In less than a month of updating their Occupation List, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has closed it nomination program to Overseas Applicant for 2015/16.
The reason cited by the authorities is that program targets for ACT nomination of a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa have been met for the 2015/16 financial year.
The authorities also announced that effective 18 March 2016 at 4:00pm AEST, applications for ACT nomination from overseas residents will not be accepted.
Which means, if you are living overseas, you will not be able to apply for ACT nomination of a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa until the program reopens in July 2016.
However, applications for ACT nomination already submitted before 4:00pm 18 March 2016 will be processed in queue order.
Canberra Residents not affected
This action does not affect Canberra-based applicants. If you are living in Canberra and working in a skilled occupation, the program is still open for you.
You can still apply for ACT nomination of the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa if you meet the current nomination criteria for Canberra residents.
Who is still eligible for the Skilled - Nominated (190) visa?
The Skilled - Nominated (190) visa is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory.
You can still apply for ACT nomination if you are: (1) living overseas; or (2) living in Canberra, subject to additional criteria as outlined below.
- Canberra residents must be employed by an ACT employer in a skilled occupation and demonstrate you have lived in Canberra for three months prior to applying for ACT nomination.
- International graduates from an institution located in another Australian state or territory must be employed fulltime by an ACT employer in your nominated occupation for at least six months.
- You will not meet the ACT’s eligibility criteria for nomination if you are currently living in another Australian state or territory.
- Please note overseas applicants who have lived or studied in another Australian state or territory within the last year may not meet the ACT’s eligibility criteria.
