Australian Capital Territory state nomination

ACT nomination uses the Canberra Matrix to rank applicants for Subclass 190 and 491. The Matrix measures factors connected with skills and commitment to Canberra, alongside the separate federal visa requirements.

Aarish Haider · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2619656
Updated 2026-10-22 · General information · Official-source check 2026-10-22

Rules and program availability can change. Check the official sources below before making an application or committing to a course, job or relocation.

Key facts

ACT nomination and Canberra Matrix
Selection process	Check the ACT criteria, submit a Canberra Matrix and apply for nomination if invited.
Who can be considered	Separate criteria apply to Canberra residents and overseas applicants for each visa subclass.
Latest verified round	The ACT published a 12 October 2026 round with Subclass 190 invitations and no Subclass 491 invitations.
2026–27 allocation	The ACT update page still says its annual allocation has not been confirmed as at 22 October 2026.
Canberra commitment	ACT nomination carries a two-year commitment to live and work in Canberra; federal visa conditions also apply.

Who this is relevant to

Useful if you live and work in Canberra, have an ACT connection, or meet the published overseas-applicant criteria and intend to settle in Canberra.

Requirements

Start with the eligibility page for your subclass and residence category. Check your occupation and prepare evidence for every Matrix claim before submission or update. The ACT requires payment of the Matrix service fee within seven days; an unpaid submission lapses. Nomination and the later Home Affairs visa application are separate stages.

Common issues

Federal SkillSelect points and Canberra Matrix points serve different purposes. A previous Matrix cutoff is a past selection result, not an invitation promise. Future round dates are tentative and the ACT does not prioritise an applicant because a visa or birthday deadline is approaching.

Official sources

ACT Migration — program updatesAustralian Capital Territory Government · Source check 2026-10-22
ACT Migration — Canberra MatrixAustralian Capital Territory Government · Source check 2026-10-22
ACT Migration — Canberra Matrix invitation roundsAustralian Capital Territory Government · Source check 2026-10-22
ACT Migration — 190 nomination criteriaAustralian Capital Territory Government · Source check 2026-10-22
ACT Migration — 491 nomination criteriaAustralian Capital Territory Government · Source check 2026-10-22

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