Skilled migration programs can help you live and work in Canberra.
A warm welcome to the Canberra workforce
If you’re a skilled migrant, welcome. Our city is diverse, inclusive and proud to support global talent.
We’re building more than a skilled workforce in Canberra. Our community suits bright minds and big ideas.
You need a valid visa to work in Canberra
If you want to migrate to live, work, or study in Canberra, you need a visa.
You may be eligible for a Skilled Migration visa. These visas help Australian employers fill jobs where there is more demand than supply of skilled workers.
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.
Skilled Migration visas to work in Canberra
The ACT Government offers Territory nomination under the following skilled migration streams:
If the ACT Government nominates your visa, you must commit to living and working in Canberra for at least 2 years.
190 visas
190 visas give skilled workers the right to live, work and study anywhere in Australia. The 190 visa is permanent. This means you can stay in Australia as long as you like.
491 visas
491 visas give skilled workers the right to live, work and study in regional Australia. The 491 visa allows stays of up to 5 years in regional cities like ours.
The ACT Government’s role in skilled migration
Australian government agencies can nominate you as a skilled migrant. This includes the ACT Government.
The ACT Government doesn’t process or approve work visas. Even if they nominate you, the Department of Home Affairs makes visa decisions.
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.
Each month, the ACT Government invites the highest-ranked candidates to apply for ACT 190 or 491 nomination.
Learn more about the ACT Government’s role in the skilled migration process.
Sponsorship by an employer
An Australian employer can apply to sponsor your Skilled Migration visa.
For more details, refer to our page on Skilled and business migration.
Support from a migration agent
Migration can be complex.
If you’d love to join us in Canberra, talk to a migration agent. They can check if you’re eligible to apply for a work visa and help you to apply.
Learn more about skilled migration from the Department of Home Affairs.
Learn more about the ACT Government’s role in skilled migration.
