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Arwinder Pal Singh RANDHAWA: MARN-1574550
If you are interested in migrating to Australia and living in Australian Capital Territory, you may be eligible to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Migration visa or Business and Investment visa.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has the authority to address skills shortages and labour market demands in its territory through the State/Territory nomination stream of the Australia's General Skilled Migration Program. The Department of Home Affairs (Australia) allocates the ACT a fixed number of nomination places each financial year. State nomination from Tasmania is available for the following two visa categories:
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 190)
Before you start the ACT Nomination process, you must meet the criteria prescribed by the Department of Home Affairs criteria (Australia) for your selected visa type, including:
- Be under the age of 45 at time of invitation.
- A nominated occupation on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
- A valid and positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- At least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test.
You must submit a valid expression of interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination, you must continue to meet the Department of Home Affairs visa criteria until your application for ACT nomination is assessed.
If an application for ACT nomination is approved, your SkillSelect EOI will be confirmed and the Department of Home Affairs will automatically issue the invitation to apply for a Skilled Migration visa. The ACT cannot confirm nomination on SkillSelect if you do not meet the Department of Home Affairs visa criteria; or if your SkillSelect EOI has expired.
ACTS manages the nomination process, but the Department of Home Affairs manages the visa application process.
You must be invited to apply for ACT nomination. Select an ACT nomination pathway and read the eligibility criteria carefully. Once you are satisfied that you meet the eligibility criteria, you can register your interest in applying for ACT nomination by completing the Canberra Matrix.
To follow this pathway, you must be living in Canberra. You cannot apply for ACT nomination if you do not meet the criteria:
- ACT 491 nomination: to follow this pathway, you must be living and working in Canberra for at least three months.
- ACT 190 nomination: to follow this pathway, you must be living and working in Canberra for at least six months.
You cannot apply under this pathway if you are living interstate or overseas; or if any dependents are living and / or working interstate.
To follow this pathway, you and any dependents cannot be in Australia (except children enrolled in an ACT school). You cannot apply for ACT nomination if you do not meet the eligibility criteria:
- ACT 491 nomination: to follow this pathway, you must have at least three years relevant experience in your nominated occupation.
- ACT 190 nomination: to follow this pathway, you must have a genuine ACT job offer in your nominated occupation.
You cannot apply under this pathway if you are living in Australia.
A non-refundable $300 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 an application for ACT nomination.
The ACT offers streamlined nomination for holders of a Doctorate completed at an ACT university. You will benefit from a simplified application process with minimal supporting documentation, priority processing and fee free. To follow 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 within the last two years.
You cannot apply under this pathway if you did not study at an ACT university.
You may be invited to apply for ACT nomination your employment is considered to be of significant economic benefit to the Territory (and you do not meet the current eligibility criteria). You cannot request or apply for this pathway. The invitation can ONLY be initiated by the ACT government.
We use the Canberra Matrix to fairly manage the nomination process and select applicants who will best contribute to the Canberra region. The Matrix is a merit based assessment tool where you can score points for your economic and / or social contribution to Canberra e.g., length of ACT residence, occupation, business activity, employment, English, study, investment and close family ties.
We will rank your Matrix based on the number of points you’ve claimed. Those who rank high enough will receive an invitation by email to apply for ACT nomination with a web link to the online application.
Remember your supporting documents must prove that you meet the ACT nomination eligibility and any Matrix score claimed at the date you submit the Matrix. If you submit an application and you do not meet the published criteria, the application will be refused.
Please note: the demand for ACT nomination far exceeds the annual allocation of nomination places. There is no guarantee that your Matrix score will be ranked, even if you meet the eligibility criteria.
We only offer one nomination place per person. If you are successfully nominated for a 491 / 190 visa, you cannot apply for another ACT nomination place.
We have a fixed number of nomination places available each year. There are more people who want ACT nomination than the number of nomination places available. It is not fair to the thousands of people in the Matrix queue if their chance of ACT nomination is lost because you were given two or more nomination places.
If you are nominated by the ACT to apply for a Subclass 491 visa, you must live and work in Canberra for at least two years from the date of visa grant, or if you are moving from overseas then from the date of arrival in Canberra. If you want to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Regional Work (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you must meet certain criteria at the date you submit the Canberra matrix. These include the following.
You must meet one of the following:
Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List; or
You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer:
- You worked in Canberra in the occupation nominated by the sponsoring ACT employer for the last three months as the holder of a 457/482 visa.
- Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills 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.
- 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.
You lived in Canberra for the last three (3) months and continue until the date of invitation. Your bank statements / transaction history must record ACT banking activity from the date of your claimed arrival in Canberra up to the date of invitation. You may also live within commuting distance in NSW such as Queanbeyan, Bungendore etc.
You worked in Canberra for the last three (3) months.
You worked a minimum of 20 hours per week in each of the 13 weeks up to the date you submit the Matrix. Your payslips and bank statements / transaction history must record the income / salary payments (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) for the claimed period of employment.
Continuous employment - your employment in Canberra was continuous for the 13 weeks.
You worked in a genuine position in accordance with Australian terms and conditions of employment.
You were in paid employment. Internships, stipends, scholarships and volunteer positions are not eligible. Your employment does not have to be permanent.
Your weekly income was no less than the relevant award or market salary rate.
You can work for more than one employer and/or be self-employed.
Your employer MUST declare that you were employed in a genuine position in accordance with Australian legislation. If you were working for a large organisation, the statutory declaration may be signed by your manager or direct supervisor.
If you were 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.
You can work for an employer and/or be self- employed.
Your total (taxable) income was at least A$520 pw in each of the 13 weeks immediately before you submit the Matrix.
You have at least 12 months ACT business activity on your ABN.
You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming your ABN, location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties and annual income.
You are eligible to claim Canberra Matrix points in the Small Business Owner Category.
You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming the details of your ACT Small Business activity.
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 3 to 5.
Your spouse or partner was 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, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English; or hold an Australian passport.
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.
A$300
If you are living overseas and you want to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Regional Work Visa (subclass 491), you must meet certain criteria at the date you submit the Canberra Matrix. These include the following.
Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List, and You are working full time in your nominated occupation.
Relevant Overseas Work Experience
You have at least three years full time, post graduate work experience in your nominated occupation. The work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing body (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.
You hold the relevant Australian registration or licensing if it is required for your nominated occupation.
You have researched the ACT labour market and you are satisfied that you are employable in Canberra, and your Skillset and experience are 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.
You meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘proficient’ or ‘superior’ English; or you hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.
If you wish to claim Matrix points:
- for a spouse / partner, you must have proof of the relationship; either a marriage certificate or civil partnership/union certificate. The ACT does not accept a claim for de facto.
- 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.
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), except an Australian visitor visa.
You have researched Canberra and the wonderful lifestyle we enjoy.
You must attach a commitment statement to the application, explaining why you want to live in Canberra and describing your future lifestyle. The statement must be written in your own words.
You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra for at least two years from the date of arrival in Australia.
You have access to sufficient money to fund your migration and settlement in Canberra.
Service Fee: A300
If you are nominated by the ACT to apply for a Subclass 190 visa, you must live and work in Canberra for at least two years from the date of visa grant, or if you are moving from overseas then from the date of arrival in Canberra. If you want to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), you must meet certain criteria at the date you submit the Canberra matrix. These include the following:
If you want to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Nominated Visa (permanent) subclass 190, you must meet certain criteria at the date you submit the Canberra Matrix. These include the following:
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 the occupation nominated by the sponsoring ACT employer for the last six months as the holder of a 457/482 visa.
- Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills 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.
- 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.
You lived in Canberra for the last six (6) months and continue until the date of invitation. Your bank statements / transaction history must record ACT banking activity from the date you arrived in Canberra up to the date of invitation. You can also live within commuting distance in NSW such as Queanbeyan.
You worked in Canberra for the last six (6) months as an employee:
You worked a minimum of 35 hours per week in each of the 26 weeks up to the date you submit the Matrix. Your payslips and bank statements / transaction history must record the income / salary payments (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) for the claimed period of employment.
Continuous employment - your employment in Canberra was continuous for the 26 weeks.
You worked in a genuine position in accordance with Australian terms and conditions of employment.
You were in paid employment. Internships, stipends, scholarships, and volunteer positions are not eligible. Your employment does not have to be permanent.
Your weekly income was no less than the relevant award or market salary rate.
Employer statutory declaration: Your employer MUST declare that you were employed in a genuine position in accordance with Australian legislation. If you were working for a large organisation, the statutory declaration may be signed by your manager or direct supervisor.
You may work for more than one employer and/or be self-employed.
If you were 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.
You can work for an employer and/or be self- employed.
Your total (taxable) income was at least $1000 pw in each of the 26 weeks immediately before you submit the Matrix.
You have at least 12 months ACT business activity on your ABN.
You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming your ABN, location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties and annual income.
You are eligible to claim Canberra Matrix points in the Small Business Owner Category.
You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming the details of your ACT Small Business activity.
You meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘proficient’ or ‘superior’ English unless your nominated occupation:
- is Chef 351311.
- has an ANZSCO skill level 3 to 5.
Your spouse or partner was resident in Canberra for the last six (6) 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, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English; or hold an Australian Passport.
Commit to living in 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.
Service Fee: A$300.
If you are living overseas and want to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) you must meet certain criteria at the date you submit the Canberra Matrix.
These include the following:
Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
You are working full time in your nominated occupation.
You hold the relevant Australian registration or licensing if it is required for your nominated occupation.
You have a full time job offer in your nominated occupation. The position must be Canberra and be available for at least two years. The employer:
Must be a medium to large Australian enterprise (50 plus employees) actively trading in Canberra.
Cannot be trading from a home, online or serviced office.
Must have a genuine need to employ an overseas skilled worker.
Must demonstrate that the position is relevant to the business; and cannot be filled from the local labour market.
Employer statutory declaration: your ACT employer MUST declare that:
You will be employed in a genuine position in Canberra in accordance with Australian legislation.
The position is relevant to the operations of the business.
The minimum period of employment is for at least two years.
They have tested the labour market and are unable to find an Australian Citizen or permanent resident to fill the position.
You meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘proficient’ or ‘superior’ English; or you hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.
If you wish to claim Matrix points for a spouse / partner, you must have proof of the relationship; either a marriage certificate or a civil partnership/union certificate. The ACT does not accept a claim of a de facto 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.
You and any migrating dependents (except children enrolled at school in the ACT):
are living overseas.
have not lived in Australia for the last year.
do not hold a current Australian visa (or bridging visa), except an Australian visitor visa.
You have researched Canberra and the wonderful lifestyle we enjoy.
You must attach a commitment statement to the application, explaining why you want to live in Canberra and describing your future lifestyle. The statement must be written in your own words.
You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra for at least two years from the date of permanent arrival in Australia.
You have access to sufficient money to fund your migration and settlement in Canberra.
A$300.
If you are looking for the opportunity to invest or purchase a new business or manage n existing business in Australia, you may like to look at investing in Canberra, Australia’s capital city. Canberra is city state located within the ACT. It’s not just that its economy is resilient or that it's close to the federal government, but also that it is one of the most liveable and sustainable cities in the world. Its population is progressive, innovative, creative and the most educated in Australia. You’ll find a strong network of support for your business, whether you’re a start-up or expanding globally. The ACT offers nominations for the following two categories of visas in Business Migration stream:
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Subclass 188
Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Subclass 888
If you want to apply for ACT 188 nomination of a Business Innovation visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include the following:
Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa – Business Innovation stream.
Plan to invest a minimum $200,000 to purchase or establish a business will viable and of economic benefit to the ACT.
Make a personal commitment, and have sufficient personal funds, to settle in Canberra upon grant of the subclass 188 visa.
Sign a declaration acknowledging the ACT nomination obligations as the holder of a Business Innovation and investment (provisional) (subclass 188) visa.
If you want to apply for ACT support of a 188 business innovation visa extension, you must show that your current ACT nominated business/investment is of economic benefit to the Territory. You must meet the following criteria:
Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa – Business Innovation extension
You have actively operated the ACT nominated business in Canberra for at least two years.
You invested a minimum $200,000 in the ACT and conducted business / investment activity in accordance with the approved ACT business proposal.
You complied with your ACT nomination obligations to settle in Canberra as the holder of a subclass 188 visa.
If you want to apply for ACT nomination of an Investor visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include the following:
Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa – investor stream.
Make a complying investment of at least A$2.5 million and have a genuine intention to hold that investment for the life of your provisional visa.
Agree that you and any family members (dependents) residing in Australia will live, work and/or study in Canberra.
To qualify for ACT nomination, you must show that your complying investments will make a contribution to the ACT economy. For example:
Venture capital and growth private equity fund investing in start-ups and small private companies in the ACT; or
Venture Capital Limited Partner (VCLP) fund component in a fund that is actively sourcing investment in the ACT.
If you want to apply for ACT nomination of a Significant Investor visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include the following:
Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa – investor stream.
Make a complying investment of at least A$5 million and have a genuine intention to hold that investment for the life of your provisional visa.
Agree that you and any family members (dependents) live, work and/or study in Canberra.
To qualify for ACT nomination, you must show that your complying investments will make a contribution to the ACT economy. For example:
Venture capital and growth private equity fund investing in start-ups and small private companies in the ACT; or
Venture Capital Limited Partner (VCLP) fund component in a fund that is actively sourcing investment in the ACT.
If you want to apply for ACT nomination of the Entrepreneur visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include the following:
Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (Subclass 188) Visa – Entrepreneur Stream.
Undertake, or propose to undertake, entrepreneurial activity in the ACT that relates to an innovative idea that will lead to the commercialisation of a product or service or the development of an enterprise or business. The entrepreneurial venture must not be related to residential real estate, labour hire or involve purchasing an existing business or franchise.
The proposed entrepreneurial venture must be viable and of economic benefit to the ACT.
The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (Subclass 888) is a permanent visa for people who invested in Canberra and successfully conducted business or entrepreneurial activity in the ACT for at least two (2) years.
This visa is for successful business people who invested a minimum $200,000 to establish or purchase a business in Australia. If you are seeking ACT 188 A nomination, you must show that the ACT business activity was viable and of economic benefit to the Territory. You must meet the following criteria:
Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) visa (subclass 888)
Provide evidence that you have invested in the ACT and conducted business activity in accordance with the approved ACT business proposal.
Show that you have complied with your ACT nomination obligations to settle in Canberra as the holder of a subclass 188 visa.
This is a permanent visa is for people who invested at least $1.25 million / 5 million in a Complying Significant Investment.
If you are seeking ACT nomination, you must show that the Complying Investment was of economic benefit to the ACT. You must meet the following criteria:
Meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa – Significant Investor stream.
Provide evidence that a proportion (minimum $500,000) of your Complying Investments have been of benefit to the ACT, as required by your ACT nomination.
This is a permanent visa is for successful entrepreneurs in Canberra
If you want to apply for ACT 888 nomination of the Entrepreneur visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include the following:
Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa – Entrepreneur stream.
Demonstrated evidence of undertaking entrepreneurial activity in the ACT that relates to an innovative idea that led to the successful commercialisation of a product or service or the development of an enterprise of business in Canberra. The entrepreneurial venture must not be related to residential real estate, labour hire or involve purchasing an existing business or franchise.
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Disclaimer: Information on this website does not constitute personal migration advice. For a customized migration advice based on your personal circumstances, please call and talk to one of our Immigration Consultants or register your interest with our Associates.
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Copyright © 2021 Atlantis International Pty Ltd - All Rights Reserved
Arwinder Pal Singh RANDHAWA: MARN-1574550