Physicist — Australian Capital Territory Nomination
Canberra Matrix · Canberra
At a glance
- Program
- Canberra Matrix
- Currently open
- Yes (per latest data — verify with state program)
- Capital
- Canberra
- Program notes
- Distinctive Canberra Matrix points-based selection system that scores candidates on residency, employment, English, and qualifications.
Official program page: https://www.act.gov.au/migration
Skills assessment
For Physicist, the assessing authority for migration purposes is VETASSESS, ACPSEM.
Physicist in Australian Capital Territory — nomination overview
Physicist (ANZSCO 234914) appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and is eligible for state nomination in the Australian Capital Territory under the ACT Critical Skills Nomination program. Skilled migrants with a valid SkillSelect Expression of Interest may be invited to apply once the ACT opens invitations for this occupation. The ACT hosts major federal research agencies, including ANSTO-affiliated facilities and defence science organisations, creating demand for physicists with specialist expertise. Skills assessment for Physicists is typically conducted by VETASSESS, which evaluates qualifications and professional experience in physics or an applied physical science discipline against Australian standards. Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test and satisfy health and character requirements. Two nomination pathways are available: the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa, granting permanent residence on grant, and the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa, a provisional visa requiring three years of regional residence and employment before transitioning to permanent residence via the Subclass 191 visa. State nomination adds five points for Subclass 190 or fifteen points for Subclass 491. Processing in the ACT typically takes four to eight weeks, and visa fees are payable to the Department of Home Affairs. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Visa pathways for Physicist
All visa subclasses this occupation qualifies for, including the Subclass 190 and 491 pathways that Australian Capital Territory nominates.
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.