Instagram Facebook Youtube Linkedin Tiktok
Jade Immigration Lawyer logo with a green and orange design.

Australian Capital Territory Migration

Home >

Australian Capital Territory Migration

Australian Capital Territory Migration

Why Choose ACT (Canberra) for Migration?

Canberra—the heart of Australian policy, education, and innovation—is one of the most popular state-nomination programs for skilled migrants seeking PR. ACT migration advantages:

  • Strong nomination quotas: 1,000 (190) and 800 (491) seats for 2024-25
  • The ACT Matrix: Unique points system ranking you on employability, local study, occupation, English, partner, settlement funds, and more
  • Welcoming for international graduates and regional professionals
  • Highest full-time employment rate in Australia (ABS 2025)
  • One of Australia’s fastest nomination processing cycles (4–8 weeks after each Matrix round)
  • Global city with affordable living, world-class universities, and PR pathways for both city and regional migrants
Book a Consultation
1. ACT State Nomination Program

Visa

Key facts

PR outcome

190 Skilled Nominated

Permanent PR; +5 points for ACT nomination

Immediate PR

491 Skilled Work Regional

5-year provisional; live/work in Canberra/ACT; +15 points

PR via subclass 191 after 3 yrs

ACT nomination is required—points alone are not enough; your Matrix ranking determines if/when you’ll be invited.

2. The ACT Matrix – How it works
Unlike other states, ACT uses its own “Canberra Matrix”—a detailed points system (up to 320 points) assessing:
  • Occupation (in-demand roles ranked higher)
  • ACT employment (duration, contract hours, skill level)
  • ACT study (recent education at Canberra institutions)
  • English proficiency
  • Partner’s skills/English
  • Settlement funds
  • Close family links or long-term commitment to the ACT
3. Eligibility Overview
  • Age: under 45 at nomination
  • Points: 65+ for Home Affairs test plus Matrix score (minimum 60 Matrix points for most rounds)
  • Skills assessment: Positive outcome for an occupation on the ACT Critical Skills List
  • English: Competent English (or higher if required for registration/licensing)
  • Commitment: Genuine plan to live/work in Canberra for 2 years after PR grant

4. Major Nomination Streams

Stream

Who is eligible?

Key requirements

ACT Resident

Living and working/studying in ACT

3–6 months ACT residence, 3–6 months ACT employment or study, Matrix ranking

International Graduate

Graduated from ACT institution

Recent ACT study, Matrix points, occupation on ACT list

Overseas Applicant

Living outside Australia

Job offer in ACT, high-demand occupation, Matrix ranking

Each stream has its own Matrix and invitation thresholds.

5. Canberra Occupation List & Critical Demand

  • Occupation update: ~180 critical demand occupations (health, STEM, construction, teaching, trade, ICT, hospitality)
  • Sectors with fastest invitation rates: Health (nursing/allied), IT, early childhood, construction project management, hospitality (chefs, managers)

6. Application Steps

  1. Check ACT Critical Skills List for eligibility
  2. Submit SkillSelect EOI (ACT as first preference)
  3. Register in the Canberra Matrix system (all evidence ready)
  4. Wait for invitation round 
  5. Lodge full nomination application within 14 days of invite
  6. After approval, apply for 190 or 491 visa with Home Affairs

Need help with ACT nomination?

Our migration lawyers guide you through ACT skilled visas and PR strategies—from skills assessment to final grant.

🚀 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

Book a Consultation

Related Pages

Get Your Question Answered

Practice Areas

Partner Visas
Family and Parent Visas
Work Related Visas
Waivers and Exemptions
Visa Refusal and Cancellation
Citizenship

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Migration services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us. 

How are Canberra Matrix points calculated?

Each applicant is ranked on employment, occupation, English, partner skills, local study, and commitment. Matrix points are public and transparent—see the official Matrix calculator.

How competitive is ACT nomination?

Popular occupations (IT, construction, health) require higher Matrix points. Regional/graduate streams have lower cut-offs.

Are offshore applicants eligible?

Yes—with a job offer in ACT and occupation on the Critical Skills List.