Australian Capital Territory (ACT) State Nomination 2025–2026: The Canberra Matrix Pathway

For the 2025–2026 financial year, the ACT has been allocated a total of 1,600 places. This is divided equally between the two subclasses, emphasising the balance between permanent and regional pathways:

The first step for any applicant is ensuring their occupation is eligible. For 2025–2026, the ACT has implemented a more targeted approach:

• The previous “ACT Critical Skills List” has been officially renamed to the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (or ACT Migration Occupation List).

• The list has been significantly reduced from 152 to 105 ANZSCO unit groups.

• The refined list focuses on occupations critical to the ACT economy, particularly in sectors like health, education, IT, and construction.

Key Requirement: All new Canberra Matrix submissions must be assessed against the revised, smaller occupation list.

The ACT Nomination process is driven by the Canberra Matrix, a points-based ranking system used to evaluate and rank all expressions of interest.

The Matrix is designed to prioritise applicants who demonstrate a genuine commitment and ability to make a positive economic contribution to the ACT. It awards points based on criteria such as:

• Length of residence in Canberra.

• Skilled employment type and duration in the ACT.

• ACT study and qualifications.

• English proficiency level.

• Spouse/partner skills and employment.

• Investment activity or close family ties in Canberra.

1. Applicants submit the Matrix, claiming points for either the 190 or 491 visa.

2. The ACT Government ranks the submitted Matrix profiles.

3. Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are issued to the highest-ranked candidates in regular selection rounds, based on the remaining monthly allocation and demand for the specific occupation.

Crucial Fact: The greater the demand for an occupation, the higher the minimum Matrix score needed to receive an invitation.

ACT nomination is split into pathways for local residents and offshore applicants, with specific ranking rules.

1. Canberra Residents Stream (Onshore)

• Eligibility: Must be living and working in Canberra for a specified period.

• Ranking Priority: The Matrix heavily rewards longer residency, skilled employment in the ACT, and local study. Working in your nominated occupation earns valuable points.

2. Overseas Applicants Stream (Offshore)

• Eligibility: Must demonstrate recent work experience and high employability in their nominated occupation (which must be on the ACT Migration Occupation List).

• Ranking Priority: Offshore applicants must achieve a highly competitive Matrix score. The ACT is currently laser-focused on candidates who fill critical skills shortages.

Key Priority Rules (2025–2026 Updates)

• Subclass Invitation Order: The ACT has confirmed that Subclass 491 invitations are issued before Subclass 190. This means that applicants aiming for the permanent 190 visa must score even higher than 491 applicants to secure an invitation, as the ACT prioritises the regional pathway.

• PhD Streamlined Pathway: ACT PhD graduates from an ACT university remain exempt from the requirement to have their occupation on the Migration Occupation List. However, invitations for this stream are now issued only as part of each standard invitation round (not weekly).

• Employer-Sponsored Pathway (482/457 holders): Candidates applying from an employer-sponsored visa must now have completed at least six months with their sponsoring ACT employer before submitting their Matrix.

The process requires two concurrent steps before the invitation stage: the SkillSelect EOI and the Canberra Matrix.

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm your occupation is on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List and you meet all general requirements (age <45, positive skills assessment, Competent English or higher).

2. Lodge EOI in SkillSelect: Select ACT as your preferred state (or “any state”) and accurately claim points for the 190, 491, or both subclasses.

3. Submit the Canberra Matrix: Complete the Matrix on the ACT Government’s portal, ensuring all claims are true at the date of submission, as the Matrix cannot be updated or withdrawn once lodged.

4. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your Matrix score is high enough in an invitation round (occurring approximately every 2–3 weeks).

5. Lodge ACT Nomination Application: Upon invitation, you typically have 14 days to submit your full application via the Migration ACT portal, uploading all supporting documents to prove your Matrix claims.

6. ACT Verification and Assessment: The ACT Government assesses your application (typically 4 to 8 weeks). If approved, the ACT formally nominates you in SkillSelect.

7. Home Affairs Visa Invitation: Home Affairs issues the visa invitation, allowing you to proceed with your visa application.

If you tell us more about your situation (onshore/offshore, occupation, work history), we can help you map your profile against migration streams and draft a clearer strategy. Contact us today on 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com.