Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

GSM nomination program 2024/2025

The Australian Government has allocated 1,800 nomination places to the ACT for the 2024-25 program year which consists of 1000 places for the Skilled Nominated subclass 190 visa and 800 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 visa.  

Invitation rounds are generally held monthly, and the demand far exceeds the allocation of places and there is no guarantee that applicants will be invited to apply for ACT nomination, even if eligibility criteria has been met.

Nomination criteria - overseas applicants

If you want to apply for ACT nomination you must meet the following criteria at the date you submit the Canberra Matrix – click here for the latest invitation round -  ACT matrix

Nominated occupation must be on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.

Applicants can register an interest in applying for ACT nomination by completing a score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’ form and applicants who rank high enough will be invited to apply for ACT nomination.

Valid skills assessment and evidence of competence in English unless a higher level is required by the assessing authority.

At least 3 years full time, post graduate work experience in your nominated occupation in the last 5 years' for subclass 190 and 1 year for subclass 491. The work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing body in your points tested skill assessment (if the points advice service is provided by the assessing body).

Statement demonstrating that your research shows you are employable in Canberra including evidence of recent job vacancies in your nominated occupation and if applicable hold relevant Australian registration or licence for your nominated occupation where applicable

Must live and work in Canberra for at least two years from the date of arrival in Canberra and issue a statement explaining why you want to live in Canberra and have not lived elsewhere in Australia for the last 12 months.

Must have access to sufficient money to fund your migration and settlement in Canberra.

Nomination Service fee – A$300

The Australian CapitalTerritory is located wholly within the state of New South Wales. The area of land makes up the ACT (2,358 square km) was transferred to the Commonwealth by the state of New South Wales in 1911.

Canberra

Canberra was named the National Capital in 1913 and is located is nearly 300km from Sydney and some 650km from Melbourne.  A planned city, Canberra is laid out around an artificial lake, Lake Burley Griffin. The Territory became self-governing in 1989. National government remains its main industry, but private sector employment has expanded and includes production of sophisticated scientific and communications equipment, and computer software.

Canberra has a population of 358,000 and stands around 1,900 feet (580 meters) above sea level, and highlands in the area reach 5,000 feet (1,500 meters). Canberra is Australia’s largest inland city and is a modern city with a cosmopolitan feel offering a clean environment, low crime rate and some of Australia’s best roads with hundreds of kilometres of bike paths. The city has many of Australia’s treasures housed in the National Art Gallery, National Museum, the National Library, the National Archives and many more.

Canberra is home to the Australian Public Service (APS) and is the biggest employer with over 20,000 people employed across a wide range of jobs. It is important to note, however, that employment with the APS will usually require Australian citizenship particularly where security clearance is required.Defence and security are among Canberra’s largest industry sectors and over 13,000 military and defence-civilian personnel are located in the capital region. The Department of Defence is based in Canberra along with the Royal Military College and Australian Defence Force Academy. Canberra’s ICT sector employs around 8,000 people and is made up of over 1,000 businesses ranging from multinationals down to micro businesses. Many ICT jobs will require Australian citizenship if employment is related to the APS. Tourism is the largest private sector segment of the ACT economy and with 7,000 tourism related businesses offers great employment opportunities on a casual, part-time and full-time basis.

If you are interested in moving to the ACT, please contact Concept Australia to discuss your visa options:

London/Kent Office

Kingfisher House
21-23 Elmfield Road
Bromley
Kent
BR1 1LT

Telephone: 020 8315 6700 or email: info@conceptaustralia.co.uk

Office hours - Monday to Friday from 09:00 -17:00