1. The work requirement has been removed for both Subclass 491 and Subclass 190 applications

– When Subclass 491 and Subclass 190 applicants lodge their matrix, they no longer need to be currently working in their nominated occupation

– The nominated-occupation work experience required for Subclass 491 applications has been reduced to 1 year

–Subclass 190 applications no longer require a job offer in the nominated occupation, but applicants still need 3 years of work experience

2. Lower English language requirement for Subclass 491 applications

Subclass 491 applications now only require four 6s in English (this is also the minimum threshold for skilled migration applications)

3. Partner-related matrix points can now be claimed without a cohabitation certificate

4. More matrix points for relevant work experience

The matrix points claimable for 3-5 years of relevant work experience have increased from 5 to 10

The matrix points claimable for 5-8 years of relevant work experience have increased from 10 to 15

5. The matrix points requirements for holding a local Canberra job offer have been relaxed

So the lodgement requirements for the new Canberra offshore stream are now

Subclass 190 stream:

– Meet the EOI threshold of 65 points (you need to reach 60 points on your own)

– Your nominated occupation is on the Canberra list and you hold a valid skills assessment

– 3 years of full-time relevant work experience in your nominated occupation within the past 5 years

– English of at least four 7s

– Settled offshore and holding no Australian visa (visitor visas excepted), including your partner

Subclass 491 stream

– Meet the EOI threshold of 65 points (you need to reach 50 points on your own)

– Your nominated occupation is on the Canberra list and you hold a valid skills assessment

– 1 year of full-time relevant work experience in your nominated occupation within the past 5 years

– English of at least four 6s

– Settled offshore and holding no Australian visa (visitor visas excepted), including your partner

1. Lower work requirement threshold

– Working hours for Subclass 190 reduced from 35 to 30 hours, and for Subclass 491 from 20 to 15 hours

– The working period no longer needs to be fully continuous: for Subclass 491, 13 weeks within the 15 weeks before lodgement; for Subclass 190, 26 weeks within the 30 weeks before lodgement

2. Lower English language requirement for Subclass 491

Subclass 491 applications now only need four 6s in English to lodge, down from four 7s previously

3. Subclass 482 visa holders can be invited once they reach 60 matrix points

4. More generous residence points in the matrix

– If you are claiming more than 2 years of ACT residence points, you may leave Canberra for up to 12 weeks each year

5. Regarding ACT work-duration points in the matrix:

Time worked near the ACT (for example in QBY) can also be used to claim  ACT residence-duration points, applying in the same way as the previous arrangement of living in QBY while working in the ACT.

But! The ACT matrix lodgement prerequisite has not changed — applicants must still be working in Canberra before submitting their matrix.

6. Relaxed rules for obtaining a second nomination

If you meet the requirements and have a suitable reason, you may apply again and have a chance to obtain another nomination, but only within the same visa category. In other words, if you have obtained a Subclass 491 and then want to switch to a Subclass 190, that is still not allowed.

The ACT Critical Skills List is Canberra’s own designated occupation list, and it already covered most common occupations. This time a total of 128 occupations have been added，with only one occupation removed!

The newly added common occupations include:

actuary

architect

landscape architect

chemical engineer

materials engineer

TESOL

telecommunications engineer

telecommunications network engineer

civil engineering draftsperson (and various other draftsperson roles)

automotive electrician

A few more words: in the 2022-23 financial year, many states competed with one another to lower requirements and attract applicants, in what has been called a “war for talent”.The Canberra state government had already realised before Christmas that it might need to overhaul its policy mid-year to push for this year’s KPIs.

At the time, agents were invited to provide reform recommendations, and Newstarsec–Canberra provided two submissions, one each on the onshore and offshore lodgement rules.

The submissions clearly compared Canberra’s policy with those of other states and, drawing on insights from our consultations and client feedback, put forward a number of practical recommendations. To some extent, these recommendations are reflected in the final form of this reform.

2023 recommendations