• ACT Skilled Migration Nomination Requirements

Subclass 190 & 491 visa

ACT – Government Nomination Requirements(2024-2025)

ACT – Newsletter: 

ACT Migration have sent out a newsletter to its subscribers providing general information on the ACT Migration 2024-25 program year . A summary of the information within the newsletter is below: 

  • ACT migration allocation update for the 2024-2025 program year- confirmation that the total allocation is 1800 with 1000 places being allocated to the Skilled Nominated (Sc 190) visa and 800 places to the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Sc 491) visa. 
  • Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) – Confirmation that the ACT BIIP is closed to new applications for the Sc 188 visa nominations since the Department of Home Affairs has closed the BIIP permanently from July 2024. However, ACT nominations for Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (Sc 888) are still being processed.
  • ACT Nomination Guidelines and ACT Critical Skills List – No changes since the latest update in April 2023. However, the ACT Government anticipates a review early next year and will advise any significant changes in due course. 
  •  Invitation rounds – There were smaller invitation round sizes in the first half of the financial year, which may have resulted in higher minimum scores for invitations in some occupation groups. The smaller sizes of the previous rounds were determined by operational requirements. Larger invitation rounds are expected throughout the rest of the financial year. The last invitation round of 2024 was conducted on 26 November 2024, and the next round will be undertaken before 14 February 2025. 
    Occupations related to critical services including teaching, healthcare and social assistance will remain high priorities.

2024-25 State and territory nomination allocations – ACT 

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: 1,000 places (+400)
  • ACT provisional 491 nomination: 800 places (+200)

ACT Nomination

The Department of Home Affairs allows ACT Government to nominate applicants for two types of skilled migration visas in the ACT:

Eligibility requirement – 190 nomination

190 Nomination – Canberra Resident – Eligibility

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

Department of Home Affairs Criteria: you meet the relevant Department of Home Affairs Criteria and can apply for your visa. You must meet this criterion when you submit your Canberra Matrix and continue to do so until you receive ACT nomination. This includes having a valid English test and Skill Assessment.

  • Your English test and Skill Assessment must be valid at date of Canberra Matrix submission and at date of ACT nomination.

ACT Resident Pathway: you must meet one of the following:

  • Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List;
  • You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer. You worked in Canberra in your nominated occupation for the sponsoring ACT employer for the last six months. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
  • You are the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and you are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
    • The following business types are not eligible: sub tenancy, ride-share, taxi, delivery, courier services, or an on-sold business previously used to qualify for ACT nomination.

Residence in Canberra: you lived in Canberra for at least six months at date of Canberra Matrix submission and continue to do so until the date of invitation. Your bank statements / transaction history must record ACT banking activity for this period. You may also live within a 30-minute commuting distance in NSW e.g., Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, and Googong.

Employment in Canberra: You worked in Canberra for at least 26 weeks. You can work for more than one employer, be self-employed, and/or be a Small Business Owner. Employment types can be combined, provided you meet the criteria for each and that you meet the overall hourly or earnings requirements as expressed below.

  • Employee
    1. You worked a minimum of 30 hours per week in at least 26 out of the 30 weeks before Canberra Matrix submission. Your payslips and bank statements / transaction history must record the income / salary payments (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) for the claimed period of employment.
    2. You work in a genuine position in accordance with Australian terms and conditions of employment. Your weekly income is no less than the relevant award or market salary rate. Unpaid employment such as internships, stipends, scholarships, and volunteer positions, are not eligible.
    3. Employer statutory declaration : your employer MUST declare that you are employed in a genuine position in accordance with Australian legislation. If you are working for a large organisation, the statutory declaration may be signed by your manager or direct supervisor.
    4. If you are working in Canberra for an interstate employer, there must be a genuine reason for why you are based in Canberra. You cannot be working online, or from a home office.
  • Self-employed and you are not claiming Matrix points as a Small Business Owner:
    1. Your total (taxable) income is at least $1000 pw in at least 26 out of the 30 weeks before Canberra Matrix submission.
    2. You have at least 12 months ACT business activity on your ABN.
    3. You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming your ABN, location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties, and annual income.
  • Small Business Owner:
    1. You are eligible to claim Canberra Matrix points in the Small Business Owner Category.
    2. You MUST sign a statutory declaration  confirming the details of your business activity, including your ABN, how many people you employ (and for how long), location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties and annual income.

English: you meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ English unless your nominated occupation:

  • Is Chef 351311; or,
  • Has an ANZSCO skill level of 3 to 5.

Commitment to Canberra: You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra while your visa is processed and for at least two years from date of visa grant.

If you have a Spouse / Partner, they must be a resident in Canberra for at least six months or living overseas.

  • To claim any Matrix points for your spouse or partner you must have proof of the relationship: either a marriage certificate, civil partnership/union certificate, or VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) secondary applicant status for yourself or spouse/partner. The document must be dated before the Matrix is submitted. We do not accept a de facto relationship without a relationship certificate.
  • When claiming Matrix points in the spouse / partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English; or hold an Australian passport.

Service fee: $300

Your supporting documentation must evidence your eligibility to apply for ACT nomination and any Matrix score claimed.

190 Nomination – Overseas applicant – Eligibility

Department of Home Affairs Criteria: you meet the relevant Department of Home Affairs Criteria and can apply for your visa. You must meet this criterion when you submit your Canberra Matrix and continue to do so until you receive ACT nomination. This includes having a valid English test and Skill Assessment.

  • Your English test and Skill Assessment must be valid at date of Canberra Matrix submission and at date of ACT nomination.

Nominated occupation: your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.

Relevant overseas work experience: you have at least three years full-time, post graduate work experience in your nominated occupation in the last five years. The work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing body in your points tested skill assessment (if the points advice service is provided by the assessing body).

  • Your skills and experience in the nominated occupation are relevant to the ACT economy.
  • If required, you hold the relevant Australian registration or licence for your nominated occupation.

English: you meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ English unless your nominated occupation:

  • Is Chef 351311; or,
  • Has an ANZSCO skill level of 3 to 5.

ACT employability: you have researched the ACT labour market and you are satisfied that you are employable in Canberra and that your background is relevant to the ACT economy. Please note, you may not be eligible to apply for positions within the Australian Government due to citizenship / security clearance requirements.

  • You must attach an employment statement explaining the research undertaken and confirming that you are employable in Canberra. The statement should include recent job vacancies you are eligible for.

Commitment to Canberra: you have researched Canberra and you are committed to living in the ACT.

  • You must attach a commitment statement to the application, explaining in your own words why you want to live in Canberra.
  • You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra for at least two years from the date of arrival in Australia.

Residency: you and any migrating dependents(except children enrolled at school in the ACT):

  • are living overseas.
  • have not lived in Australia for the last 12 months.
  • do not hold a current Australian visa (or bridging visa) with the exception of an Australian visitor visa.

Settlement funds: you have access to sufficient money to fund your migration and settlement in Canberra.

Extra points: If you have a Spouse / Partner and you wish to claim Canberra Matrix points in a spouse or partner category:

  • You must have proof of the relationship: either a marriage certificate or civil partnership/union certificate. For ACT nomination purposes, we do not accept a de facto relationship without a relationship certificate unless you cannot legally obtain a relationship certificate in your country of residence.
  • When claiming Matrix points in the spouse / partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English; or hold an Australian passport.

Service Fee: $300

Eligibility requirement – 491 nomination

491 Nomination – Canberra resident applicant – Eligibility

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

Department of Home Affairs Criteria: you meet the relevant Department of Home Affairs Criteria and can apply for your visa. You must meet this criterion when you submit your Canberra Matrix and continue to do so until you receive ACT nomination. This includes having a valid English test and Skill Assessment.

  • Your English test and Skill Assessment must be valid at date of Canberra Matrix submission and at date of ACT nomination.

ACT Resident Pathway: you must meet one of the following:

  • Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List;
  • You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer. You worked in Canberra in your nominated occupation for the sponsoring ACT employer for the last six months. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
  • You are the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and you are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
    • The following business types are not eligible: sub tenancy, ride-share, taxi, delivery, courier services, or an on-sold business previously used to qualify for ACT nomination.

Residence in Canberra: you lived in Canberra for at least three months at date of Canberra Matrix submission and continue to do so until the date of invitation. Your bank statements / transaction history must record ACT banking activity for this period. You may also live within a 30-minute commuting distance in NSW e.g., Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, and Googong.

Employment in Canberra: You worked in Canberra for at least 13 weeks. You can work for more than one employer, be self-employed, and/or be a Small Business Owner. Employment types can be combined, provided you meet the criteria for each and that you meet the overall hourly or earnings requirements as expressed below.

  • Employee
    1. You worked a minimum of 15 hours per week in at least 13 out of the 15 weeks before Canberra Matrix submission. Your payslips and bank statements / transaction history must record the income / salary payments (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) for the claimed period of employment.
    2. You work in a genuine position in accordance with Australian terms and conditions of employment. Your weekly income is no less than the relevant award or market salary rate. Unpaid employment such as internships, stipends, scholarships, and volunteer positions, are not eligible.
    3. Employer statutory declaration : your employer MUST declare that you are employed in a genuine position in accordance with Australian legislation. If you are working for a large organisation, the statutory declaration may be signed by your manager or direct supervisor.
    4. If you are working in Canberra for an interstate employer, there must be a genuine reason for why you are based in Canberra. You cannot be working online, or from a home office.
  • Self-employed and you are not claiming Matrix points as a Small Business Owner:
    1. Your total (taxable) income is at least $520 pw in at least 13 out of the 15 weeks before Canberra Matrix submission.
    2. You have at least 12 months ACT business activity on your ABN.
    3. You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming your ABN, location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties, and annual income.
  • Small Business Owner:
    1. You are eligible to claim Canberra Matrix points in the Small Business Owner Category.
    2. You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming the details of your business activity, including your ABN, how many people you employ (and for how long), location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties and annual income.

English: You meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent‘ English unless a higher level is required by your assessing authority.

Commitment to Canberra: You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra while your visa is processed and for at least two years from date of visa grant.

Extra points: If you have a Spouse / Partner, they must be a resident in Canberra for at least three months or living overseas.

    • To claim any Matrix points for your spouse or partner you must have proof of the relationship: either a marriage certificate, civil partnership/union certificate, or VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) secondary applicant status for yourself or spouse/partner. The document must be dated before the Matrix is submitted. We do not accept a de facto relationship without a relationship certificate.
    • When claiming Matrix points in the spouse / partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent‘ English; or hold an Australian passport.

Service fee: $300

Your supporting documentation must evidence your eligibility to apply for ACT nomination and any Matrix score claimed.

491 Nomination – Overseas applicant – Eligibility

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

Department of Home Affairs Criteria: you meet the relevant Department of Home Affairs Criteria and can apply for your visa. You must meet this criterion when you submit your Canberra Matrix and continue to do so until you receive ACT nomination. This includes having a valid English test and Skill Assessment.

Nominated occupation: your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.

Relevant overseas work experience:you have at least one year full time, post graduate work experience in your nominated occupation in the last five years. The work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing body in your points tested skill assessment (if the points advice service is provided by the assessing body).

  • Your skills and experience in the nominated occupation are relevant to the ACT economy.
  • If required, you hold the relevant Australian registration or licence for your nominated occupation.

English: you meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ English unless a higher level is required by your assessing authority.

ACT employability: you have researched the ACT labour market and you are satisfied that you are employable in Canberra and that your background is relevant to the ACT economy. Please note, you may not be eligible to apply for positions within the Australian Government due to citizenship / security clearance requirements.

  • You must attach an employment statement explaining the research undertaken and confirming that you are employable in Canberra. The statement should include recent job vacancies you are eligible for.

Commitment to Canberra: you have researched Canberra and you are committed to living in the ACT.

  • You must attach a commitment statement to the application, explaining in your own words why you want to live in Canberra.
  • You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra for at least two years from the date of arrival in Australia.

Residency: you and any migrating dependents(except children enrolled at school in the ACT):

  • are living overseas.
  • have not lived in Australia for the last 12 months.
  • do not hold a current Australian visa (or bridging visa) with the exception of an Australian visitor visa.

Settlement funds: you have access to sufficient money to fund your migration and settlement in Canberra.

Extra points: If you have a Spouse / Partner and you wish to claim Canberra Matrix points in a spouse or partner category:

  • You must have proof of the relationship: either a marriage certificate or civil partnership/union certificate. For ACT nomination purposes, we do not accept a de facto relationship without a relationship certificate unless you cannot legally obtain a relationship certificate in your country of residence.
  • When claiming Matrix points in the spouse / partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English; or hold an Australian passport.

Service Fee: $300

Doctorate streamlined nomination

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Carefully check the details on the Department of Home Affairs website for your chosen visa type to make sure that you:

  • choose the right visa for your situation.
  • meet all of Department of Home Affairs’ eligibility criteria for that visa.
Canberra resident

You are eligible to apply for ACT doctorate streamlined nomination if you have:

  • Lived in Canberra for at least 12 months at time of invitation.
  • Completed a professional or research doctoral degree at an ACT university.
Interstate resident

If you are living in another state or territory, you are eligible to apply for ACT doctorate streamlined nomination if you were awarded a professional or research doctoral degree from an ACT university within the last two years.

Overseas applicant

If you are living overseas, you are eligible to apply for ACT doctorate streamlined nomination if you were awarded a professional or research doctoral degree from an ACT university within the last two years.

Step 2: Expressing an interest in ACT nomination

You may express your interest in ACT doctorate streamlined nomination by completing the online Canberra Matrix.  You are not required to claim Matrix points.

Completing the Matrix
  1. Enter your personal information.
  2. Select either ACT 491 nomination or ACT 190 nomination.
  3. Select Completed a doctorate at an ACT university.
  4. Select ‘Canberra resident’ or ‘Interstate / Overseas applicant’.
  5. Submit.

Step 3: Applying for ACT nomination

Once the Canberra Matrix is submitted, you will receive an invitation email with a link to the online application within seven working days.

The application for ACT nomination must be lodged within 14 days of date of invitation. If the application is not lodged within 14 days, the invitation will automatically expire.

Step 4: Document checklist

You must attach the following information to the online application:

  • SkillSelect EOI: SkillSelect EOI record of response which shows the personal, education, English and employment details submitted. The ACT must be selected as your preferred location on the EOI.
  • Skilled Occupation: Current skill assessment in the nominated occupation.
  • Australian qualifications:
    • Doctorate course completion letter or Doctorate award from an ACT university (if Canberra resident).
    • Doctorate award from an ACT university (if interstate or overseas).

No fee: The application for ACT doctorate streamlined nomination is free.

Average processing time: We will normally process your application for doctorate streamlined nomination within one week.

Check your Matrix score

You can express an interest in applying for ACT nomination by completing a score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’ where points can be claimed against specific criteria including skilled employment, English proficiency, formal qualifications, length of ACT residence / study, investment activity and close family ties, etc.

The Canberra Matrix is weighted to ensure that applicants who will make/have made a positive economic contribution to the Territory and/or have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the ACT are more likely to invited to apply for ACT nomination.

There is a different Matrix for Canberra residents and overseas applicants. You can check your Canberra Matrix score first by using the Matrix calculator:

ACT Critical Skills List

ACT Critical Skills List

Application steps – ACT nomination 

Step 1 – Meet the ACT nomination eligibility criteria

Read the ACT nomination guidelines carefully and make sure that you are eligible to apply for ACT nomination:

  • Canberra residents: check your eligibility for 491 nomination or 190 nomination.
  • Overseas applicants: check your eligibility for 491 nomination or 190 nomination.
  • PhD Streamlined: check your eligibility and complete the Canberra Matrix (you are not required to claim Matrix points). You will receive an invitation to apply for ACT nomination within seven days.

Step 2 – Register your interest by completing the Canberra Matrix

Once you are satisfied that you are eligible to apply for ACT nomination for your chosen pathway, you can register your interest by completing the Canberra Matrix.

There is a different Matrix for Canberra residents and overseas applicants. You can check your Canberra Matrix score first by using the Matrix calculator:

Once you have checked your score, complete the Canberra Matrix – select the points you can claim in each category. By submitting a Canberra Matrix, you are confirming you are eligible to apply for your visa, you meet ACT nomination eligibility criteria, and you can demonstrate your Canberra Matrix claims. You will receive an email with a summary of the Matrix scores claimed. The Matrix cannot be updated or withdrawn once it is submitted. If the claimed Matrix points increase or decrease due to an error or change in circumstances, you must complete a new Matrix; noting that your submission date/time will also change.

Remember, unless otherwise indicated in the eligibility criteria or Canberra Matrix, your supporting documents must prove that your claims for Matrix points are true at the date you submitted the Canberra Matrix. While you wait for an invitation, you must continue to meet Department of Home Affairs visa criteria.

Step 3 – Wait for your Matrix to be selected and ranked

Canberra Residents and Overseas residents may be ranked separately as the Canberra Matrix differs depending on your residency status.

Canberra Matrix submissions with a nominated occupation in a critical sector may be prioritised. Critical sectors include the health care, education, social assistance, construction, and IT sectors.

Canberra Resident

For Canberra Residents there are different nomination pathways available. The selection of your Matrix will depend on the pathway you have chosen:

  • ACT Critical Skill List: only Matrix with a nominated occupation on the latest ACT Critical Skills List will be selected and, if ranked, invited to apply for ACT nomination.
    • Each occupation group will be ranked separately. 491 Matrix submissions will be selected first. The highest ranked Matrix submissions per occupation will be invited to apply for ACT nomination. The cut off for selection will depend on the occupation cap and demand.
    • If there are too many Matrices with the same score, then selection may be based on the date and time you submitted the Matrix.
    • Your 190 Matrix (if any) will not be ranked and selected if you have an active invitation issued for a 491 Matrix.
  • 457 / 482 visa holders: you will be invited to apply for ACT nomination if your Matrix score is at least 60 points.
  • Small Business Owners: The highest ranked Matrix will be invited to apply for ACT 491 / 190 nomination. The cut off for selection will depend on overall demand for the ACT skilled migration program.
Overseas applicant

Only Matrix with a nominated occupation on the latest ACT Critical Skills List will be selected and, if ranked, invited to apply for ACT nomination.

  • Each occupation group will be ranked separately. 491 Matrix submissions will be selected first. The highest ranked Matrix submissions per occupation will be invited to apply for ACT nomination. The cut off for selection will depend on the occupation cap and demand.
  • Your 190 Matrix (if any) will not be ranked and selected if you have an active invitation issued for a 491 Matrix.
  • If there are too many Matrices with the same score, then selection may be based on the date and time you submitted the Matrix.

Important note: you will not be invited if you have previously received ACT nomination or if you have an active application in the system.

Requests for ranking information

Invitations are not guaranteed. We will not respond to requests for information on ranking or the likelihood of receiving an invitation. Matrix submissions will not be prioritised nor will invitations be issued based on personal circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, visa expiry dates or a change in circumstances including critical birthdays. Matrix submissions will automatically lapse after six months if an invitation is not issued.

Step 4 – Apply for ACT nomination if invited

If your Matrix score is ranked, you will receive an invitation email with the weblink to the online application form. Once the invitation is issued, it cannot be withdrawn or ceased. The invitation will lapse after 14 days if the application is not submitted.

You will not receive another invitation to apply for ACT nomination while you have an active application in the system.

Accepting the invitation

Before you accept the invitation, check that the information in your SkillSelect EOI and the SkillSelect EOI responses are correct as they cannot be updated if ACT nomination is approved and confirmed on SkillSelect.

If you are at all concerned about the accuracy of your SkillSelect EOI, seek advice from a registered migration agent before you submit your application for ACT Nomination. If you only find out after submitting your application (but before you receive ACT nomination) that there is an error on your SkillSelect EOI, contact us immediately.

Think carefully before accepting the invitation. The ACT only offers one nomination place per person. You cannot apply for 190 nomination if your 491 nomination is already approved.

Important note: by accepting the invitation for ACT nomination and submitting your application, you are confirming:

  • all the responses on your SkillSelect EOI are correct
  • you can demonstrate that you meet ACT nomination and Department of Home Affairs visa criteria now and at date of Canberra Matrix submission, and
  • you can demonstrate all your Canberra Matrix claims.
Submitting the application

The application for ACT nomination is active for 14 days. You must submit the application and pay the service fee within this time. Once the service fee payment is confirmed, your application will be queued for processing.

Step 5 – We assess your application

We will process all applications in the order they are submitted. We will not consider requests to prioritise applications due to personal circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, visa expiry dates or a change in circumstances including critical birthdays.

When we assess your application, we will look at your:

  1. SkillSelect EOI: to check that you are eligible to apply for the visa, your claims, and make sure you have sufficient points on SkillSelect to apply for the visa
  2. Supporting documents: Your supporting documentation must evidence your eligibility to apply for ACT nomination, any Canberra Matrix points you have claimed, and that you continue to meet Department of Home Affairs criteria. A decision may solely be based on the documents in the application. We are not required to look at any documents other than the ones that you attached to the application. It is the responsibility of the applicant, or their agent, to ensure all documents are uploaded, accurate, and up to date at the date the application is submitted.

If your application is approved, we will confirm ACT nomination on your SkillSelect EOI, which triggers the invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.

What happens if your application is refused?

If your application is refused, we will tell you why you were unsuccessful. You can ask us to reconsider this decision if an error was made by the case officer. Any request for reconsideration must be in writing, explaining why you consider the decision is wrong. The review may solely be based on the original documents attached to the application.

You can submit a new Canberra Matrix if you are satisfied that your documents now support your eligibility and Matrix claims.

Step 6: Apply for the ACT nominated visa

You have 60 days to apply for the ACT nominated visa. The offer of ACT nomination expires after 60 days. If you can’t / decide not to apply for the visa, the nomination place is lost.

Reapplying for ACT nomination

The ACT Government reserves the right to allow applicants to reapply for ACT nomination at its discretion and in exceptional circumstances. You must be able to demonstrate that you have a genuine reason for reapplying for ACT Nomination. You can only reapply for ACT nomination if you meet the eligibility criteria and if you are applying for the same visa subclass.

To request the ability to reapply for ACT nomination, please submit a new Canberra Matrix in the same visa subclass and email [email protected] with the Canberra Matrix reference number requesting the duplicate bar to be lifted. In your email, you must explain the exceptional circumstances that meant you could not apply for ACT nomination and include supporting documentation where relevant. Your request must address the criteria identified below.

Your case will only be considered if we are satisfied you have taken all reasonable steps to avoid the necessity for renomination. Bear in mind, it is always the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the ACT Nomination application, SkillSelect EOI, and visa application are accurate.

ACT Government will remove the duplicate application flag from your Matrix and place it in the queue for ranking if we are satisfied that your request meets the following criteria:

  • You were unable to apply for your visa due to exceptional circumstances.
  • You have taken all possible steps to avoid the necessity for renomination and to ensure your application will be successful if you were to be renominated.
  • The impact on other applicants is minimal.
  • Renomination would be of benefit to the Territory.

The outcome of your request may solely be based on the demand for nomination places in your nominated occupation or visa subclass as well as the overall remaining allocation in that financial year.

If your application for renomination is rejected based on the demand for nomination places and the impact on other applicants, you may reapply for ACT nomination six months after that decision was made.

Please note: If your application for an ACT nominated visa is refused by the Department of Home Affairs, the ACT Government will not, under any circumstances, appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on your behalf.

Other States and territory nomination requirements:

Each state and territory has its own list of occupations, requirements and processes you must follow. Select a state below to see it’s state nomination requirements for 190 and 491 visa:

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