Skilled Migration Canberra & ACT — Subclass 190 & 491 Canberra Matrix 2026

If Canberra is your target, Subclass 190 gives you permanent residency from day of grant — and Subclass 491 offers a pathway to PR after three years, with the same access to Canberra's strong government, technology, and professional services job market.

Unlike every other state and territory, the ACT does not use a standard Registration of Interest system. Instead, it uses the Canberra Matrix — a scored, merit-based ranking tool that weighs your economic contribution and genuine commitment to Canberra.

The Canberra Matrix is where most ACT applications succeed or fail. Your Matrix score — not your federal points score — determines whether you receive an invitation. ACT residents are ranked separately from overseas applicants, and 491 submissions are always ranked first. One nomination per person, ever. Once you are nominated, that place cannot be returned to the pool. The ACT treats each nomination as a long-term commitment — and it expects applicants to do the same.

✓ Program Status — ACT 2025–26 (Last verified: May 2026)

ACT's 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program is OPEN and conducting regular invitation rounds. Most recent invitation round: 12 March 2026. Invitation rounds are held regularly throughout the financial year — exact timing varies based on operational requirements. 2025–26 allocation: 1,650 nomination places (confirmed allocation — verify current remaining places at act.gov.au/migration/resources/canberra-matrix-invitation-round). Priority sectors: care, education, construction, renewables, experience, and advanced technology. Verified: act.gov.au — May 2026.

Quick Visa Facts — ACT 2025–26

	Subclass 190	Subclass 491
Visa type	Permanent residency	Provisional (5 yrs) → PR via Subclass 191
2025–26 ACT allocation	Part of 1,650 total places	Part of 1,650 total places — ranked first in every round
Minimum federal points	65 total (60 base + 5 nomination)	65 total (50 base + 15 nomination)
ACT selection system	Canberra Matrix — scored ranking, not standard ROI	Canberra Matrix — 491 submissions ranked first per round
Age	Under 45 at nomination	Under 45 at nomination
English — Canberra residents (190)	Proficient or Superior English required (unless ANZSCO skill level 3–5)	Competent English minimum
English — overseas applicants	Competent English minimum	Competent English minimum
Occupation requirement	Must be on ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List — OR small business owner claiming Matrix points	Must be on ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List — OR small business owner
Canberra resident — 190	Living and working in ACT for ≥6 months	Living and working in ACT for ≥3 months
Canberra resident — income (190)	Taxable income ≥$1,175/week in at least 26 of last 30 weeks	Employment for ≥13 of last 15 weeks at ≥15 hrs/week
Overseas applicant — 190	≥3 years relevant experience in nominated occupation \| Not living in Australia	≥1 year full-time post-graduate experience in nominated occupation in last 5 years \| Not living in Australia
Doctorate streamlined	Guaranteed invitation every round — professional/research doctorate from ACT university	Guaranteed invitation every round — professional/research doctorate from ACT university
Two-year commitment	Must live and work in Canberra for ≥2 years from visa grant	Must live and work in Canberra for ≥2 years from visa grant
One nomination only	Yes — one nomination per person ever. No second chance unless exception granted.	Yes — 491 ranked first. 190 Matrix not ranked if 491 invitation already active.
Matrix validity	Expires 6 months after submission if no invitation — must resubmit	Expires 6 months after submission if no invitation — must resubmit
14-day response window	Yes — application must be submitted and fee paid within 14 days of invitation	Yes — cannot be reactivated if it lapses
Invitation rounds	Regular throughout year — exact dates not pre-announced	Regular throughout year — 491 ranked first per round

What Is the Canberra Matrix — and Why It Matters More Than Your Federal Points

Every other state nomination program uses your federal SkillSelect EOI points score as the primary ranking tool. The ACT is different. The Canberra Matrix is the ACT Government’s own merit-based scoring system — it ranks your economic contribution to and genuine commitment to Canberra, separately from your federal points score.

Your federal points score gets you into the national SkillSelect pool. Your Canberra Matrix score determines whether the ACT Government invites you. The two scores are calculated independently. You can have a 90-point federal score and a weak Matrix score and not be invited — or a 65-point federal score and a strong Matrix score and receive an invitation.

Matrix scoring category	What it rewards — verified from act.gov.au
Skilled employment in Canberra	Length and continuity of paid skilled employment in the ACT. For 190 residents: minimum 30 hrs/week for ≥26 of last 30 weeks at ≥$1,175/week taxable income. Points increase with duration and earnings level.
English language proficiency	Points awarded above Competent English. Proficient and Superior English levels score progressively more. 190 Canberra residents must meet Proficient English unless ANZSCO skill level 3–5.
Formal qualifications	Level of qualification in your nominated occupation. PhD/Masters scores higher than Bachelor; Bachelor higher than Diploma. Must be relevant to your nominated occupation.
Length of ACT residence / study	Continuous residence in the ACT. Duration matters — longer ACT residency generates higher Matrix points. Applicants within a 30-minute commute (e.g. Queanbeyan) may also qualify.
ACT study	Completed an eligible qualification at an ACT educational institution — adds Matrix points for genuine ACT study commitment.
Investment activity in Canberra	Residential property ownership or rental in the ACT. Mortgage or long-term lease demonstrates commitment to Canberra.
Close family ties in the ACT	Immediate family members (spouse/partner or dependent child) who are Australian citizens or permanent residents residing in the ACT. Marriage or civil union certificate required.
Spouse / partner employment	Partner working in Canberra in a skilled occupation on the occupation list. Partner must meet competent English requirement or hold Australian passport.
Small business ownership	Majority owner of an eligible ACT-registered business with documented ACT business activity for ≥12 months, earning ≥$1,175/week. Statutory declaration required.

Critical rule: every Matrix claim must be proven at submission date
The ACT Government states clearly: supporting documentation must prove that your Matrix claims are true at the date you submit the Matrix. If invited, your application will be assessed against the same criteria. If your documents do not substantiate your claimed score, the application will be refused — and you will have used your one nomination place. Do not claim points you cannot prove.

Two Pathways — Canberra Resident vs Overseas Applicant

The Canberra Matrix is structured differently for Canberra residents and overseas applicants. The eligibility criteria, Matrix categories available, and minimum scores required differ significantly between the two. Choosing the wrong pathway and submitting the wrong Matrix can result in refusal.

Criteria	Canberra Resident Pathway	Overseas Applicant Pathway
Residency requirement (190)	Living and working in ACT for ≥6 months at Matrix submission	Not living in Australia — cannot be onshore at time of application
Residency requirement (491)	Living and working in ACT for ≥3 months at Matrix submission	Not living in Australia — cannot be onshore at time of application
Occupation (190)	On ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List OR small business owner claiming Matrix points	On ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List
Work experience (190)	Demonstrated by current ACT employment and income requirements	≥3 years relevant experience in nominated occupation
Work experience (491)	Demonstrated by current ACT employment (≥13 of last 15 weeks)	≥1 year full-time post-graduate experience in nominated occupation in last 5 years
English (190)	Proficient or Superior English (unless ANZSCO skill level 3–5)	Competent English minimum
English (491)	Competent English minimum	Competent English minimum
Key Matrix categories	ACT employment duration and earnings, ACT residence duration, investment/property, family ties, qualifications, English	Overseas work experience, qualifications, English, partner employment, family ties
Dependants	Spouse/partner must be ACT resident for ≥3 months OR living overseas — not interstate	Children enrolled in ACT school may remain in Australia
Commitment declaration	Must sign statutory declaration committing to live and work in Canberra for ≥2 years from visa grant	Must sign statutory declaration committing to live and work in Canberra from arrival

Overseas applicants — one critical rule
You cannot be living anywhere in Australia when applying as an overseas applicant. This includes being onshore on any Australian visa. You and your dependants (excluding children enrolled in an ACT school) must be living overseas. Applying as an overseas applicant while onshore will result in refusal.

Doctorate Streamlined Pathway — Guaranteed Invitation Every Round

The ACT offers a unique fast-track for holders of a professional or research doctorate completed at an ACT university. This is the only pathway in any Australian state or territory that provides a guaranteed invitation in every invitation round — no Matrix scoring required.

Must hold a professional or research doctorate from an ACT university (not interstate or overseas)
Select ‘Doctorate Streamlined nomination’ in the Canberra Matrix — no Matrix points required
Eligible for both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nomination
An invitation is issued at every regular invitation round (subject to allocation remaining)
14-day application window applies after invitation — same as all other pathways
Two-year commitment to live and work in Canberra still applies after visa grant

ACT doctorate streamlined — strongest pathway for PhD graduates
If you completed a professional or research doctorate at the University of Canberra, Australian National University, or another ACT-registered university, the doctrine streamlined pathway provides a guaranteed invitation every round without competing against other Matrix submissions. This is the clearest ACT nomination pathway available — speak with Visa Advisor about whether your doctorate qualifies.

Eligibility Requirements — ACT

You must meet both Department of Home Affairs visa criteria AND ACT nomination criteria. The ACT checks both sets of requirements at Matrix submission and again at nomination date.

Requirement	Detail — verified from act.gov.au (May 2026)
Age	Under 45 at time of nomination — DHA requirement
Federal points — Subclass 190	65 total = 60 base + 5 nomination points
Federal points — Subclass 491	65 total = 50 base + 15 nomination points
Occupation	Must be on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (updated October 2025) — OR small business owner claiming Matrix points. Occupations in critical sectors (care, education, construction, renewables, experience, advanced technology) may be prioritised.
Skills assessment	Valid, positive skills assessment — must match nominated occupation — valid at both Matrix submission date AND nomination date
English — Canberra residents 190	Proficient or Superior English — unless your occupation has ANZSCO skill level 3, 4, or 5 (competent sufficient)
English — all other pathways	Competent English minimum — valid at Matrix submission date AND nomination date
Work experience — resident 190	Minimum 30 hours/week in ≥26 of the 30 weeks before Matrix submission, taxable income ≥$1,175/week
Work experience — resident 491	Minimum 15 hours/week in ≥13 of the 15 weeks before Matrix submission
Work experience — overseas 190	≥3 years relevant experience in nominated occupation
Work experience — overseas 491	≥1 year full-time post-graduate experience in nominated occupation within last 5 years
Commitment to Canberra	Statutory declaration to live and work in Canberra for ≥2 years from visa grant (or arrival date if offshore)
Nomination limit	One nomination per person ever — the ACT does not return nomination places once issued. A refused application also uses the place if not identified at eligibility stage.
Matrix validity	Canberra Matrix expires 6 months after submission if no invitation — resubmit required (new submission date applies)

How to Apply — ACT Canberra Matrix Process

Verify federal visa and ACT nomination eligibility: Check you meet all DHA visa criteria AND ACT nomination eligibility for your chosen pathway (Canberra resident, overseas applicant, or doctorate streamlined). Confirm your occupation is on the current ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List — updated regularly at act.gov.au.
Submit your EOI in SkillSelect: Lodge your Expression of Interest via SkillSelect selecting ACT as your preferred state/territory. Your EOI must be valid and all claims must be accurate — you must continue to meet all criteria from Matrix submission through to nomination date.
Calculate and submit your Canberra Matrix: Use the Matrix calculator at act.gov.au to estimate your score before submitting. Select one option per Matrix category — only claim points you can prove with supporting documents at the submission date. Submit the Matrix online — it cannot be updated or withdrawn once submitted. If your circumstances change, you must submit a new Matrix (new submission date applies).
Wait for invitation: The ACT ranks all submitted Matrices by occupation and score. 491 submissions are ranked first in every round. The highest-ranked Matrix in each occupation receives an invitation — cut-off depends on allocation remaining, occupation demand, and submission date for tied scores. Matrix expires after 6 months if no invitation.
Accept invitation and submit within 14 days: If invited, submit your ACT nomination application and pay the service fee within 14 calendar days — this deadline is absolute and cannot be reactivated. Attach all supporting documents proving every Matrix claim and your visa eligibility. Once nomination is approved, DHA issues your visa invitation and you have 60 days to lodge your visa application.

Common Mistakes — ACT Canberra Matrix Applications

Most ACT Matrix applications fail for very predictable reasons
Claiming Matrix points that cannot be proven. Using the wrong pathway (resident vs overseas). Occupation not on the current ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List. Applying as overseas while onshore. Letting the Matrix expire and losing queue position.

Claiming Matrix points without supporting documentation — every point claimed must be provable at submission date. Unsupported claims cause refusal, and that nomination place is gone permanently
Choosing the wrong pathway — overseas applicants cannot be living anywhere in Australia (except children in ACT schools). Resident applicants cannot have dependants living interstate. These are hard eligibility rules, not administrative details
Occupation not on the current ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List — the list is updated regularly. An occupation that was on the list in October 2025 may be capped or removed. Always check the current list before submitting your Matrix
Submitting a Matrix and then improving your circumstances — you cannot update a submitted Matrix. If your Matrix score could be significantly higher by waiting (e.g. completing more months of ACT employment), it is often better to wait and submit with a stronger score. The Matrix expires after 6 months, so timing matters
Not understanding the one-nomination rule — if you are nominated and then fail to meet the DHA visa requirements, or if your application is refused, the ACT does not return that nomination place. Each nomination is permanent
Letting the Matrix expire — if no invitation is issued within 6 months of submission, the Matrix expires automatically. You must resubmit — and the new submission date affects your ranking position if scores are tied
Applying for 190 while an active 491 invitation exists — your 190 Matrix will not be ranked and selected if you have an active 491 invitation or application in the system.

Including Family Members in Your ACT Application

Eligible family members can generally be included in your visa application. This applies to all three primary skilled visa subclasses — 189, 190, and 491.

Family member	Included?	Conditions
Spouse or de facto partner	Yes	Must be in a genuine relationship. For ACT nomination purposes, de facto relationships require a marriage or civil partnership certificate — de facto without a certificate is not accepted for ACT nomination unless legally unobtainable.
Dependent children under 18	Yes	Standard DHA dependency requirements apply.
Dependent children over 18	In limited circumstances	Must meet DHA dependency criteria — usually enrolled in full-time study or have a dependent disability. Evidence required.
Other dependants	Case by case	Must meet DHA dependency criteria under migration law.

ACT-specific rule — spouse/partner residency
For Canberra resident applicants, your spouse or partner must be either a resident in Canberra for at least three months OR living overseas — not interstate. If your partner is living in another Australian state or territory, this affects your eligibility under the Canberra resident pathway. Children enrolled in an ACT school may remain in Australia even for overseas applicant pathways. Source: act.gov.au.

Visa Fees and Processing Time

Visa application charges are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are updated periodically. The figures below are indicative only — always confirm current charges at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging. ACT nomination and the federal visa application are separate stages with separate fees.

Fee / timeline	Indicative detail
Primary applicant visa fee	From AUD 4,910 (Subclass 190 / 491) — confirm current DHA charge before lodging
Partner / spouse	Additional DHA charge applies — confirm at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Dependent children	Additional charges apply depending on age and circumstances
ACT nomination service fee	Charged by ACT Government at nomination stage — payable within 14-day window after invitation. Confirm current amount at act.gov.au
Total timeline — ACT pathway	ACT Matrix submission → invitation → nomination application (14 days) → nomination assessment (varies) → DHA visa invitation → visa application (60 days) → visa decision. Total timeline varies significantly — typically several months to over a year.
Processing time note	ACT nomination processing and DHA visa processing are separate stages. A nomination assessment alone typically takes weeks to months depending on round timing and documentation quality.

What If You Don't Need ACT Nomination — Subclass 189 for Canberra Applicants

Not every applicant targeting Canberra needs ACT nomination. If your federal points score is strong enough to compete nationally through the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, you may be able to settle in Canberra without going through the Canberra Matrix at all.

	Subclass 189	Subclass 190 (ACT)	Subclass 491 (ACT)
PR outcome	Direct permanent residency	Direct permanent residency	Provisional — PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years
ACT nomination needed	No — federal invitation only	Yes — Canberra Matrix required	Yes — Canberra Matrix required
Where you can live	Anywhere in Australia including Canberra	Canberra — 2-year commitment required	Canberra — 2-year commitment required
Best for	High-scoring applicants with competitive occupations who want flexibility	Applicants targeting Canberra permanently who qualify under ACT criteria	Applicants open to the regional pathway and whose Matrix score is competitive
Key risk	Federal competition is intense — thresholds vary significantly by occupation	One nomination only — if the process fails at any stage, the nomination place is lost	491 ranked first in every ACT round — strong pathway if Matrix score is competitive

Related Visas and Resources

State Nomination Hub — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination
Skilled Migration Hub — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration
Subclass 190 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-190
Subclass 491 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-491
Subclass 189 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-189
NSW Skilled Migration — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination/nsw-subclass-190-491
Victoria Skilled Migration — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination/victoria-subclass-190-491
Points Calculator — visaadvisor.com.au/tools/points-calculator
Check My Eligibility — visaadvisor.com.au/check-my-eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Canberra Matrix and how is it different from other states?

The Canberra Matrix is the ACT Government’s own scored ranking system for nomination applications. Unlike every other state which ranks applicants by their federal SkillSelect EOI points, the ACT ranks applicants by their Canberra Matrix score — which measures economic contribution to and genuine commitment to Canberra. Your federal points score gets you into the national pool; your Matrix score determines whether the ACT invites you.

Is the ACT program open right now?

Yes. The ACT’s 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program is open and conducting regular invitation rounds as of May 2026. The most recent invitation round was 12 March 2026. Rounds are held regularly throughout the financial year — exact dates are not pre-announced. Check act.gov.au/migration/resources/canberra-matrix-invitation-round for current round information. Last verified: May 2026.

Can I apply for ACT nomination if I live overseas?

Yes — but only if you are not living anywhere in Australia at the time of application. The overseas applicant pathway is available for applicants outside Australia. You and your dependants (excluding children enrolled in an ACT school) cannot be onshore. The overseas pathway requires different eligibility criteria: for 190, at least 3 years relevant work experience; for 491, at least 1 year full-time post-graduate experience in your nominated occupation in the last 5 years.

What is the doctorate streamlined pathway?

The doctorate streamlined pathway is an ACT-exclusive fast-track for holders of a professional or research doctorate completed at an ACT university. It provides a guaranteed invitation at every invitation round — no Matrix scoring is required. If you hold a PhD or professional doctorate from the University of Canberra, Australian National University, or another ACT-registered university, this is almost certainly your strongest pathway. Source: act.gov.au.

How many times can I apply for ACT nomination?

The ACT offers one nomination place per person. Once nominated — whether for 190 or 491 — you cannot apply for another ACT nomination place, with very limited exceptions at the ACT Government’s discretion. This makes the decision to submit a Matrix and accept an invitation a major commitment. Once nominated, that place cannot be returned to the pool.

What happens if my Canberra Matrix expires?

If you do not receive an invitation within 6 months of submitting your Matrix, it automatically expires. You must submit a new Matrix — which gives you a new submission date. Submission date is used as a tiebreaker when Matrix scores are equal, so a more recent submission date puts you behind others with the same score. Timing of submission therefore matters, particularly in highly competitive occupation groups.

Are 491 applications prioritised over 190 in the ACT?

Yes. The ACT Government ranks and selects 491 Matrix submissions first in every invitation round. If you are eligible for both 190 and 491, you will generally be invited for 491 first. Additionally, your 190 Matrix will not be ranked or selected if you have an active 491 invitation already issued. Source: act.gov.au.

What is the two-year commitment and does it matter?

Yes — it is a legal commitment. If the ACT nominates you and DHA grants your visa, you must live and work in Canberra for at least two years from visa grant (or from your arrival date if you were offshore). This applies to both 190 and 491 visa holders nominated by the ACT. The ACT takes this commitment seriously. Nearby NSW communities within a 30-minute commute — including Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, and Googong — are also acceptable.

What Matrix score do I need to receive an invitation?

Minimum Matrix scores vary by occupation, pathway (resident vs overseas), and visa subclass — and they change each round based on demand. From the March 2026 invitation round data on the official act.gov.au site, scores ranged from 60 for some care economy occupations to 120+ for ICT managers and accountants. The higher the occupation demand, the higher the cut-off score. The best way to assess your realistic competitive score is to review the current invitation round rankings published at act.gov.au before submitting your Matrix.

Does ACT nomination guarantee a visa grant?

No. ACT nomination is only one stage of the process. Nomination triggers an invitation from DHA to apply for your visa — but you must still satisfy all DHA visa requirements including health checks, character clearances, identity documents, and all subclass-specific criteria. The ACT Government manages nomination; DHA manages the visa application and grant decision.

Can I include my family in an ACT nomination application?

Yes. Eligible family members — including your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children — can generally be included in your visa application. For ACT nomination purposes, de facto relationships require a marriage or civil partnership certificate. Your partner must be either a Canberra resident for at least three months or living overseas — not interstate. Confirm current inclusion rules and DHA charges at act.gov.au and immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Ready to Explore Your ACT Skilled Migration Options?

Whether you are calculating your Canberra Matrix score, deciding between the resident and overseas pathways, checking whether your doctorate qualifies for streamlined nomination, or planning your ACT migration timeline — Visa Advisor can help you build a strategy that is accurate, realistic, and avoids the irreversible mistakes that the ACT’s one-nomination rule makes so costly.

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Disclaimer

Information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. ACT nomination criteria, occupation lists, Matrix scoring categories, minimum cut-off scores, and program allocations change regularly.

Always verify current requirements at act.gov.au/migration before making decisions.

For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a registered migration agent.

Visa Advisor Pty Ltd — MARA 0852408.
Last reviewed: May 2026.