Australian State Sponsored Migration visas provides a great way to immigrate to Australia. This article does not deal with Investor visas but only deal with General Skills pointed tested immigration visas. The options available to you include permanent and temporary Visa options. main Visa subclasses are:
Visa 489 - Skilled — Regional (Provisional) - This visa is closed to new applications
Each state and territory government have their own processes for nomination in addition to the criterian under the Migration Act, the process is complicated and if you do not approach it the correct way the first time, the consequences may be devastating and include possible entry/visa bars to Australia. We recommend that you book an appointment for an assessment.
If you are interested in migrating to Australia and living in Canberra under the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa program, you must formally express an interest in applying for ACT 190 nomination by completing a score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’ where you are allocated points against demonstrated economic contribution or benefit and/or a genuine commitment to be part of the ACT community.
South Australia 2025-26 State Sponsored Migration
To check your eligibility, please fill out the assessment form now.
On this page
- How to apply for a Skilled Migration visa
- What is the Canberra Matrix?
- SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI)
- About the ACT nomination process
- ACT Nomination pathway
How to apply for a Skilled Migration visa
You must be invited to apply for a skilled visa to Australia by either:
- the Commonwealth (Subclass 189 visa)
- a state or territory government (Subclass 491 and 190 visas)
To apply for a Skilled Migration visa, you must first meet a list of general conditions. The conditions include character tests, language skills, age, and health checks.
You must express your interest in migrating to Australia by completing the Home Affairs SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) where you are allocated a points score based on the criteria above. You must score a minimum of 65 points on the Home Affairs Points Test.
The Department of Home Affairs processes visa applications. The ACT Government doesn’t manage the visa process.
What is the Canberra Matrix?
If you’re interested in ACT nomination, you must complete the Canberra Matrix. The online form reflects how your skills can grow the ACT economy, and your commitment to the place we call home.
At least once a month, the ACT Government invites those candidates who rank high enough to apply for ACT 190 or 491 nomination.
SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI)
Before you start the ACT nomination process, you must submit a valid expression of interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. This is an online application process administered by the Department of Home Affairs. If you do not meet the Home Affairs visa criteria you cannot apply for ACT nomination.
If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination, you must continue to meet the Department of Home Affairs visa criteria until your application for ACT nomination is assessed. The ACT cannot confirm a nomination on SkillSelect if you do not meet the Department of Home Affairs visa criteria.
About the ACT nomination process
Registration of interest
You must be invited to apply for ACT nomination. Select an ACT nomination pathway and read the eligibility criteria carefully. Once you are satisfied that you meet the eligibility criteria, you can register your interest in applying for ACT nomination by completing the Canberra Matrix.
ACT Nomination pathway
Canberra residents
To follow this pathway, you must be living in Canberra. Read the eligibility criteria carefully. You cannot apply for ACT nomination if you do not meet the criteria:
- ACT 491 nomination: to follow this pathway, you must be living and working in Canberra for at least three months.
- ACT 190 nomination: to follow this pathway, you must be living and working in Canberra for at least six months.
You cannot apply under this pathway if you are living interstate or overseas; or if any dependents are living and / or working interstate.
Overseas applicants
To follow this pathway, you and any dependents cannot be living in Australia (except children enrolled in an ACT school). Read the eligibility carefully. You cannot apply for ACT nomination if you do not meet the eligibility criteria:
- ACT 491 nomination: to follow this pathway, you must have at least one year relevant experience in your nominated occupation
- ACT 190 nomination: to follow this pathway, you must have at least three years relevant experience in your nominated occupation.
You cannot apply under this pathway if you are living in Australia.
The participating State or Territories are:
— Australia's migration system is complex — Minister [22 Feb 2023]
Each state and territory government have their own processes for nomination in addition to the criterian under the Migration Act, the process is complicated and if you do not approach it the correct way the first time, the consequences may be devastating and include possible entry/visa bars to Australia. We recommend that you book an appointment for an assessment.
