The Department of Home Affairs allows the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government to nominate applicants for the following visa types:
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.
ACT Invitation Round
12 Oct 2026
The ACT Government held a skilled migration nomination invitation round on 12 October 2026. As part of this invitation round a total of 261 x Sc 190 nominations were issued. No Sc 491 nominations were issued. A breakdown of the Sc 190 invitations provided is below:
Matrix nominating Doctorate Streamlined Pathway - 54 x invitations
Canberra residents
Matrix nominating Small Business Owners - 18 x invitations (minimum matrix score 120)
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations - 126 x invitations
Overseas applicants
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations - 63 x invitations
The minimum matrix score is an indication only and does not guarantee an invitation.
2025-26 allocation of ACT nomination places
Note: the allocation and outcome figures below are for the 2025-26 program year. Check the ACT Government migration website for the 2026-27 allocation and invitation rounds.
1. ACT nomination allocation: 2025-26 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 | n/a | n/a | 387 (91%) |
| Approvals: Overseas residents | n/a | n/a | 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 guides
- Health industry visas
- 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
- SkillSelect and state invitation rounds
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
- Book a video consultation
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