Australian Capital Territory Program 2024-2025

The ACT Migration Program for 2024-25 has an allocation of 1,800 nomination places, which are distributed as follows:

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): 1,000 places
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): 800 places

Criteria

Applicants need to meet both the Department of Home Affairs and ACT Government nomination criteria. The process involves submitting a Canberra Matrix, which is a points-based system designed to prioritise applicants based on factors such as economic contribution, employment in critical sectors, and long-term commitment to Canberra. There are separate matrixes for Canberra residents and overseas applicants. Those with higher scores, particularly in priority occupations, are more likely to receive invitations.

Occupations

The ACT Critical Skills List guides the types of occupations the ACT is targeting, with priority sectors including healthcare, education, IT, construction, and social assistance. Applicants with occupations in these sectors have a higher chance of nomination.

Invitation rounds

ACT government conducted its first invitation round on 8^th August 2024, under the Canberra Matrix, with the next invitation round expected to be prior to 27^th September 2024.

Canberra Matrix

Upon submitting a valid EOI, the candidates need to complete the Canberra Matrix and claim the eligible points under the CanberraMatrix system.

• Canberra Matrix points are different to the points claimed in the EOI system.
• Points can be awarded to factors including:
• ACT residence
• English proficiency for primary applicant
• English proficiency for their partner
• whether the nominated occupation is on the ACT Critical Skills List
•  whether the applicant is a small business owner in ACT
• Length of ACT employment and whether the employment is in the nominated occupation in the current ACT Critical Skills List on a skilled level
• Partner’s employment in ACT and whether it is in an occupation on the ACT Critical Skills List, including spouse employability in ACT
• Tertiary qualification level
• Years of study at an ACT tertiary institution
• Whether the applicant has close family ties to ACT
• Any assets in Canberra over $250,000

ACT Critical Skills List:

ACT  government considers all occupations on the Department’s skills occupation list; although it does have its own critical occupation list is to make sure the ACT Migration Program adapts and responds to the evolving critical skills needs of the ACT economy.

State nomination pathway:  ACT government considers invitations for candidates located in ACT or overseas.

• Canberra Residents
  ACT government won’t consider state nomination under this pathway, if the applicant or any dependents are living and working interstate
  • Candidates must be living and working in Canberra for at least 6 months for subclass 190 nomination consideration
  • Candidates must be living and working in Canberra for at least 3 months for subclass 491 nomination consideration
  • Therea are three streams under the Canberra residents pathway, namely: Small Business Owners, Subclass 457/482 visa holders and Critical Skill Occupations
    
• Overseas applicants
  • Candidates and their dependents must be living outside of Australia (except children enrolled in an ACT school)
  • Candidates must have at least one year relevant experience in the nominated occupation for subclass 491 nomination consideration
  • Candidates must have at least three years relevant experience in the nominated occupation for subclass 190 nomination consideration
    
• Doctorate Streamlined nomination
  ACT government may consider nomination for PhD holders as Canberra residents, who are living in Canberra and completed a research or professional Doctoral degree at an ACT University; overseas or interstate candidates may be considered if you have been awarded a research or professional Doctoral degree from an ACT university within the last two years. This pathway is not available if you did not study at an ACT university.

Whilst the ACT government may consider all the occupations on the Department’s skilled occupation list, due to the highly competitive nature, occupations not on the ACT government’s critical skills list are unlikely to receive an invitation for state nomination consideration.

Summary

If you’re considering applying for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) through ACT, focusing on priority sectors and ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria is crucial. Given the competitiveness, it’s wise to consider alternative pathways and seek professional advice to maximise your chances of success.

How Migration Downunder Can Assist You

We believe in straightforward advice, to get you the results.  We will be honest with you about your prospects and what you need to do to improve your chances of selection and eventually achieve your visa.

Let us guide you to achieve your goal of living and working in Australia by finding the best pathway that suits your individual circumstances.

For more detailed information, visit the ACT Government website.