ACT Skilled Migration Report (June 2025): Top Jobs & Visa Trends

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a highly attractive destination for skilled workers and skilled migrants, offering a strong economy, a vibrant job market, and an exceptional quality of life. The ACT Government actively promotes skilled migration to meet labour market needs and ensure continued economic growth. This guide breaks down the key insights from the Department of Home Affairs’ Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report as of 30 June 2025. This information is valuable for professionals seeking ACT nomination for a permanent or provisional skilled migration visa.

ACT Skilled Migration Program Overview

The latest data confirms the ACT's strong demand for talented professionals. Up to 30 June 2025, 830 primary skilled visa applications were granted in the ACT, which represents a significant increase of 66.1% compared to the same period last year. This increase reflects the ACT Government’s proactive approach to targeting occupations that align with its specific economic requirements. The ACT immigration program maintains limited nomination places each year, which makes the competition for a successful visa application very high.

In-Demand Industries in the Australian Capital Territory

Canberra's economic needs are reflected in the high visa application grants across several key sectors. The ACT economy is diverse, but the data shows particular strength in critical skill occupations such as hospitality, healthcare, construction, and professional services. Key industries attracting skilled migrants include:

• Accommodation & Food Services: 240 grants (a +194% increase).
• Health Care & Social Assistance: 200 grants (a +54.3% increase).
• Construction: 80 grants (a +92.3% increase).
• Professional, Scientific & Technical Services: 80 grants (a +18.5% increase).
• Other Services: 80 grants (a +52.9% increase).
• Education & Training: 60 grants (a -3.2% decrease).

Top Occupations on the ACT Critical Skills List

The Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report provides a clear picture of in-demand occupations for skilled workers in Canberra. From our experience, these occupations often align with the Canberra Matrix, which helps allocate points to applicants. This list can be a valuable guide for any potential applicant.

• Chef: 160 grants (increase reflects +265%).
• Resident Medical Officer: 60 grants (increase reflects +54%).
• Cafe or Restaurant Manager: 40 grants (increase reflects +105%).
• Motor Mechanic (General): 30 grants (increase reflects +79%).
• Cook: 30 grants (increase reflects +433%).
• Personal Care Assistant: 30 grants (increase reflects +440%).
• University Lecturer: 20 grants (increase reflects -44%).
• Secondary school teacher: 20 grants (increase reflects +350%).
• Hairdresser: 20 grants (increase reflects +33%).
• Panelbeater: 10 grants (increase reflects +140%).

You will find that registered nurses, aged care workers, civil engineers, and software engineers also feature prominently in the overall skilled migration program data for the Australian Capital Territory.

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If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.

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Key Visa Pathways for Skilled Workers

The ACT skilled migration program offers a clear pathway for skilled migrants to live and work in Canberra. There are two primary visa pathways for those seeking ACT nomination:

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa that allows successful applicants to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. This visa provides Australian residency benefits, including access to Australia's public healthcare system, Medicare, and the ability to sponsor family members. For ACT nomination consideration, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria and have a strong profile. These visa criteria include:

• A nominated occupation on the ACT Critical Skills List.
• A valid and positive skills assessment.
• Meeting the Department of Home Affairs' visa criteria, including the points test.
• Satisfying the ACT nomination guidelines, which are assessed through the Canberra Matrix.

Given the high competition, invitations are issued to the highest ranked applicants based on their Canberra Matrix score. This means a higher points score is typically needed for the Subclass 190 visa compared to the 491 visa.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa designed for skilled workers who plan to commit to living and working in a designated regional area, such as the Australian Capital Territory. This visa is valid for five years and offers a clear pathway to permanent residency. To qualify, you must live and work in Canberra for at least three years and meet certain income requirements.

The ACT government offers flexible pathways for Subclass 491 applicants. You might be considered if you have studied in Canberra-based institutions, are working in a critical skills occupation, or have strong ties to the territory.

How the Canberra Matrix System Works

The Canberra Matrix is the central component of the ACT Government nomination process. It is a points-based nomination system that evaluates your eligibility criteria and your potential to contribute to the local community and Canberra's economic future. The Canberra Matrix submission is a crucial step for anyone applying for a skilled visa in the ACT.

Canberra Matrix points are awarded for a variety of factors, including:

• English language proficiency
• Length of ACT residence
• Skilled employment in Canberra
• A partner’s skills and qualifications
• Qualifications earned from an ACT university

The ACT government maintains a list of priority occupations and invites the highest-scoring applicants in regular nomination rounds. A higher score significantly improves your chances of receiving a nomination invitation. This ensures the ACT skilled migration program aligns with its labor market needs.

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The Importance of a Positive Skills Assessment

A valid positive skills assessment is a core requirement for both Subclass 190 and 491 visas. This assessment is not just a formality. It is a compliance check that ensures your qualifications, skills, and work experience requirements meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

The assessment provides a foundation for a stronger application. A key factor considered is whether your qualifications, especially those earned overseas, meet the standards for your nominated occupation. Seeking professional guidance from Australian Migration Lawyers for your skills assessment and application can maximise your prospects. It is a critical step in your journey toward Australian residency.

Employer Sponsored Visa Pathways and Broader Opportunities

Beyond state nomination, the June 2025 report highlights that Employer-Sponsored visas are also a very common pathway to Australian residency. Occupations in the hospitality and healthcare sectors, which are already prominent in the ACT's nomination data, are equally critical for this employer-led stream. The Canberra Matrix focuses primarily on skilled migration visa streams, but it is important to remember the various pathways available. You might even consider a National Innovation Visa if you are an exceptionally talented migrant.

Preparing Your Documentation and Professional Guidance

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free process, it is vital to have your complete documentation ready. This includes your document checklist for the ACT nomination application and the subsequent visa application. The required documents may include:

• A certified copy of your positive skills assessment.
• English language proficiency test results, such as IELTS or PTE Academic.
• Your visa grant notice and a copy of your current visa.
• Employment contracts that clearly outline duties, salary, and entitlements.

Robust employment contracts are particularly important to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the ACT's labor market. This evidence helps confirm your work is legitimate and aligns with your claims. The documentation must provide evidence of all claims made in your Canberra Matrix submission.

Strategising Your Australian Migration Journey

With strong growth in key industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and education, the ACT continues to present an excellent opportunity for skilled workers and skilled migrants. Whether you are pursuing a state nomination or considering employer sponsorship, aligning your skills and profile with the ACT Critical Skills List is crucial. The application process can be complex and requires a high level of accuracy.

From our experience, a targeted approach significantly improves your chances of success. Australian Migration Lawyers can provide expert guidance and end-to-end support, helping you navigate the Canberra Matrix and visa application programme. This assistance ensures you are well-positioned to secure long term residency and build a successful future in Canberra.

You might be wondering if you are eligible. This depends on your situation. Contact Australian Migration Lawyers today for tailored advice on your specific circumstances and to learn how we can help with your Australian migration journey.