Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Immigration Program Guide 2025

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home to Canberra, is one of the most attractive destinations for skilled migrants in Australia. The region boasts a strong economy, a thriving job market, and a high standard of living. Unlike bigger cities like Sydney or Melbourne, Canberra offers a balanced lifestyle with affordable housing, excellent education facilities, and a less crowded urban environment. The ACT Government actively encourages skilled migration to meet labor market needs and ensure continued economic growth.

The ACT Skilled Migration Program is designed to attract talented professionals in key industries such as IT, healthcare, construction, education, and finance. To facilitate migration, the ACT Government offers two primary visa pathways under its nomination program: the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa and the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa. These visas provide skilled workers with the opportunity to live and work in Canberra while enjoying the benefits of Australian residency.

ACT Immigration Program Overview – 2025

The ACT Government nominates skilled workers under two visa categories:

Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Subclass 190 Visa

The Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa is a permanent residency (PR) visa that allows migrants to settle in Canberra indefinitely. This visa is ideal for professionals who want long-term job security and access to all Australian residency benefits.

Benefits of the 190 Visa:

Applicants granted this visa will have full permanent residency (PR) rights, meaning they can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. They will also gain access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, and can sponsor family members for residency. Additionally, after meeting the required stay and residency conditions, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for ACT nomination under the Subclass 190 Visa, applicants must:

• Have an occupation listed on the ACT Critical Skills List.
• Meet the required Canberra Matrix score threshold.
• Demonstrate a commitment to living and working in the ACT.
• Secure a positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation.
• Meet the English language proficiency and work experience requirements.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa

The Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled migrants and their families to live, work, and study in regional areas, including Canberra, for five years. This visa is a stepping stone to permanent residency, as holders can apply for the Subclass 191 PR Visa after three years.

Benefits of the 491 Visa:

The 491 Visa provides a clear pathway to PR while allowing applicants to gain valuable work experience in Australia. Holders receive priority visa processing, making the application process faster. Additionally, after three years of living and working in Canberra, applicants become eligible for permanent residency under the Subclass 191 Visa.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for ACT nomination under the Subclass 491 Visa, applicants must:

• Have an occupation listed on the ACT Critical Skills List.
• Score a minimum of 65 points on the Canberra Matrix.
• Provide evidence of their commitment to residing in Canberra.
• Meet the English language proficiency and work experience requirements.

ACT Nomination Allocation for 2024-2025

This increase reflects the ACT’s strong demand for skilled workers across various sectors. With more nomination places available, skilled migrants have a greater chance of securing a nomination and moving to Canberra.

The Canberra Matrix – How It Works

The Canberra Matrix is a points-based nomination system that determines eligibility for ACT nomination. Unlike Australia’s general points-tested migration system, the Canberra Matrix focuses on factors specific to Canberra’s economic and social needs.

Key Factors Considered in the Canberra Matrix:

• Current Employment – Higher points are awarded to individuals working in critical skill occupations in Canberra.
• Skills & Experience – More points are given for longer work experience in the ACT.
• Education – Higher points are granted for qualifications earned from Canberra-based institutions.
• English Language Proficiency – Higher test scores (IELTS, PTE) improve ranking.
• Commitment to Canberra – Points are given for previous residency, study, or business activities in Canberra.

Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and lodge a Canberra Matrix score application. The highest-ranked applicants receive invitations during regular nomination rounds.

ACT Critical Skills List – What Occupations Are in Demand?

To ensure skilled migration aligns with the labor market needs, the ACT Government maintains an ACT Critical Skills List that outlines the most in-demand occupations in the territory.

Some key occupations currently in high demand include:

• Healthcare & Medical – Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, Aged Care Workers.
• IT & Technology – Software Engineers, Cybersecurity Analysts, IT Business Analysts.
• Education & Childcare – Secondary School Teachers, Early Childhood Educators.
• Engineering & Construction – Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Construction Project Managers.
• Finance & Accounting – Accountants, Financial Analysts, Actuaries.

The Critical Skills List is updated periodically based on workforce demands, so applicants should check the latest updates before applying.

How Peerless Immigration Services Can Help You?

Navigating the ACT Immigration Program can be challenging due to high competition and complex application requirements. Peerless Immigration Services offers expert guidance to maximize your chances of securing an ACT nomination.

Our services include:

• Free Initial Consultation – Assessing your eligibility and Canberra Matrix score.
• Canberra Matrix Submission – Ensuring you maximize your score for a stronger application.
• ACT Nomination Application – Complete documentation and compliance checks.
• Skills Assessment Assistance – Helping you get a positive skills assessment.
• Visa Application & Processing – End-to-end support for Subclass 190 & 491 visa applications.
• Post-Arrival Assistance – Helping with job search, accommodation, and settlement in Canberra.

With years of experience in Australian migration, Peerless Immigration Services ensures a hassle-free process for applicants.

The ACT Immigration Program provides an excellent opportunity for skilled migrants seeking long-term residency in Canberra. With increased nomination places in 2025, it is a great time to apply for ACT nomination. However, due to high competition, seeking professional guidance from Peerless Immigration Services can significantly improve your chances of success and get the Permanent Residency in Australia.