The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) of Canberra is a vibrant multicultural city with ample opportunities for migrants to build and sustain successful careers. This bustling metropolis has managed to retain its suburban vibe, and continues to be a popular immigration destination for overseas workers and students. In order to permanently live, work or study in Canberra, aspirants can apply for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa.
Under this visa category, skilled workers can be nominated for permanent residence by the government agency of a particular Australian state or territory. Subsequently, nominees must submit a Subclass 190 visa application to the Australian Department of Home Affairs – the authority that determines the final visa outcome.

Those who wish to relocate to Canberra must formally express an interest in ACT nomination, by submitting a score-based ‘Matrix’. Based on the information recorded in the Matrix, points are allocated to each candidate for their demonstrated economic contribution to Canberra and/or commitment towards the ACT community. Candidates are ranked according to their point score.

The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for nomination to ACT under Subclass 190, through regular invitation rounds, which are conducted at two-week intervals. The latest round – conducted on 17th September 2019 – invited 106 candidates, who scored between 130 to 70 points in the Canberra Matrix. With this round, the total number of invitations issued by Canberra in 2019 has reached 4,528. This is an encouraging indication for immigration aspirants.

Within 14 days of receiving the invitation, candidates must submit a complete application, processing fees, and supporting documents that can validate the information based on which points were claimed in the Matrix. At the visa application stage, candidates are required to satisfy all the eligibility requirements of the Department of Home Affairs – including the points test – and submit an Expression of Interest under SkillSelect.

The application procedure is fairly intricate and requires detailed knowledge regarding the ACT occupation list, eligibility requirements, Matrix points system, and DHA selection criteria. This may be overwhelming for an inexperienced applicant. However, under the guidance and expertise of authentic immigration consultants, intending migrants can facilitate a smooth transition to the city of Canberra.