The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) remains a highly sought-after destination for skilled migration, offering a unique path to Permanent Residency (PR) through the Small Business Owner stream. The ACT Government has recently refined the Canberra Matrix, the points-based system crucial for securing a 491 or 190 skilled visa nomination.
If you are operating a business in Canberra, understanding these latest changes is critical to your PR success.
Do I still meet the minimum ACT nomination requirements?
Before you can claim points as a small business owner, you must meet the fundamental prerequisites applicable to all ACT skilled visa applicants:
ACT Residency Requirement: You must demonstrate continuous residence in Canberra for a minimum of 3 months (for the 491 visa) or 6 months (for the 190 visa) before matrix submission.
English Proficiency: For ANZSCO Skill Level 1 or 2 occupations (Managers and Professionals), you must achieve at least ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ English.
Business Trading Duration: Your small business must be actively trading in Canberra for at least 6 months to be eligible to claim Small Business Owner points.
Commitment: A mandatory commitment to live and work in Canberra for a minimum of 2 years post-nomination.
The Core Small Business Owner Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Small Business Owner stream, you must hold the majority ownership (at least 51%) of a registered business actively operating in the ACT. The business must satisfy the following strict criteria:
Criterion Requirement
Business Activity Location Must be physically located and operating within the ACT.
Annual Turnover A minimum turnover of $200,000 per annum.
Profitability The business must be profitable (showing a profit of at least $1).
Owner Taxable Income 190 nomination: Minimum taxable income of $26,000 for six months.
491 nomination: Minimum taxable income of $13,000 for three months.
Local Employment Must employ at least one Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or New Zealand Citizen for a minimum of 13 weeks (at least 20 hours per week).
Maximising Your Score: How Many Matrix Points Can I Get?
Your business’s trading history directly impacts the number of valuable points you can claim in the Canberra Matrix:
20 Points: If your business has actively traded in Canberra for at least 12 months from the date established or purchased.
10 Points: If your business has actively traded in Canberra for at least 6 months from the date established or purchased.
Critical Update: The ACT’s “One Nomination Per Person” Policy
The ACT Government has implemented a significant change to streamline the process: Applicants are now restricted to only ONE nomination (either 491 or 190).
The Rationale: This prevents the loss of unused nomination slots. If a nominee receives a 491 visa and then attempts to upgrade to a 190, the initial 491 slot is wasted and cannot be reallocated, thereby reducing the total number of visas the ACT can grant.
The Risk: This policy makes the initial application choice CRITICALLY important. If you make an error on your application and the Department of Home Affairs refuses your 491 or 190 visa, the ACT Government may refuse to grant you another nomination, even upon re-application.
You would face a minimum 6-month waiting period and must provide a comprehensive explanation for your reapplication.
There is no guarantee you will receive a subsequent Invitation to Apply for ACT nomination.
Secure Your ACT Nomination Today
Navigating the updated Canberra Matrix and ensuring compliance with the stringent Small Business Owner criteria requires meticulous attention to detail. One mistake can cost you your pathway to PR.
Don’t risk losing your single nomination opportunity.
Levisa specialises in ACT skilled migration and can help you avoid common pitfalls, ensuring your application meets every requirement for a successful 491 or 190 visa nomination.
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