Skilled Migration

If you would like to migrate to Canberra and you have an occupation that is in demand in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), we may be interested in sponsoring your skilled independent migration application under the Skilled-Sponsored Subclass 176and 886 Visas.

The Skilled-Sponsored Subclass 176 and 886 Visas are designed to help overcome skill shortages by helping some migrants to settle in Canberra 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.

2009/2010 ACT Skills in Demand List (SDL)

The ACT Skills in Demand List (SDL) identifies occupations that are 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. Applicants should understand that the ACT Government is NOT responsible for finding them employment or for providing any form of financial assistance.

In order to manage the program effectively and sponsor occupations that will be of benefit to Canberra’s economy, the SDL has been has been separated into the following two parts.

SDL Baseline

The ACT Government can sponsor a limited number of people who have an occupation on the SDL Baseline List. Applicants may apply for sponsorship if they meet DIAC criteria and the ACT Government sponsorship criteria.

SDL ‘Off-List’ Quota

In addition, the ACT Government has been allocated 500 ‘Off-List’ places per year to nominate applicants with any occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) under the General Skilled Migration program. In order to manage the 500 ‘Off-List’ effectively, the ACT Government has introduced a ‘SDL Quota ’, which limits the number of places offered in each occupation according to demand.

Guidelines

Application Forms

Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

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

Lodgement of Applications

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

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

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: