If you would like to migrate to Canberra and you have an occupation that is in demand in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the ACT Government may be interested in sponsoring your skilled independent migration application. The ACT Government seeks quality applications for sponsorship from skilled migrants who have an occupation on the ACT 'Skills in Demand' list and a demonstrated commitment to living and working in Canberra. The ACT Government, through the 'Skills in Demand' list, has determined which skills are in short supply and where skill shortages are occurring in Canberra.

 Skilled-Sponsored Subclass 176 and 886 Visas

The Skilled-Sponsored Visas are designed to help overcome skill shortages by helping some migrants to settle in parts of Australia where their skills and abilities are in demand. The scheme enables the ACT Government to sponsor skilled migrants who have:

• an occupation on the ACT ‘Skills in Demand’ list; and
• a demonstrated commitment to living and working in Canberra  

Applicants living outside of Australia may apply for ACT Government sponsorship under the Skilled-Sponsored (Subclass 176) Visa.

Applicants living in Canberra may apply for ACT Government sponsorship under the Skilled-Sponsored (Subclass 886) Visa.

 Skill Matching Visa Subclass 134

The Skill Matching Visa has been designed to help the ACT Government overcome skill shortages by sponsoring some migrants to settle in Canberra when their skills and abilities are in demand. An English language concession is available for this visa. Applicants who can demonstrate that they have lodged a skill matching visa application with DIAC before 1 September 2007 may apply for Subclass
134 sponsorship.

 Download

• ACT 'Skills in Demand' List ( 25.5 Kb)

If you have an occupation on the ACT 'Skills in Demand' list, the following links provide information and guidelines on how to lodge an application for ACT Government sponsorship under the Skilled-Sponsored Visa. The ACT 'Skills in Demand' list has been updated as of 21 November 2006.

 Guidelines

• Skilled-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 176) Information and Guidelines ( 172 Kb)
• Skilled-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 886) Information and Guidelines ( 165 Kb) 
• Skills Matching Visa (Subclass 134) Information and Guidelines ( 174 Kb)

 Application Forms

• Application for ACT Government Sponsorship of Skilled-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 176) ( 202 Kb)
• Application for ACT Government Sponsorship of Skilled-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 886) ( 201 Kb) 
• Application for ACT Government Sponsorship of a Skill Matching Visa (Subclass 134) ( 200 Kb) 

If you don't have an occupation on the ACT 'Skills in Demand' list, you may be eligible for other visa options.

See

• Employer Sponsored Migration or Business Migration on this site; or
• Visit www.immi.gov.au for visa information

 Lodgement of Application

Applications for sponsorship or certification to the ACT Government should be forwarded to:

The Manager
Skilled and Business Migration
ACT Chief Minister's Department

 Processing Time

The average processing time to complete applications is 30 working days.

For further details about this program contact: