ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List

ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (commonly known as ACT Critical Skills List) is the backbone of skilled migrants who aim to acquire Permanent Residency in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The list managed by the ACT government identifies the specializations needed to cater to economic shortages in health, infrastructure, cyber security, education, and professional services in the region.

Understanding the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List helps the eligible migrants gain a state nomination through two top visa categories -

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) - Offers instant direct PR which gives you 5 extra points in your federal score and you are bound to stay and work in Canberra for 2 years.

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) - Gives you 15 extra points in your points-based assessment and a provisional visa which stays valid for 5 years before obtaining PR (subclass 191) after living in regional territories including Canberra.

Before evaluating your Canberra-specific nomination, check out federal demand requirements in all other states by looking at the Australia Skilled Occupation List to determine occupational viability and authority requirements.

Understanding the Canberra Matrix Scoring System

While states with a purely federal point testing system assess candidates for nominations, Canberra has its own point system known as the Canberra Matrix.

Applicants have to fill out a Canberra Matrix application in which points are granted according to:

• Length of Canberra residence (in case you are on shore)
• Level of English language proficiency (Superior or Proficient English)
• Occupation match to the ACT Critical Skills List  
• Experience and income of employment in the occupation
• Qualifications obtained in the ACT or Australia
• Employability, qualification and English language proficiency of spouse or de facto partner

Those who score maximum points under the Canberra Matrix in their occupational group are invited by the ACT Government to nominate for ACT State Nomination.

Onshore vs. Offshore Streams for ACT Nomination

The ACT nominated migration stream has two different eligibility pathways according to your location -

1. Pathway for Applicants Currently Residing and Working in the ACT - Subclass 190 applicants usually have to prove a period of at least 6 months of continual residency and employment, while Subclass 491 applicants need to provide proof of 3 months residency along with either part-time or full-time work.
2. ACT Overseas Applicant Stream - Applicable to internationally recognized talent that resides overseas. Applicants have to prove substantial work experience post qualification in ANZSCO code, good job prospects and meet ACT settlement funds requirements.

Priority Sectors in ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List

Given below is a summary of priority occupations, their ANZSCO code equivalence, assessing authority, and eligibility under the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List -

Priority Sector	Occupation Name	ANZSCO Code	Subclass 190 Eligibility	Subclass 491 Eligibility	Assessing Authority
Information Tech	ICT Security Specialist	262112	Eligible	Eligible	ACS
Information Tech	Software Engineer	261313	Eligible	Eligible	ACS
Information Tech	Computer Network & Systems Engineer	263111	Eligible	Eligible	ACS
Engineering	Civil Engineer	233211	Eligible	Eligible	Engineers Australia
Engineering	Mechanical Engineer	233512	Eligible	Eligible	Engineers Australia
Healthcare	Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)	254425	Eligible	Eligible	ANMAC
Healthcare	Social Worker	272511	Eligible	Eligible	AASW
Construction & Trades	Construction Project Manager	133111	Eligible	Eligible	VETASSESS
Construction & Trades	Electrician (General)	341111	Eligible	Eligible	TRA
Construction & Trades	Project Builder	133112	Restricted	Eligible (491 Only)	VETASSESS

Criteria for Core Eligibility for ACT State Nomination

Applicants have to meet the following eligibility criteria in order to get an invitation and claim points on the Canberra Matrix -

• Positive Skills Assessment - A formally issued valid result from the authorized body corresponding to the nominated ANZSCO code.

• Department of Home Affairs Points Test - Score at least 65 points on the national SkillSelect matrix including state nomination points.

• English Language - Demonstrate basic Competent English language skills, nevertheless, significant ANZSCO Groups 1 (Managers) and 2 (Professionals) frequently require Proficient or Superior English as a prerequisite.

• Age Limit - Under 45 years old at the moment of formal nomination.

• Genuineness of Intention to Settle in Canberra - Submit documentation demonstrating a genuine intention to reside and work in the ACT for at least two years following visa approval.

Step by Step ACT Nomination Process

1. Check Occupational Demand - Ensure your occupation is on the list of occupations required by the ACT Nominated Migration Program.
2. Make SkillSelect EOI - Make and submit an Expression of Interest through the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system as interested in the ACT for the Subclass 190 Visa Canberra or Subclass 491 Visa ACT.
3. Apply Canberra Matrix - Login to the ACT Government website, calculate your points and submit your Matrix application.
4. ACT Nomination Invitation - If your Matrix score qualifies under that round, you will be offered an invitation to apply for ACT State Nomination within 14 days.
5. Apply for Nomination - Submit supporting documents (proof of work contract, payslip, bank statement, and skill assessment). 
6. Final Visa Application to Home Affairs - After receiving approval, you will get either 5 or 15 nomination points and then submit your visa application in ImmiAccount within 60 days.

Why Sernexuss for Australian Immigration

Getting your state nomination through Canberra’s points-based system requires precise calculation of the Matrix, verification of all documents, and proper matching of your job with ANZSCO. At Sernexuss, our professional migration consultants have knowledge about immigration laws of all states.

Whether you are being assessed against the Australia Skilled Occupation List or managing your SkillSelect EOI and Canberra Matrix Score, Sernexus provides you with end-to-end support. Book an evaluation of your profile with our dedicated migration experts now and start your journey towards Australian Permanent Residency.