Attention all applicants planning to apply for ACT 190/491 nomination! Whether you're applying onshore or offshore, understanding these core requirements is crucial – without this knowledge, completing the Matrix will be futile.

Visa Type Comparison

Subclass 190 Visa

A permanent residency visa granting immediate PR status.

Requires a 2-year commitment to live in the ACT:

Onshore applicants: Counted from the date of 190 visa grant.

Offshore applicants: Counted from the first arrival in Canberra.

Onshore requirements: 6 months of residency + 26 weeks of work (30 hrs/week) in Australia.

Offshore focus: Relevance of overseas work experience (minimum 3 years).

Subclass 491 Visa

A 5-year temporary visa requiring living/working in designated regional areas (including ACT).

Same 2-year residency commitment as above.

Key advantage for onshore applicants: Lower thresholds (3 months residency + 13 weeks work).

Reduced offshore work experience requirement (1 year).

Application Process Explained

Submit Canberra Matrix
Points are awarded based on:

Skilled employment experience

English proficiency

Educational qualifications

Duration of ACT residency/study

Investment activities

Close family ties in ACT

Matrix Selection Mechanism

Points-based priority: Higher-ranked applications receive invitations first.

Tie-breaker: Earlier submission time for equal scores.

Onshore applicants: Only occupations on the ACT list are selected, ranked by points.

457/482 visa holders: 60+ points guarantee invitation (491 prioritized).

Small business owners: Ranked by points with selective invitations.

Offshore applicants: Ranked by occupational groups, with top-scoring applicants per group invited.

Priority sectors: Healthcare, education, construction, IT, and social work receive additional advantages.

491 priority: The system prioritizes 491 over 190 applications.

Critical Reminders

PhD Pathway: Automatic invitation after Matrix submission (no points test required).

Matrix submission is final: No modifications or withdrawals allowed. Changes require resubmission (affecting ranking time).

14-day deadline: After invitation, applicants must submit formal application and pay $300 service fee within 14 days.

60-day visa lodgement: After nomination approval, applicants have 60 days to submit visa application to immigration authorities.

Single nomination chance: Accepting a 491 nomination disqualifies applicants from later 190 applications – choose carefully!

Conclusion & Recommendations

If you're preparing an application, we advise:
✅ Accumulate local residency and work experience early
✅ Prioritize 491 nomination to enhance invitation chances
✅ Ensure all documents are authentic and EOI information is accurate