To be eligible for the Small Business Owner Stream in ACT, applicants must be able to claim points in the Small Business Owner category in the ACT matrix. However, like other streams in Skilled Migration program, applicant in SBO must meet the following requirements: 

Residence 

• You must be living in Canberra for the last 3 months. 

English 

• Must have ‘proficient’ or ‘superior’ English, unless your nominated occupation has an ANZSCO skill level 3 to 5. 

Spouse/Partner 

• Your spouse/partner must be resident in Canberra for the last 3 months or overseas.  

• If your spouse/partner or children are living or working in another Australia state or territory, you are not eligible for ACT nomination.  

Commitment 

• You must commit to live and work in Canberra while your visa is processed and for at least 2 years from the visa grant date.  

Business 

• Ownership: You must own at least 51% of a registered business located and actively operating in the ACT. 

• Turnover: your business must have a minimum turnover of AUD $200,000 per annum (or pro-rata). 
• Length of operation: your business must have actively traded in Canberra for at least 6 months from the date established or purchased. 
• Your business must be profitable. The profit can be as small as $1. 
• Your salary: Your business must be paying you the following salary immediately before date of Matrix submission: 
• 190 nomination: at least $26,000 for six months. 

• 491 nomination: at least $13,000 for three months. 
• Employee: You must employ at least one Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen for at least 13 weeks (minimum 20 hrs pw). 
• You may employ one or more employees. The employment does not have to be continuous. 
• The employment must be in accordance with Australian legislation. 
• You must provide a statutory declaration confirming the employment and citizenship details for each employee. 

• The following business types are not eligible for SBO stream:  

• Sub-tenancy 
• Ride-share, taxi 
• Courier services 
• A business that has been used to qualify for ACT nomination.