ACT Nomination 190 and 491 Visa for Overseas Applicants

Suman Dua MARN 1800859May 24, 20233 min read

In this blog post, we will discuss ACT Nomination 190 and 491 Visa's updated criteria for overseas applicants.

Suppose you want to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Regional Work (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) as an Overseas resident. In that case, you must meet the following criteria at the date you submit the Canberra Matrix:

Home Affairs criteria require you to:

• Have a points-test result of 65 or higher, inclusive of state nomination points;

• Have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation;

• Be under 45 years of age;

• Meet the minimum English language requirement of competent unless your assessing authority requires a higher level;

• Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.

• You have at least one year of full-time, post-graduate work experience in your nominated occupation in the last five years for the 491 nominations.

• If you are considering 190 nominations, you must have at least three years of full-time, post-graduate work experience in your nominated occupation in the last five years.

• The work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing body in your points-tested skill assessment (if the assessing body provides the points advice service).

• Your skills and experience in the nominated occupation are relevant to the ACT economy.

If required, you hold the relevant Australian registration or licensing for your nominated occupation.

For the 491 nominations, You must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'competent' English unless your assessing authority requires a higher level.

For the 190 nominations: you must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'Proficient' or 'Superior' English unless your nominated occupation:

• Is Chef 351311, or,

• Has an ANZSCO skill level of 3 to 5.

ACT Nomination 190 and 491 Visa: ACT Employability

You must have researched the ACT labor market and are satisfied that you are employable in Canberra and that your background is relevant to the ACT economy. Please note you may not be eligible to apply for positions within the Australian Government due to citizenship/security clearance requirements.

• You must attach an employment statement explaining the research undertaken and confirming that you are employable in Canberra. The statement should include recent job vacancies you are eligible for.

ACT Nomination 190 and 491 Visa: Commitment to Canberra

You must have researched Canberra and are committed to living in the ACT.

• You must attach a commitment statement to the application, explaining in your own words why you want to live in Canberra.

• You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra for at least two years from arriving in Australia.

ACT Nomination 190 and 491 Visa: Residency

You and any migrating dependents (except children enrolled at school in the ACT):

• Are living overseas.

• Have not lived in Australia for the last 12 months.

• Do not hold a current Australian visa (or bridging visa) except an Australian visitor visa.

ACT Nomination 190 and 491 Visa: Settlement Funds

You must have access to sufficient money to fund your migration and settlement in Canberra.

If you wish to claim any Matrix points for a Spouse / Partner

• You must have proof of the relationship, either a marriage certificate or a civil partnership/union certificate. For ACT nomination purposes, we only accept a de facto relationship with a relationship certificate if you cannot legally obtain a relationship certificate in your country of residence.

• In the spouse/partner employment category, your spouse/partner must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for 'competent' English; or hold an Australian passport.

If you currently reside overseas and have your occupation open in Canberra, you may book a consultation with me through our website.