ACT Migration – State Nomination Update for 190 Visa and 491 Visa Program
The update on the ACT skilled migration visa program is here! The government has officially opened the Canberra state nomination for both the 190 Visa and the 491 Visa.
Following the closure of the temporary Business Visa (subclass 188), the government also closes new nomination applications for the visa subclass.
The latest updates show the Canberra matrix invitation round on 8 August 2024, and the next invitation round is expected to be held before 27 September 2024.
Now that you still have plenty of time to prepare for the ACT state nomination let’s move on to the details of the latest invitation round!
ACT State Nomination Allocation 2024-25
The ACT state nomination program receives 1,800 places for the 2024-25 program year. These places are divided into:
- 1,000 places for 190 Visa
- 800 places for 491 Visa
As of 8 August 2024, the remaining places are 1,740 with details of:
- 963 remaining places for 190 visa
- 777 remaining places for 491 visa
ACT Matrix Invitation Round – 8 August 2024
Before deciding to join the ACT skilled migration visa program, you have to understand that the migration program in ACT is run by a system called Canberra Matrix.
The ACT government has a set number of nomination places available each month (pro-rata to the annual allocation). The top-ranked Matrix in each occupation was invited to apply for ACT nomination. The selection cut-off is decided by a number of aspects, including priority sectors. Furthermore, the cut-off is determined by the remaining monthly allocation, the day and time of Matrix submission, the occupancy cap, and the degree of demand. The stronger the demand for an occupation, the higher the Matrix invited score.
As of 8 August 2024, the ACT government approved 60 nominations and refused 8, leaving the remaining allocation of 1,740. The details are as follows:
| 190 Visa | 491 Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Approvals | 37 | 23 |
| Refusal | 3 | 5 |
| Approvals by residency status | 50 | 10 |
| Remaining places | 963 | 777 |
| 190 Visa | 491 Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Approvals | 37 | 23 |
| Refusal | 3 | 5 |
| Approvals by residency status | 50 | 10 |
| Remaining places | 963 | 777 |
See the minimum matrix score ranked on the latest ACT invitation round here.
ACT Nomination Process
Step 1: Meet the nomination eligibility criteria
The ACT government opened the migration program for Canberra residents, overseas applicants and PhD. In general, you must meet the eligibility for the 491 Visa or 190 Visa to migrate to Canberra:
- Canberra residents: check your eligibility for a 491 Visa or 190 Visa
- Overseas applicants: check your eligibility for a 491 Visa or 190 Visa
- PhD streamlined: check your eligibility and complete the Canberra Matrix (you don’t need to claim Matrix points). Within seven days, you will receive an offer to apply for the ACT nomination.
Step 2: Register your interest by completing the Canberra Matrix
After ensuring your eligibility, you can register your interest by completing the Canberra Matrix. The government provides different Matrix for Canberra residents and overseas applicants. It’s best to check your Canberra Matrix score first by using the Matrix calculator below:
Please note that you can’t update or withdraw once you submit the Matrix. Suppose circumstances change and affect your Matrix points. In that case, you must complete a new Matrix, noting that your submission date and time will also change.
Step 3: Wait for your Matrix to be selected and ranked
Canberra residents and overseas candidates may be scored individually since the Canberra Matrix varies based on residency status.
Submitted Canberra Matrix with a nominated occupation in a crucial sector may be prioritised. Critical sectors in ACT migration include:
- Health care,
- Education,
- Social assistance,
- Construction, and
- Information technology.
Step 4: Apply for ACT nomination if invited
If your Matrix score is ranked, you will receive an invitation email containing a link to the online application form. Once given, the invitation cannot be revoked or terminated. If the application is not submitted within 14 days, the invitation expires.
You will not receive another invitation to apply for ACT nomination if you already have a current application in the system.
Important note: by accepting the invitation for ACT nomination and submitting your application, you confirm the following:
- Information on your SkillSelect EOI are correct,
- You meet ACT nomination and Department of Home Affairs visa requirements at the time of submission,
- You can support all Canberra Matrix claims.
You must apply and pay the service cost of AUD 300 within the timeframe. After the service fee payment is confirmed, your application will be queued for processing.
Step 5: ACT government assesses your application
The ACT government will process all applications according to their submission date. It will not consider requests to prioritise applications based on personal circumstances, including visa expiry dates and changes in circumstances (critical birthdays).
The ACT government will look at your Expression of Interest (EOI) application and supporting documents when assessing your application.
If your application is approved, the ACT government will confirm ACT nomination on your SkillSelect EOI, resulting in an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.
Step 6: Apply for the ACT skilled migration visa
You have 60 days to apply for the ACT skilled migration visa (a 190 visa or a 491 visa, depending on your invitation). The offer of ACT nomination ends in 60 days.
Suppose you’re unable to apply for the visa or choose not to do so. In that case, the nomination place is lost, and the ACT government won’t receive it back from the Department of Home Affairs. As a result, each individual is only eligible for one nomination.
It is unfair to other applicants if you’re awarded two or more nomination places.
ACT Nomination Pathway
There are three pathways available under the ACT migration program:
- Canberra residents,
- Overseas applicants, and
- Doctorate streamlined nomination
Canberra Residents
To pursue this pathway, you must live in Canberra. Read the eligibility requirements for 190 visa and 491 visa Canberra residents carefully. You cannot apply for an ACT nomination if you don’t match the following criteria:
- ACT 491 nomination: to pursue this option, you must have lived and worked in Canberra for at least three months.
- ACT 190 nomination: to pursue this path, you must have lived and worked in Canberra for at least six months.
You cannot apply under this pathway if you live interstate or overseas or have dependents who live and/or work interstate.
Read more about Canberra Residents pathway here.
Overseas Applicants
You and any dependents must not reside in Australia to be eligible for this pathway. Read the eligibility requirements for 190 visa and 491 visa overseas applicants stream carefully.
You cannot apply for ACT nomination if you don’t match the following eligibility criteria:
- 491 Visa nomination to Canberra: to follow this path, you must have at least one year of relevant experience in your nominated occupation.
- 190 Visa nomination to Canberra: to pursue this path, you must have at least three years of relevant experience in your nominated occupation.
You cannot apply through this option if you live in Australia.
Read more about Overseas Applicants pathway here.
Doctorate streamlined nomination
To pursue this path, you must meet the following conditions:
- Canberra resident: You live in Canberra and have earned a research or professional doctoral degree from an ACT university.
- Interstate/international applicants: you received a research or professional Doctorate degree from an ACT university within the last two years.
You can only apply through this pathway if you attend an ACT university.
The opening of the ACT migration program for both 190 visa and 491 visa bring fresh air and more opportunities for skilled migrants. But, with this much information and options, we understand that choosing and planning the best one is challenging. Rest assured. We are here to provide you with the necessary support to ease your concerns:
We’re here to help you!
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting, with a remarkable 98% success rate, will guide you through the ACT state nomination program, whether you’re aiming for the 190 Visa or 491 Visa. We are proud to be one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews to see why our clients trust us.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.
Take the first step and get in touch with us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/ Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us through email at [email protected] or via phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.
