ACT Skilled Regional Provisional Visa 491

Updated on 04 Sep 2021

The ACT offers nomination under the following State / Territory nominated skilled migration streams:

• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visas.
• Skilled Nominated (permanent) subclass 190 visas.

You must meet the eligibility criteria for ACT 491 nomination or ACT 190 nomination before you can complete the Canberra Matrix:

Eligibility: You must meet one of the following:

1. • 1. Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List; or
     2. You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer:
        • You are working in your nominated occupation in Canberra for the sponsoring ACT employer for at least three months as the holder of a 457/482 visa.
        • Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List.
     3. You are the majority owner of a eligible registered business located in the ACT and you are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category.
        • 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.
        • Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List.
   • Resident in Canberra: You must be living in Canberra for the last three (3) months and continue until the date of invitation.
     
     
     • Employment: You must be working in Canberra for the last three (3) months.
       
       1. You must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week in each of the 13 weeks immediately before you submit the Matrix.
       2. Continuous employability - your employment in Canberra must be continuous for 13 weeks.
       3. You must be working in a genuine position in accordance with Australian terms and conditions of employment.
       4. You must be in paid employment. Internships, stipends, scholarships and volunteer positions are not eligible. It does not have to be a permanent position.
       5. Your income must not be less than the relevant award or market salary rate.
       6. 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.
       7. You may work for more than one employer and/or be self-employed:
       8. If you are working in Canberra for an interstate employer, 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. You may work for an employer and/or be self- employed.
         2. Your total (taxable) income must be at least $520 pw in each of the 13 weeks immediately before you submit the Matrix.
         3. You MUST prove at least 12 months ACT business activity on your ABN at date of Matrix submission.
         4. 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 must be able to claim Canberra Matrix points in the Small Business Owner Category.
         2. You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming the details of your ACT Small Business activity.
     • English: You must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘proficient’ or ‘superior’ English unless your nominated occupation has an ANZSCO skill level 3 to 5.
     • Spouse/partner: Your spouse or partner must be a resident in Canberra for the last three (3) months, or living overseas.
       • If you wish to claim Matrix points for a spouse/partner, you must have proof of the relationship.
       • If you wish to claim Matrix points in the spouse/partner employment category, your spouse/partner must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English; or hold an Australian passport
         
          Overseas applicant: – The ACT is not offering 491 / 190 nomination to overseas applicants in 2020-21. 

Processing Time:

All applications are processed in submission date order. No requests for priority processing will be considered.

The standard processing period is 15 working days. 

Assessment of your application for ACT nomination will be based solely on the supporting documents provided at the time of lodgement. Additional documentation will not be accepted once the application is submitted. The case officer will not contact you for additional information or for clarification if your supporting documentation does not clearly demonstrate your eligibility or Matrix score claimed.

If the application is incomplete, or it does not clearly evidence the eligibility criteria or Canberra Matrix score claimed as at the date of Matrix submission, the application will be refused.

Fees:

Service fee: A$300

A non-refundable service fee is charged for processing applications for ACT nomination. The service fee is an administration charge only and does not guarantee the approval of a nomination. The service fee of $300 may be paid by one of the following options:

·         Credit Card – ‘pay now’

Guidelines:
Canberra Matrix ONLINE Score 

Online Application:

Contact Details:

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: 13 22 81

International :[phone]

Postal Address:

Skills Canberra
Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
ACT Government
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2601