Australian Immigration Daily News

Subclass 190 is designed for skilled visa applicants who have submitted an expression of interest (EoI) in SkillSelect and, after being nominated by a State/Territory government body, have received an invitation to apply for this visa. Subject to receiving an invitation to apply, persons can apply for the subclass 190 visa from in or outside Australia.  Each Australian state and Territory is responsible for managing their 190-visa intake.  This includes management of occupation lists as well as any other additional requirements imposed by the State.

From 29 November 2018, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is replacing the current first-in, first-served system with a merit-based assessment matrix that will moderate supply and demand throughout the year and more effectively address the ACT’s skills needs. The 190 visa subclass will continue to focus on occupations that are listed as ‘in-demand’, and assess a range of factors that support successful settlement and contribution to the ACT economy, such as previous residence and other ties to the ACT, English proficiency, and employment in the ACT.

Impact on existing applicants:

The ACT Government’s current system will go OFFLINE at 4pm (AEST) on Tuesday 27 November 2018 to enable the system to change over to the new rank and select process known as the Canberra Matrix.  Accordingly, any applicants who are yet to submit their nomination should do so prior to system being taken off-line.  If you are a Canberra resident and you start an application for ACT nomination of an ‘open’ occupation, you must submit the application (and pay the service fee) before 4 pm on 27 November 2018.  Any ‘in progress’ applications that have not been submitted (and service fee paid) by 4pm will automatically lapse and cannot be reactivated.

Any applications lodged and paid for before 4pm on Tuesday 27 November will be assessed and finalised under the existing guidelines.  This includes having your occupation on the current skilled occupation list for ACT.

The ACT Occupation List identifies the skills that are currently in demand, or ‘open’ in Canberra. The demand for each occupation is used to determine availability of ACT nomination for that occupation.  While a major analysis of the demand for occupations will be undertaken twice a year (in February and August) the demand for each occupation will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Once it is determined that the demand for an occupation has been met, the occupation will be closed without further notice.

ACT’s site advised that ACT Occupation List is not linked to specific job vacancies and it is not a guarantee of a job in a nominated occupation. You must be satisfied that there are sufficient employment opportunities in your nominated occupation before you apply for ACT nomination.

Full criteria can be found here: http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/portal/migrating/article/skilled-visa-act-190-nomination/

Impact on future applicants:

New guidelines for ACT 190 nomination program reopens to ALL applicants on 29 November 2018.  Applicants can express interest in ACT 190 nomination by completing a score-based Canberra Matrix where they are allocated points for demonstrated economic benefit and/or a genuine commitment to the ACT. 

New applicants must meet the following minimum criteria before being eligible to express an interest in ACT 190 nomination:

• If you hold, or have previously held a student/temporary graduate visa within the last two years:
• You must be resident in Canberra for at least 12 months at time of invitation.
• From 1 July 2019, the minimum ACT residence criteria for student/temporary graduate visa holders will increase to two years.
• You must be working in Canberra for at least three months.
• If you are nominating an ANZSCO Major Occupation Group 1 (Managers) or Group 2 (Professionals) occupation, you must demonstrate a ‘Proficient’ level of English as defined by Home Affairs.
• You must sign a Statutory Declaration committing to continuing to live and work in Canberra for at least two years from date of subclass 190 visa grant

Canberra Matrix score (available on ACT’s website) will be ranked against other expressions of interest received and higher rated candidates invited to apply for ACT 190 nomination. The timing and number of invitations issued may vary according to the economic priorities of the ACT Government, but as a guide, the ranking and issue of invitations will be conducted monthly.

A copy of the matrix can be found here:

http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/workspace/uploads/documents/190-matrix-guidelines-29-nov-18.pdf

In addition to the above, the new ACT Occupation list will come into effect on 29 November 2018.  The ACT Occupation List identifies the skills that are currently in demand in Canberra (for migration purposes). The ACT Occupation List is used to determine the eligibility for ACT support of the following programs:

• ACT nomination of a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa
• Regional Certifying Body support of an Employer Nomination under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. The ACT Occupation List is not linked to specific job vacancies and it is not a guarantee of a job in a nominated occupation.

A success in securing the nomination will depend on employer requirements, relevant skills, experience as well as level of English language ability. New residents generally do not meet the criteria of employers who require citizenship or security clearance.

A copy of the new list can be found here:

http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/workspace/uploads/documents/act-occupation-list-nov-18.pdf

The ACT offers streamlined nomination for holders of a PhD completed at an ACT university. Applicants will benefit from a simplified application process with minimal supporting documentation, priority processing and the removal of the $300 service fee.

The PhD streamlined nomination process will not change on 29 November 2018 when the ACT nomination program reopens to all applicants. You will not have to complete the Canberra matrix, just express your interest in ACT 190 nomination and the invitation to apply will be issued within seven days.

Specific guidelines can be found here:

http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/portal/migrating/article/skilled-visa-act-190-nomination/

Current Processing Times

Applications for ACT nomination - Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa

• Streamlined PhD nomination: the average processing time is 1 week