ACT Skilled Migration 2026–27: The Canberra Matrix System Has Changed
- Youssef Haddad
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Australian Capital Territory is preparing for the 2026–27 skilled migration program, with changes to the system used by prospective applicants seeking ACT nomination for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) visas.
A key development is the introduction of a new ACT Migration Application Portal for Canberra Matrix submissions and ACT nomination applications.
For skilled migrants considering Canberra, understanding the Canberra Matrix remains an important part of developing an ACT nomination strategy.
What is the Canberra Matrix?
The Canberra Matrix is the ACT Government's merit-based system for managing applications for ACT skilled nomination.
Applicants seeking ACT nomination generally first need a valid SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) and must satisfy the relevant ACT nomination requirements.
Eligible candidates can then submit a Canberra Matrix to register their interest in ACT nomination.
The Matrix awards points according to specified factors that can include:
skilled employment;
English language ability;
qualifications;
ACT residence;
ACT study;
nominated occupation;
spouse or partner circumstances;
business or investment activity; and
close family ties to Canberra.
The ACT Government then ranks eligible Matrix submissions. Candidates who rank sufficiently highly may be invited to apply for ACT nomination.
Importantly, meeting the eligibility requirements or achieving a particular Matrix score does not guarantee an invitation.
New ACT Migration Application Portal
The ACT Government has introduced a new online portal for Canberra Matrix submissions and ACT nomination applications.
The new system is intended to modernise the application process for both applicants and registered migration agents.
Applicants should ensure they are using the current ACT Migration system and current nomination criteria before submitting a Canberra Matrix.
New Canberra Matrix Fee
A significant change for the 2026–27 program is the introduction of a fee for submitting a Canberra Matrix.
The ACT Government has announced a fee of:
$25 plus GST for each new Canberra Matrix submission.
This is separate from the fee payable if a candidate subsequently receives an invitation and proceeds with an ACT nomination application.
Your Matrix Claims Must Be Supported by Evidence
The Canberra Matrix is not simply a points calculator. Applicants must be able to substantiate the points they claim. The ACT Government makes clear that supporting documentation must demonstrate that the applicant satisfied the relevant requirements for the Matrix points claimed at the applicable time.
If an applicant receives an invitation but cannot substantiate the eligibility requirements or Matrix points claimed, the ACT nomination application may be refused.
For this reason, applicants should carefully review their evidence before submitting a Canberra Matrix rather than attempting to resolve evidentiary problems after receiving an invitation.
How Are Canberra Matrices Ranked?
The Canberra Matrix is competitive. The ACT Government ranks Matrix submissions according to the points claimed and the applicable selection arrangements.
For some pathways, occupation demand and whether the nominated occupation appears on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List can also be important.
Where there are more candidates than available nomination places, simply satisfying the minimum requirements will not necessarily result in an invitation.
This distinction is important:
Eligibility allows you to compete. It does not guarantee that you will be selected.
Subclass 190 and Subclass 491
The Canberra Matrix is used in connection with ACT nomination for both:
Skilled Nominated Visa — Subclass 190
The Subclass 190 visa is a points-tested permanent skilled visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa — Subclass 491
The Subclass 491 visa is a points-tested provisional skilled visa. ACT nomination is one pathway through which an eligible applicant may obtain an invitation to apply.
Different ACT eligibility requirements can apply depending on the visa subclass and whether the applicant is a Canberra resident or an overseas applicant. Applicants should therefore not assume that eligibility for one ACT pathway means they are eligible for another.
When Will the Next ACT Invitation Round Take Place?
The ACT conducts invitation rounds to select competitive Canberra Matrix submissions.
The timing, number of invitations and ranking outcomes can depend upon the ACT's available nomination allocation and program priorities.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their SkillSelect EOI, skills assessment, English results and supporting evidence remain valid and accurate while waiting for a potential invitation.
Thinking About ACT Skilled Migration?
ACT nomination can provide an important skilled migration pathway, but the Canberra Matrix is a competitive selection system.
A strong migration strategy involves more than simply calculating a Matrix score.
Before proceeding, consideration should be given to:
eligibility for Subclass 190 and/or Subclass 491;
the validity of the applicant's skills assessment;
SkillSelect points;
ACT nomination eligibility;
the nominated occupation;
Canberra Matrix points;
the evidence available to substantiate each claimed point; and
whether ACT nomination is the strongest available state or territory pathway for the applicant.
How Immigration Law Matters Australia Can Help
ILM Australia can assess your skilled migration circumstances and advise whether ACT nomination should form part of your Australian migration strategy.
Our office can assist with:
Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 eligibility assessments;
skills assessment and skilled migration strategy;
SkillSelect EOI preparation and review;
ACT nomination eligibility;
Canberra Matrix assessment and preparation;
supporting-document review;
ACT nomination applications; and
the subsequent skilled visa application following successful nomination.
If you are considering Canberra as part of your migration plans, it is better to assess your position before submitting your Matrix, rather than discovering an eligibility or evidentiary problem after receiving an invitation.
Contact ILM Australia to discuss your ACT skilled migration options.
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This article provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Australian migration requirements and state or territory nomination criteria can change. Individual eligibility should be assessed against the requirements applying to the particular applicant and application.
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