The Department of Home Affairs allows the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government to nominate applicants for the following visa types:
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional) – Subclass 491
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 190
If you are interested in being considered by the ACT Government, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) visa SkillSelect. SkillSelect is the program administered by the Department of Home Affairs.
To view more detailed information regarding the ACT state nomination requirements, see our page on: ACT – Government Nomination Requirements.
Canberra Matrix – Invitation Rounds (2025–2026)
1. Invitation Round Schedule (Tentative)
The ACT Government has published a tentative schedule for Canberra Matrix invitation rounds in the 2025–26 program year:
- 3rd round: Week commencing 26 January 2026
- 4th round: Week commencing 23 February 2026
- 5th round: Week commencing 23 March 2026
- Final round: Week commencing 27 April 2026
2. How Canberra Matrix Invitations Are Issued
The ACT has a fixed number of nomination places available each month, calculated on a pro-rata basis against the annual allocation.
For each invitation round:
- Invitations are issued to the highest-ranked Matrix submissions within each occupation
- Selection depends on:
- Remaining monthly allocation
- Date and time of Matrix submission
- Occupation caps
- Demand within the occupation
Minimum Ranking Scores
- Published minimum scores are indicative only
- They do not guarantee that an invitation was issued
“Circumstances Where Invitations Will Not Be Issued”
Invitations will not be issued if the applicant:
- Has an active ACT nomination application in the system, or
- Has previously received ACT nomination
3. Priority Processing
Matrix submissions in critical sectors may be prioritised
Personal circumstances are not considered for prioritisation, including:
-
- Visa expiry dates
- Age-related deadlines (e.g. critical birthdays)
- Changes in personal or migration circumstances
The ACT Government does not respond to requests for:
- Ranking position
- Likelihood of invitation
- Individual case assessments
4. Canberra Matrix Invitation Outcomes
(Invitation Round: 10 December 2025)
Canberra Residents:
| Pathway / Category | Subclass 190 Invitations | Subclass 491 Invitations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctorate Streamlined Pathway | 53 | 6 | — |
| Small Business Owners | 19 (Minimum Matrix score: 105) | 28 (Minimum Matrix score: 95) | — |
| 457 / 482 Visa Holders | 52 | 19 | — |
| Critical Skill Occupations | 172 | 177 | Largest invitation volume |
Overseas Applicants
| Pathway / Category | Subclass 190 Invitations | Subclass 491 Invitations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Skill Occupations | 79 | 109 | Overseas applicants only |
Quick Comparative View
| Residency Status | 190 Invitations | 491 Invitations | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra Residents | 296 | 230 | 526 |
| Overseas Applicants | 79 | 109 | 188 |
2025-2026 Allocation of ACT Nomination Places:
1. ACT Nomination Allocation – 2025–2026 Program Year
Total annual allocation:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190): 800 places
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491): 800 places
2. Nomination Application Outcomes (as at 24 November 2025)
| Category | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | Total / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approvals | 207 | 220 | 427 (86% of finalised applications) |
| Refusals | 29 | 38 | 67 (14% of finalised applications) |
| Total finalised applications | 236 | 258 | 494 |
| Refusal rate | 14% | 17% | Higher refusal rate for 491 |
| Approvals – ACT residents | — | — | 387 (91%) |
| Approvals – Overseas residents | — | — | 40 (9%) |
| Annual allocation (2025–26) | 800 | 800 | 1,600 total places |
| Remaining allocation | 593 | 580 | 1,173 places still available |
Canberra Matrix
To apply for an ACT nomination, you must complete the Canberra Matrix. This is a means of ensuring the process is fair and equal. It selects applicants who will be most valuable to the Canberra region. To estimate your total score, you can use our Canberra Matrix Calculator.
Cost
To apply for the ACT Nomination, there is a non-refundable service fee of $300 which is charged for the processing of the applications. This is an administration charge only and does not guarantee an approval of the application for ACT nomination.
ACT Nomination Pathways & Requirements
The ACT Nomination Program has specific requirements depending on the nomination pathway you are applying for.
To view more detailed information regarding the nomination requirements, see our page on ACT Skilled Migration Nomination Requirements (190 and 491 Visa).
ACT Critical Skills List
The ACT Occupation List identifies the skills that are currently in demand in Canberra (for migration purposes). The ACT Occupation List is used to determine the eligibility for ACT support of the following programs:
To determine whether your occupation is in high demand in the ACT, see our page on ACT Critical Skills List.
Related:
- Industries We Work With
- ACT – Skilled Visas for Medical Professionals
- ACT Skilled Migration Nomination Requirements (190 and 491 Visa)
- New Guidelines on the ACT’s 190 Nomination Program
- ACT Canberra Small Business Owner Pathway – 491 visa
- State requirements for 190 visa
- Canberra Matrix Points Calculator
- ACT Critical Skills List
Upcoming Immigration Changes 2026
New 4-Tier Invitation System for 189 Visa
Australian Immi App for Biometrics
Remote Work and Travel Now Clearer for 491, 494 and 489 Regional Visa Holders
New 186 TRT Rule Adversely Impacts Medical Practitioners’ PR Pathway