Skilled Migration

If you would like to migrate to Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and you have an occupation that is in demand in the ACT, the ACT Government may be interested in nominating your skilled independent migration application under the Skilled-Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176) or Skilled-Sponsored (Residence) visa (Subclass 886).

The Skilled-Sponsored Scheme is designed to help overcome critical skill shortages in the ACT by helping some migrants to settle in the ACT where their skills and abilities are in demand. The Skilled-Sponsored Scheme enables the ACT Government to nominate skilled migrants (Subclass 176) or graduate students (Subclass 886) who have:

  • an occupation on the State Migration Plan (SMP) Skills List;
  • skills and experience that will be of benefit to the ACT economy;
  • sufficient English language ability which will provide reasonable employment opportunities in the current ACT labour market;
  • an occupation with sufficient employment opportunities in an industry relevant to the ACT at time of lodgement;
  • sufficient financial resources to settle in the ACT while seeking employment;
  • a demonstrated commitment to living and working in the ACT for at least 2 years; and
  • met all Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) visa requirements for General Skilled Migration External Link.

For further information about the ACT Government 176/886 Nomination process, please view the Nomination guidelines below. It is entirely at the discretion of the ACT Government whether applications for ACT Government Nomination through the Skilled-Sponsored Scheme are granted or denied.

SMP Occupations List February 2012.

The SMP Occupations List identifies occupations that are currently in demand in Canberra.  The occupations listed do not relate to a specific job vacancy, nor represent a guarantee of a job in a specific occupation.

The applicant should understand that the ACT Government is NOT responsible for finding them employment or for providing any form of financial assistance.

Applicants must compete for positions with all people in the labour market as part of the normal selection process.  Success will depend on employer requirements, relevant skills and experience and level of English ability.

SMP Occupation List Updates

The SDL lists will be updated on a regular basis to show the current status of the skill demand against each occupation.

Nomination Guidelines

Application Forms

Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

Before applying for ACT Government nomination, you might like to find out more about visa applications and nomination on the DIAC Website at: www.immi.gov.au External Link

Lodgement of Applications

Applications for ACT Government 176/886 Nomination should be forwarded to:

The Manager
Skilled and Business Migration
ACT Economic Development Directorate

By hand/courier to:

  • Reception
    Ground Floor
    Canberra Nara Centre
    1 Constitution Avenue
    Canberra City 2601

By mail to:

  • GPO Box 158
    Canberra, ACT, 2601

Processing Time

To view the processing times for 'completed' applications, click: Processing Times.

Contact Details

For further information about this program contact: