How to request a waiver of the 'continuous employment' eligibility criteria