Canberra residents – 491 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 482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer and have worked in Canberra in your nominated occupation for that employer (claimed as Matrix points from July 2026). 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.
  • For 491 nomination from July 2026, the business must be at least 51% owned by you, have paid you at least $16,000 taxable income in the last 3 months, employ at least one Canberra resident who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen (13+ weeks at 20+ hours per week) and meet minimum turnover ($200,000 over 12 months, or $100,000 annualised over 6 months).

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 $610 per week 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.

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.

Fees: $25 Matrix submission fee + $325 nomination fee (excl. GST)

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