The ACT Occupation List defines the abilities presently in demand in Canberra (for skilled migration purposes). The ACT Occupancy List is used to determine the eligibility of the following programs for ACT assistance:

1. 
   ACT Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) Visa appointment. By finishing the Canberra Matrix, you can express interest in the nomination of ACT 190 even if the nominated occupation is closed. However, in the nominated occupation category, only open occupations will help you to earn points.
2. 
   Regional Certifying Body support of an Employer Nomination under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. The ACT Occupancy List is not associated with particular work vacancies and is not a work guarantee in a nominated job. Before applying for an ACT nomination, you must be satisfied that there are enough job opportunities in your nominated occupation. As part of a standard selection process, you will compete for job vacancies with all individuals on the labor market. While a significant assessment of occupational demand will usually be carried out twice a year (in February and August), the demand for each occupation will be continuously evaluated. The occupation will be closed without further notice once it is determined that the demand for an occupation has been met.

If your occupation is closed, you cannot claim Canberra Matrix points in the ‘Nominated Occupation’ category.

Canberra Resident: 491 nomination eligibility

The current ACT nomination eligibility criteria will apply to 491 nominations from 1 January 2020, including:

Minimum three months ACT residence immediately before the date of Matrix submission and continuing until date of any invitation. Residence is defined as living and settled in Canberra. Visiting Canberra for short periods does not meet the residence criteria.

Three months continuous employment (minimum 20hrs per week) immediately prior to matrix submission.

Canberra Resident: 190 nomination eligibility

New ACT nomination eligibility criteria will apply to 190 nominations from 1 January 2020, including:

Six months fulltime (minimum 35 hours pw) continuous paid employment in Canberra at date of matrix submission

Must meet one of the following three criterion:

1. Nominated occupation is open on the ACT Occupation List (don’t forget the caveats)
2. Primary 457 / 482 visa holder sponsored by an ACT employer (at least 1 year visa validity at date of Matrix)
3. Five years continuous ACT residence at date of Matrix submission.

Canberra resident eligibility criteria: changes in common to 190 and 491 nomination

Highly skilled employment- Skill Level category: minimum taxable income must be no less than $50,000 per annum; or $26 per hour (excluding casual loading) for part time / casual employment. Employer must be actively operating in the ACT for at least one

Matrix score claim – Skill level: skilled employment must be recorded on SkillSelect EOI.

Spouse employment: minimum competent English for ALL claims in this category; skill assessment required for working in open occupation claim.

Overseas applicants: 491 nomination

The current ACT nomination eligibility criteria will apply to 491 nominations from 1 January 2020.

Overseas applicants: 190 nomination

Your clients must meet one of the following two criterion:

1. A minimum one year ACT employment contract in an ‘open’ nominated occupation. The employment must be with an Australian medium to large enterprise (50 plus employees) located in the ACT; or an academic appointment at an ACT tertiary institution.
2. At least five years previous ACT residence within the last eight years. The ACT residence must be continuous until the date of departure from Australia. The nominated occupation may be open or closed on the ACT occupation List.

Overseas applicant – changes in common to 191 and 491 criteria

Eligibility:

You must be overseas at date of Matrix submission and, if ranked and invited to apply for ACT nomination, you must be overseas at date of application for ACT nomination.

Matrix Category: Relevant work experience

Any claim for length of work experience must be evidenced with a current Skill Assessment with point’s advice showing dates of the relevant work experience assessed.

The work experience must also be recorded on the SkillSelect

10 years continuous relevant work experience in the nominated occupation: 20 Matrix points

Spouse / partner employment: Skill assessment relevant to current ‘Open’ occupation (caveats may apply) is now mandatory.