The Government of the Australian Capital Territory (the ACT, based in Canberra) has published its updated list of wanted skilled occupations, which it will sponsor for visas under subclass 190.

The ACT Government advises in its guidance material that:

Applicants seeking nomination need to:

• Be either working in a skilled occupation in the ACT; or

• If currently overseas, demonstrate that there are sufficient employment opportunities in an occupation in demand in Canberra; and have:

o skills and experience relevant to the researched employment opportunities;
o skills and experience relevant to the ACT economy. Experience in heavy industry, manufacturing, production, international airlines, mining; shipping, oil, head office banking and railways are not generally considered relevant industries; and
o a genuine commitment to settling in Canberra for at least 2 years from arrival.

The ACT Government also advises that:

If you are living overseas, you can apply for nomination of a closed occupation if you have a:

• genuine offer of employment in the nominated occupation from an ACT employer; or

• close family member (can include a spouse / partner of the applicant; or parents, brother, sister, grandparents, step parents, step siblings of the main applicant or their spouse / partner) who is:
o currently residing in Canberra and has resided in Canberra for the last twelve months; and
o either an Australian Permanent Resident or an Australian Citizen; and
o over 18 years of age.

The ACT wanted occupations list and the guidance material detailing the requirements to be met are available here.

If you are interested in a State or Territory sponsored skilled visa pathway please feel able to complete the enquiry form on this webpage. Go Matilda Visas will be pleased to have a no obligation free initial discussion about your Australian visa options.