ACT Nomination Guidelines Simplified.

Zhanna Heenan

Visa News

Recent ACT Government changes to the Canberra matrix will make it easier for applicants in or outside of Australia to access a SC 190 or 491 visa pathway and here is why.

Through consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the Migration Institute of Australia, the ACT government has reviewed and updated the ACT Nomination Guidelines. These changes were predominantly driven by continuing skills shortages in the ACT.

The updates focus on making it easier for prospective migrants to apply for ACT nomination. They include clarifying language and current policies where necessary.

Below is a summary of the key changes for our clients’ easy reference. This list only includes key policy changes, it does not include instances where language has been adjusted to clarify current policy settings. Please note, it is a summary only.

One significant key change to the Canberra Matrix scoring for overseas applicants is the change in the ‘relevant overseas work experience’ category. Applicants who have submitted a Canberra Matrix and can now claim additional points are encouraged to submit a new Canberra Matrix.

Summary of key changes to the ACT Nomination Guidelines for Canberra Residents

  1. Employment Criteria have been eased for ACT nomination of a 491 and 190 visa.
  1. The minimum required English level has been lowered for those applicants applying for ACT Nomination for a 491 visa.
  1. The minimum threshold for 482 visa holders has been reduced.
  1. Applicants can claim Matrix points for length of ACT residence when they have been away from Canberra for more than six weeks under certain conditions.
  1. Applicants can claim Canberra Matrix points for the length of ACT residence when they have previously worked in Regional NSW (within commuting distance from the ACT) while living in the ACT.
  1. The renomination policy has been amended.

Summary of key changes to the ACT Nomination Guidelines for Overseas Residents

  1. Employment Criteria have been eased for ACT nomination of a 491 and 190 visa:
  1. The minimum required English level has been lowered for those applicants applying for ACT Nomination for a 491 visa.
  1. Relationship requirements for overseas applicants have been adjusted.
  1. Points awarded for relevant overseas work experience have been adjusted.
  1. The criteria to claim points for an ACT job offer have been amended.
  1. Criteria to claim points for a spouse or partner’s employment have been amended.
  1. The renomination policy has been amended.

The newly updated guidelines are expected to be released between 24 April and 28 April 2023 and will take immediate effect once they are published on the ACT Migration official website. It is important to note that the previous policy will not be applied retroactively. This means that a Canberra Matrix submitted in the last six months will be assessed against the new ACT Nomination Guidelines.

The changes made to the guidelines will make it easier to apply for ACT nomination. As such, clients waiting in the queue are unlikely to be negatively impacted. Applications that were refused where a decision has been made after 20 March 2023 that would have been approved were the new guidelines in effect, can submit a request for reconsideration.

ACT Government advises that this is an initial easement of the ACT nomination guidelines. Further changes may follow depending on the impact of these revised guidelines and next year’s allocation. They will endeavour to provide migrants with as much notice as possible, but changes may occur at short notice.

If you believe you have been impacted by the new changes or wish to learn how these new guidelines will apply to your future ACT Nomination application, book an appointment today. Our registered migration agents are ready to assist you.

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