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.
ACT Invitation Round
22 May 2026
The ACT Government held a skilled migration nomination invitation round on 6 May 2026. As part of this invitation round there was a total of 172 x Sc 190 nominations issued and 134 x Sc 491 nominations issued. A breakdown of the invitations provided can be found below:
Matrix nominating Doctorate Streamlined Pathway
190 nominations: 22 x invitations
491 nominations: 8 x invitation
Canberra residents
Matrix nominating Small Business Owners
190 nominations: 3 x invitations (minimum matrix score 105)
491 nominations: 14 x invitations (minimum matrix score 100)
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders
190 nominations: 1 x invitation
491 nominations: 0 x invitations
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations
190 nominations: 130 x invitations
491 nominations: 87 x invitations
Overseas applicants
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations
190 nominations: 38 x invitations
491 nominations: 33 x invitations
As of 7 May 2026, the remaining allocation for 2025-26 consist of 312 nomination places with 185 x Sc 190 nominations and 127 x Sc 491 nominations.
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
Federal Budget 2026–27: Key Migration and Visa Changes for Australia
Skilled Partner Points and Changes in Marital Status for Subclass 190 Visa Applicants
Partner Visa Processing Update (April 2026): What Applicants Must Know
Iranian visa holders temporarily barred from travelling to Australia from 26 March
485 visa (TR) Application Fees