ACT – Invitation Rounds

Canberra Matrix

To apply for an ACT nomination, you must complete the Canberra Matrix. This is a means of ensuring the process is fair and equal. It selects applicants who will be most valuable to the Canberra region. To estimate your total score, you can use our Canberra Matrix Calculator.

Cost

To apply for the ACT Nomination, there is a non-refundable service fee of $300 which is charged for the processing of the applications. This is an administration charge only and does not guarantee an approval of the application for ACT nomination.

ACT Nomination Requirements

The ACT Nomination Program has specific requirements depending on the nomination pathway you are applying for. To view more detailed information regarding the nomination requirements, see our page on ACT Skilled Migration Nomination Requirements (190 and 491 Visa).

ACT Nomination Pathways

1. Canberra Residents

To follow this pathway, you must be living in Canberra.

• ACT 491 Nomination – to apply you must be living and working in Canberra for at least 3 months
• ACT 190 Nomination – to apply you must be living and working in Canberra for at least 6 months

2. Overseas Applicants

To follow this pathway, you and any dependents cannot be in Australia.

• ACT 491 Nomination – to apply, you must have at least three years relevant experience in your nominated occupation
• ACT 190 Nomination – to apply, you must have a genuine ACT job offer in your nominated occupation

3. Doctorate Streamlined Nomination

The ACT offers this pathway to holders of a Doctorate completed at an ACT university. To apply for this pathway, you must meet the following criteria:

• Canberra resident – you are living in Canberra, and you completed a professional or research doctoral degree at an ACT university
• Interstate/overseas applicant – you were awarded a professional or research doctoral degree from an ACT university in the last two years

4. Significant Economic Benefit

This stream allows the ACT Government to invite individuals to apply for ACT Nomination if their employment is considered to be of significant economic benefit to the Territory. You cannot request to apply for this stream. The invitation can only be initiated by the ACT Government.

ACT Critical Skills List

The ACT Occupation List identifies the skills that are currently in demand in Canberra (for migration purposes).  The ACT Occupation List is used to determine the eligibility for ACT support of the following programs:

• Skilled Visas: ACT nomination of a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa

To determine whether your occupation is in high demand in the ACT, see our page on ACT Critical Skills List.