Migrate to Canberra: ACT State Nomination Pathways (Subclass 190 & 491)

Explore the best state nomination options based on your profile. Compare visa streams, eligibility, and pathways for permanent residency (PR) across ACT.

ACT State Nomination at a Glance

A brief summary of the key ACT State Nomination details

📍Territory	Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
🧾Visa Subclasses	Subclass 190 (PR), Subclass 491 (Provisional)
📝Nominated By	ACT Government (State Nomination)
🌏Target Group	Onshore professionals, graduates, and critical workers
⏳Processing Time	3–6 weeks (after ROI submission)
💼Job Offer	Not mandatory (but advantageous)
📅Occupation List	ACT Critical Skills List
🏆PR Pathway	Subclass 190: Direct PR after nomination. Subclass 491: Provisional PR with pathway to Subclass 191 for permanent residency.
🔢Points Test	Minimum 65 points required
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Family Inclusion	Family members can be included in the application

Welcome to the ACT State Nomination Page!

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) offers great opportunities for skilled professionals to gain permanent residency (PR) through the
Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas.

Whether you’re already residing in ACT or planning to move, this guide provides an easy-to-follow overview of the ACT State Nomination process, including eligibility criteria, visa streams, required documents, and PR pathways.

Start your journey towards permanent residency in ACT today!

Who Should Consider ACT Nomination?
& ACT Nomination Streams Explained

Who Should Consider ACT Nomination?

Onshore professionals working in ACT

International graduates from ACT institutions

Critical skill workers with ACT job offers

Offshore applicants with ACT Matrix invitation

ACT Nomination Streams Explained

ACT 491 Nomination: Provisional PR with regional incentives for applicants willing to live and work in regional areas.

ACT 190 Nomination: Permanent residency based on high Matrix ranking and state nomination.

Graduate Stream: For recent ACT graduates who have lived and studied in the territory.

Overseas Applicants: Limited stream based on occupation and Matrix score for applicants outside Australia.

Understanding the ACT Matrix Points System

Points are awarded based on:

Employment in ACT

English language proficiency

Length of stay in ACT

Partner’s skills and employment

ACT study history

ACT Nomination Eligibility Checklist
& Required Documents for ACT Nomination

Eligibility Checklist:

Must meet Department of Home Affairs baseline criteria ( skills assessment, English test requirements , 65+ points (Points Test) ).

Valid passport and identity documents

Commitment to stay in ACT for 2 years post-visa grant.

ACT employment or residency (onshore)

ACT ROI and Matrix submission completed

Required Documents:

Skills assessment (valid and relevant to your occupation)

ROI submission confirmation

Matrix score snapshot

Proof of ACT residence/employment (for onshore applicants)

Commitment statement to live and work in ACT

Passport and ID

Regional Eligibility – Where You Must Live

The entire ACT region is eligible for Subclass 491.

📍 View ACT Postcode Eligibility Map

🔍 Step-by-Step ACT Nomination Application Process

Check ACT Critical Skills List

Prepare documents and ROI details

Submit ACT Registration of Interest (ROI)

Await invitation based on Matrix score

Lodge visa application via DHA portal

Subclass 190 & 491 Application Guide PDF

ACT Nomination Red Flags & Expert Tips

Red Flags:

Employment outside ACT does not count toward Matrix points

Expert Tips:

Longer ACT residence increases Matrix rank

Upload complete documents at ROI stage to avoid delays

Partner’s skills and English can boost score significantly

Essential ACT Support Document Packs & Family Inclusion

Support Document Packs

ACT ROI Checklist

ACT Matrix Guide

ACT Occupation List PDF

ACT Nomination Explainer Slides

Bringing Your Family on ACT Nomination

Partners and dependent children can be included.

Subclass 491 visa offers Medicare + school access in ACT.

BVA/BVB considerations for onshore transitions.

ACT vs Other States – Comparison Table

State	Visa Streams	PR Pathway	Points Test	Processing Time	Family Inclusion	Nomination Type
ACT	Subclass 190, Subclass 491	Direct PR (190)	Yes (65+ points)	3–6 weeks	Yes	EOI, ROI
VIC	Subclass 190, Subclass 491	Direct PR (190)	Yes (65+ points)	4–8 months	Yes	EOI, ROI
NSW	Subclass 190, Subclass 491	Direct PR (190)	Yes (65+ points)	6–9 months	Yes	EOI, ROI
QLD	Subclass 190, Subclass 491	PR via Subclass 191	Yes (65+ points)	5–9 months	Yes	EOI, ROI

❓FAQs

What is the Canberra Matrix and how does it affect ACT State Nomination?

The Canberra Matrix
is ACT’s unique points-based ranking system used to select applicants for the ACT 190 and ACT 491 visa nominations. Points are awarded for ACT residence, employment, English, qualifications, partner skills, and community contribution. Higher-ranked applicants are invited in regular rounds under the

ACT State Nomination
program.

What are the main requirements for ACT 190 and ACT 491 nomination?

To qualify for ACT 190 or ACT 491 nomination, applicants generally must:

Have a valid skills assessment in an eligible occupation
Meet English language requirements
Score competitively on the Canberra Matrix
Meet ACT residence or employment criteria (depending on stream)
Commit to living and working in the ACT

ACT also offers dedicated streams for onshore graduates, workers, and small business owners, as outlined on the ACT State Nomination Pathways (Subclass 190 & 491) page.

an offshore applicants apply for ACT State Nomination?

Yes. ACT offers an offshore stream for selected occupations on the ACT Critical Skills List. Offshore applicants must demonstrate employability, strong English skills, and high Matrix scores to remain competitive in invitation rounds under the

ACT State Nomination program.

How many points do I need on the Canberra Matrix to receive an invitation?

There is no fixed cut-off score, as it changes each invitation round. However, applicants with higher Canberra Matrix scores, recent ACT employment, and occupations on the ACT Critical Skills List generally have a better chance of selection.

Is a job offer required for ACT State Nomination

A job offer is not mandatory for all streams, but applicants who are employed in the ACT or who have an ACT job offer often receive higher Matrix points, which can increase their likelihood of ACT State Nomination .

How long does ACT State Nomination take?

Processing time varies, but most ACT nominations are processed within 4–8 weeks after invitation.

ACT State Nomination
invitation rounds typically occur regularly (often monthly), depending on program quotas and demand.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.