Offshore applicants
Subclass 190: eligible when open
Subclass 491: eligible when open
Dedicated Overseas applicant pathways for 190 and 491. Applicant must be overseas and must not have lived in Australia during the previous 12 months; occupation must be on the ACT Occupation List (review in final stages Aug 2026). 190 overseas: at least three years of post-qualification full-time experience in the nominated occupation in the past five years and Proficient English. 491 overseas: at least one year of relevant post-qualification experience in the past five years and Competent English (higher for some occupations). Plus ACT employability research, settlement commitment and settlement funds. Matrix ranked by residency, occupation and points; demand exceeds places.
Allocation 2026-27
Subclass 190: not published
Subclass 491: not published
Not yet confirmed by the Australian Government (official). 2025-26 allocation was 800 (190) and 800 (491).
Key requirements
- Occupation List
- ACT Occupation List (ACT Critical Skills List); occupation must be open for the relevant pathway.
- Points
- Home Affairs minimum 65 (incl. nomination points) plus Canberra Matrix score (residence, occupation, employment, English, study, close family ties, investment).
- Work Experience
- Canberra resident 190: employed 30+ hrs/week for 26 of the last 30 weeks (self-employed earning at least A$1,175/week); Canberra resident 491: 15+ hrs/week for 13 of the last 15 weeks; overseas 190: 3 years in past 5; overseas 491: 1 year in past 5.
- English
- 190: Proficient or Superior (some occupations exempt); 491: Competent (higher for specified occupations).
- Other
- Canberra resident pathways require 6 months (190) / 3 months (491) ACT residence; fees A$25 (Matrix) + A$325 (nomination); Matrix valid 6 months (extendable to 12); commitment to live in Canberra for 2 years.
More details
Observed 7 October 2026 with high confidence. Official pages: 190. State programs change without notice; confirm on the official page before relying on this.