The 12 October 2026 Canberra Matrix round issued 261 Subclass 190 invitations. The next round is expected in the week starting 25 January 2027. The ACT 2026-27 allocation has not yet been confirmed.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-20 | Programme year: 2026-27
ACT Canberra Matrix 2026: 190 and 491 Nomination Guide
The first ACT Canberra Matrix 2026 invitation round for the 2026-27 programme year was held on 12 October 2026. It issued 261 invitations, all for the Subclass 190. The next tentative round is in the week starting 25 January 2027. The ACT has not yet received its 2026-27 allocation. In 2025-26, the ACT used all 1,600 of its places. This page explains how the Canberra Matrix works, who is eligible and the latest round results.
Key facts
- Latest round: 12 October 2026, with 261 Subclass 190 invitations and no Subclass 491 invitations
- Next tentative rounds: weeks starting 25 January, 22 March and 24 May 2027
- 2026-27 allocation: not yet confirmed by the Australian Government
- 2025-26 allocation: 1,600 places (800 Subclass 190, 800 Subclass 491), all used by 30 June 2026
- Fees: $25 plus GST for a Canberra Matrix and $325 plus GST for the nomination application
- Pay the Canberra Matrix fee within 7 days or the submission lapses
- Canberra Matrix validity: 6 months, extendable to a maximum of 12 months by updating
- Canberra residents (190): at least 6 months living in Canberra and 26 weeks of work in Canberra
- Minimum points required: 65. Nomination adds 5 points (190) or 15 points (491)
- Official government portal: act.gov.au/migration
How many nomination places does Australian Capital Territory have?
The ACT used its full 2025-26 allocation of 1,600 places: 800 for the Subclass 190 and 800 for the Subclass 491. ACT residents received 1,417 approvals (89 per cent) and overseas residents received 183 (11 per cent). The ACT refused 229 nomination applications in 2025-26. The 2026-27 allocation has not yet been confirmed by the Australian Government.
Which occupations are eligible for Australian Capital Territory state nomination?
The ACT uses its own ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List. The list was last updated on 10 October 2025 and applies to every Canberra Matrix, whenever it was submitted. Some occupations on the list are eligible for the 491 only. Matrix submissions in critical sectors may be prioritised. These sectors are care, education, construction, renewables, experience and advanced technology. Check the current list at act.gov.au/migration/skilled-migrants/act-nominated-migration-program-occupation-list before submitting.
Official ACT government migration portal
How to apply for Australian Capital Territory state nomination
- Check that your occupation is on the relevant occupation list and that you meet the skill and English requirements.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation.
- Submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and nominate Australian Capital Territory as your preferred state or territory.
- Submit a Canberra Matrix through the ACT Migration Application Portal, which opened in July 2026. Pay the $25 plus GST fee within 7 days, or the submission lapses and is not ranked. Your Matrix score determines your ranking within your occupation. Open the portal
- If invited, lodge your nomination application with the state and provide the supporting documents requested.
- Once nominated, lodge your Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visa application with the Department of Home Affairs within the invitation period.
Recent Australian Capital Territory nomination invitation rounds
The 12 October 2026 round issued 261 Subclass 190 invitations and no Subclass 491 invitations. Doctorate Streamlined applicants received 54. Canberra resident Small Business Owners received 18, at a minimum Matrix score of 120. Canberra residents in Critical Skill Occupations received 126. Overseas applicants in Critical Skill Occupations received 63. Results are published at act.gov.au/migration/resources/canberra-matrix-invitation-round.
How many points do I need for Australian Capital Territory state nomination?
The minimum Department of Home Affairs points score for ACT nomination is 65. The Canberra Matrix is a separate score that ranks you against others in your occupation. An updated Matrix is treated as a new submission for ranking, so only update when your score genuinely improves. A Matrix lapses after six months without an invitation or an update.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next ACT invitation round?
The next tentative Canberra Matrix round is in the week starting 25 January 2027. Further rounds are set for the weeks starting 22 March and 24 May 2027. The first 2026-27 round was held on 12 October 2026. Dates may change depending on the final allocation.
What were the results of the October 2026 Canberra Matrix round?
The 12 October 2026 round issued 261 invitations, all for the Subclass 190. Doctorate Streamlined applicants received 54, Canberra resident Small Business Owners 18, Canberra residents in Critical Skill Occupations 126 and overseas applicants 63. The minimum Matrix score for Small Business Owners was 120.
How many nomination places does the ACT have for 2026-27?
The ACT has not yet received its 2026-27 allocation from the Australian Government. In 2025-26, the ACT had 1,600 places, split equally between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. All 1,600 places were used by 30 June 2026.
How long is a Canberra Matrix valid?
A Canberra Matrix lapses after six months if no invitation is issued and no update is made. An update extends validity by six months, up to 12 months from the original submission. Every update is treated as a new submission for ranking, so only update when your score genuinely improves.
How much does ACT nomination cost in 2026-27?
ACT nomination costs $350 excluding GST: $25 for the Canberra Matrix submission and $325 for the nomination application. You must pay the Matrix fee within seven days of submitting. If you do not, the submission lapses and is never ranked.
Can overseas applicants get ACT 190 nomination?
Yes. Overseas applicants submit a Canberra Matrix through a separate stream. In the 12 October 2026 round, overseas applicants received 63 of the 261 invitations, all for the Subclass 190. In 2025-26, ACT residents received 1,417 of the 1,600 nomination approvals.
Kunal Sitlani
Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2418523
Studynash has an office in Canberra and assists applicants with ACT nomination and the Canberra Matrix.
Related pages
- 189 vs 190 vs 491: which skilled visa is right for you
- Points calculator
- Book a consultation
- Australian Capital Territory state nomination guide
- migration agent Canberra
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. Visa requirements, nomination allocations, and occupation lists change throughout the programme year. Always verify current settings on the relevant state government website before submitting an application or Registration of Interest. For advice specific to your circumstances, speak with a MARA-registered migration agent.
Ready to check your options for Australian Capital Territory state nomination?
Speak directly with Kunal Sitlani, MARN 2418523.