Skills Canberra has sent out updates regarding its migration policies for the new migration year. It is confirmed that the ACT nomination guidelines will be published on Monday 5th July 2021.
In the 2020-21 Migration year, ACT was provided with 1400 allocation of nomination places. The allocations were met by mid-June 2021 with an average of 200 approvals per month throughout the year.
Allocation of ACT Nomination Places
· Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa – 1400 places
· Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa – 600 places
Skills Canberra expects that 190 matrix to have a very high rank in 2021-22 before an invitation is issued e.g. 85 points plus. At this stage in the year, the 491 rank will not go below 65.
We also note that the office has over 1500 eligible 491 Matrix with 65 plus points in the queue, and over 700 190 Matrix in the queue with 85 points plus, though the majority of there are accountants.
It is expected that invitations will be issued normally on a Friday morning and on average 165 approvals per month, prorate against the 2000 allocation.
What’s New?
The new ACT nomination guideline includes a number of changes. Most significantly a new 491 / 190 nomination pathway ‘Small Business Owner’ is added, which is expected to go live on Monday 5 July.
Other changes are made to Matrix assessment criteria. This includes the addition of small business owner category; tightening of spouse/employment category and changes to assets in Canberra category.
Are you eligible for ACT nomination?
There are three pathways available under ACT nomination for the 190/491 visas.
Nomination pathway: you must meet one of the following three options:
- Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
- You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer:
- You are working in your nominated occupation in Canberra for the sponsoring ACT employer for at least six months as the holder of a 457/482 visa.
- Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List.
- You are the majority owner of a eligible registered business located in the ACT and you are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category.
- The following business types are not eligible: sole trader, sub tenancy, ride-share, taxi, delivery, courier services or an on-sold business previously used to qualify for ACT nomination.
- Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List.
What is the Next Step?
Have your eligibility assessed asap. If you are eligible for ACT nomination, you should prepare and lodge your expression of interest and MATRIX as soon as possible as these nominations are in high demand.
Please contact our team for a complimentary consultation to discuss your eligibility and assist with the next steps.
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