Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT allows eligible applicants to claim Matrix points in the small business owner category under the Subclass  491 nomination program. 

To secure ACT state nomination, you must:

• + be the majority owner (51%) of an eligible registered business located in the ACT; 
• + live in Canberra for the last three months; 
• + work in Canberra as a small business owner in the last three months; and
• + commit to living in Canberra. 

The following businesses are ineligible businesses for ACT state nomination:

• + sub-tenancy;
• + ride-share, taxi, delivery and courier services; and
• + an on-sold business previously used to qualify for ACT nomination.

To claim Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category, you must satisfy the following criteria:

• + the business is operating in the ACT for at least 12 months with a minimum turnover of $200,000 OR
• + the business is operating for at least 6 months with a minimum turnover of $100,000; 
• + the business is profitable;
• + you earn at least $13,000 taxable income in the last three months (for Subclass 491) OR $26,000 taxable income in the last 6 months (for Subclass 190); and
• you employ at least one Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen for at least 13 weeks (minimum 20 hours per week).