ACT Skilled Migration Program Details

TL;DR

• Current Status: Canberra Matrix submissions are open through the new ACT Migration Application Portal. The ACT has not yet received its 2026–27 nomination allocation, and the next invitation-round schedule will be published after the allocation is confirmed.
• Visa Requirements: Both visas need ACT nomination, and you must commit to living and working in Canberra for 2 years.
• Canberra Matrix: Complete a points-based Canberra Matrix to increase your chances of getting nominated for a visa.
• ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List: If your occupation is on this list, you may get extra points.
• Application Process: Meet the eligibility criteria, submit the Canberra Matrix, wait for an invitation, then apply for ACT nomination and your visa.

Are you considering making Canberra your new home? With its vibrant culture, strong economy, and diverse career opportunities, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) could be the perfect destination for your skills and ambitions. South of Sydney and north of Melbourne, Canberra is known for its unique lifestyle and growing demand for skilled workers. The ACT Skilled Migration Program provides state and territory nomination pathways for eligible skilled migrants through the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. Applicants use the Canberra Matrix to express their interest in ACT nomination.

Please note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

Also Note:

1. Each visa under the Skilled Occupation List has specific requirements, such as certain qualifications, relevant skills, and sometimes even location preferences, depending on the role and demand in different regions.
2. Although there is a generic website hosted by the Australian government for SOL that lists out all the occupations that are in available/demand, in reality, there are visa subclasses and each subclass has its own specific occupation list.
3. The Skilled Occupation List is frequently updated to align with the state’s labour market needs, and navigating these changes can be complex. Consulting with a Registered Migration Agent at Knowbal ensures you choose the most appropriate visa for your occupation and personal circumstances.

What is ACT's Skilled Migration Program?

The ACT Skilled Migration Program aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the territory. The Australian Government allocates a set number of nomination places each financial year, allowing skilled workers to apply for visas with the support of the ACT Government.

The ACT receives a nomination allocation from the Australian Government for each program year. The 2025–26 allocation has been fully used, and the ACT is currently awaiting its 2026–27 allocation.

State nomination by the ACT is an important first step. However, it does not guarantee that your visa application will be successful. You must still meet the visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. It’s important to carefully review these requirements to ensure you're on the right track.

Understanding the 491 Visa and 190 Visa Nomination Criteria

Both the subclass 190 visa and the subclass 491 visa allow you to work in Australia, but they come with different conditions.

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

1. Permanent residency: This visa lets you live and work in Australia indefinitely.
2. Nomination required: You must be nominated by the ACT Government before you can apply.
3. Two-year commitment: Once granted, you must live and work in Canberra for at least two years from your visa grant date.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491)

1. Provisional visa: This visa is valid for five years and allows you to live and work in regional areas of Australia, including the ACT.
2. Nomination required: You must be nominated by the ACT Government before you can apply.
3. Two-year commitment: Once granted, you must live and work in Canberra for at least two years from your visa grant date.
4. Permanent residency pathway: After living and working in Canberra for a set period, you may be eligible to transition to permanent residency.

These visas provide skilled workers with different levels of commitment and flexibility, depending on your situation. It’s important to ensure you meet the criteria before applying for nomination.

How to Apply for ACT 491 and 190 Nomination

To apply for state nomination under the ACT’s Skilled Migration Program, you’ll first need to complete the Canberra Matrix, a score-based system used to assess and rank candidates. Your score will determine your eligibility for both the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).

Here’s how the Canberra Matrix works:

1. Skilled Employment: You can earn points for relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
2. English Proficiency: Higher English test scores will help you earn more points.
3. Qualifications: Formal qualifications in your field of expertise can increase your points.
4. Length of ACT Residence/Study: If you’ve lived or studied in the ACT, you will be awarded additional points.
5. Close Family Ties: Points can also be awarded if you have close family members living in the region.

Once you've submitted the Canberra Matrix via the Skilled & Business Migration portal, your application will be ranked based on the points you've claimed. Applicants with higher scores will have a better chance of receiving an invitation to apply for state nomination.

It's important to note that while submitting the Canberra Matrix increases your chances of being invited to apply, there is no guarantee. The demand for ACT nominations often exceeds the number of available spots.

ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List

The ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List, formerly known as the ACT Critical Skills List, identifies occupations that can be nominated under the general ACT nomination pathway for subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.

Applicants may also be able to claim Canberra Matrix points if their nominated occupation or current employment is on the list. Some occupations can be capped where nominations significantly exceed demand.

The current ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List was last updated on 10 October 2025.

ACT Nomination Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The ACT Skilled Migration Program offers a clear process for skilled migrants who wish to live and work in Canberra. The steps below will guide you through the process, from eligibility checks to the submission of your application.

Step 1: Meeting the ACT Nomination Eligibility Criteria

ACT nomination criteria vary by visa subclass, residency status and nomination pathway. The requirements below provide a general overview. Check the current ACT nomination criteria before submitting or updating your Canberra Matrix.

For Canberra Residents

491 Nomination (Provisional Visa):

1. You must have lived in Canberra for at least three months.
2. You must have worked in Canberra for at least 13 weeks.
3. You need to have a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
4. Your nominated occupation must be on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List or on the Department of Home Affairs’ Skilled Occupation List.

190 Nomination (Permanent Visa):

1. You must have lived in Canberra for at least six months before submitting your Canberra Matrix.
2. You must have worked in Canberra for 26 weeks.
3. You need to meet the Department of Home Affairs' criteria, including English proficiency and relevant qualifications.
4. Your nominated occupation must be on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List or Department of Home Affairs’ Skilled Occupation List.

For Overseas Applicants

491 Nomination (Provisional Visa):

1. Your nominated occupation must be on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List
2. You need to have at least one year of full-time relevant overseas work experience in your nominated occupation in the last five years.
3. You must meet the Department of Home Affairs' eligibility criteria (e.g., valid skills assessment, English proficiency).

190 Nomination (Permanent Visa):

1. Your nominated occupation must be on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List
2. You must have a minimum of three years of full-time overseas work experience in your nominated occupation within the last five years.
3. You must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ eligibility criteria (skills assessment, English proficiency, etc.).

Step 2: Completing the Canberra Matrix

The next step is to register your interest by completing a Canberra Matrix through the ACT Migration Application Portal. This is a score-based system where you can claim points based on various factors, such as:

1. Skilled employment
2. English proficiency
3. Qualifications
4. Length of ACT residence/study
5. Family ties to the region

The Canberra Matrix will assess your eligibility based on these categories. Your Matrix score will determine if you are invited to apply for ACT nomination. Once submitted, you will receive an email summarising your Matrix score. After submitting your Canberra Matrix, you must pay the applicable service fee within seven days or the submission will lapse.

Step 3: Wait for Your Matrix Submission to Be Processed and Ranked

After submitting your Canberra Matrix, your application will be ranked based on the points you've claimed. Canberra Matrix submissions in critical sectors may be prioritised. Current ACT critical sectors include care, education, construction, renewables and advanced technology.

1. Canberra Residents: Those with a nominated occupation on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List may be given priority.
2. Overseas Applicants: The selection of Matrix submissions depends on demand and occupation caps, with priority given to those in critical sectors.

Please note that there is no guarantee of being invited to apply. The ACT has a limited number of nomination places, and demand often exceeds supply.

Step 4: Apply for ACT Nomination

If your Matrix is selected and you receive an invitation, the next step is to submit your ACT nomination application. You must provide the necessary documents to support your claims. Be sure to double-check the information in your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) to ensure it is accurate before you submit your application.

1. Accepting the Invitation: Review the details of your SkillSelect EOI and ensure everything is correct. Once you accept the invitation, you must submit the application within 14 days.
2. Required Documents: This includes skills assessments, English language proficiency, qualifications, and employment verification.

Step 5: Assessing Your Application

Once your application is submitted, the ACT Government will assess your documents. Your supporting documents must prove that you meet the ACT nomination eligibility criteria and that your Matrix claims are true. Your SkillSelect EOI will also be reviewed to ensure it aligns with your application.

1. Application Processing: The ACT will process applications in the order they are submitted.
2. Approval: If your application is approved, your ACT nomination will be confirmed on SkillSelect, which will trigger an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for your visa.

Step 6: Apply for the ACT Nominated Visa

If you have received the ACT nomination, you get 60 days to apply for the visa through the Department of Home Affairs. If you decide not to apply for the visa, the nomination will expire, and the spot will be lost.

Once your visa application is accepted and processed, you can start your new life in Canberra.

ACT Nomination Refused: Here’s What to Do

In exceptional circumstances, applicants may request to reapply for ACT nomination. You must demonstrate why you could not apply for your visa previously and show that your situation has changed.

Reapplication Criteria: If you meet the criteria for renomination, you can submit a new Canberra Matrix and email the ACT Migration team explaining your situation.

Please note: You cannot reapply for ACT nomination until six months after a refusal based on occupation demand.