ACT Migration Updates 2026: Key Changes to Canberra Migration Program

The ACT skilled migration program is a pathway for skilled workers living in Canberra, overseas applicants with relevant skills, and PhD graduates to obtain ACT nominations for the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) and Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) (permanent).

The Australian Capital Territory manages the program, aiming to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to the ACT workforce. If you are looking forward to this visa pathway, you must be aware of the key changes made recently.

Overview of ACT Skilled Migration Program

The ACT skilled migration program allows the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government to nominate skilled migrants for Australian permanent or provisional visas based on economic needs.

It ranks applicants based on their Canberra matrix submissions, focusing on the applicant's occupation listed in the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List.

What Is ACT Nomination?

ACT nomination is a migration program sponsored by the Australian Capital Territory, allowing skilled workers to live and work in Canberra, Australia.

The government nominates workers for permanent and provisional visas based on their Canberra matrix submission.

Before starting with the ACT nomination process, it is important to meet the eligibility criteria stated by the Department of Home Affairs and submit a valid expression of interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. This is the first step in the process. ACT nomination is only considered after you submit a Canberra Matrix and receive an invitation..

Visa Options Under ACT Migration

The ACT nomination allows the Australian Capital Territory to nominate applicants for two types of skilled migration visas:

• Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) (provisional)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) (permanent)

ACT also offers streamlined nominations for doctorate holders at an ACT university. These applicants may have access to a streamlined nomination pathway with reduced requirements compared to other applicants. Also, the occupation may not need to be on the ACT occupation list, provided it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list.

[free_consultation]

Book a Consultation

If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.

[/free_consultation]

ACT 491 vs ACT 190: Key Requirements

Beyond the occupation list and Canberra Matrix, each visa has its own residence and employment requirements.

Subclass 491:

• Lived in Canberra for at least 3 months before submitting the Canberra Matrix, continuing until invitation.
• Worked in Canberra at least 13 of the last 15 weeks, 15 hours per week or more.
• A declaration to live and work in Canberra for at least 2 years after visa grant.

Subclass 190:

• Lived in Canberra for at least 6 months before submitting the Canberra Matrix, continuing until invitation.
• Worked in Canberra at least 26 of the last 30 weeks, 30 hours per week or more.
• Generally requires Proficient or Superior English, unless the nominated occupation is exempt.

Applicants living within commuting distance of Canberra, including Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, and Googong, may also qualify.

Key ACT Migration Updates for 2026

Here are some key updates for 2026:

Updated Occupation List

The ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List was reduced from 152 to 105 ANZSCO unit groups in an update effective 10 October 2025. This list has since carried over into the 2026-27 program year.

The occupation list was previously called the ACT Critical Skills List. It was renamed the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List.

Changes to Canberra Matrix System

The 2026-27 program introduced several changes to how the Canberra Matrix works, though the scoring categories themselves are largely unchanged:

• Validity extended to 12 months. Matrix submissions previously expired after 6 months. Applicants can now extend validity by updating their Matrix, up to a maximum of 12 months from the original submission date.
• Matrix can now be updated or withdrawn before an invitation is issued. An update resets the submission date used for ranking, so it can move an applicant behind others who submitted earlier with the same score.
• Multiple Matrix submissions allowed. Applicants can lodge up to 2 Matrix submissions for the 491 pathway and 2 for the 190 pathway, covering up to 4 nominated occupations.
• Ranking is now occupation-specific. Invitations go to the highest-ranked applicants within each nominated occupation, not across the whole Matrix pool.

New ACT Nomination Fees 

The 2026-27 program introduced a new fee structure:

• Canberra Matrix submission: $25 plus GST, due within 7 days of lodging.
• ACT nomination application: $325 plus GST, paid after invitation.
• Total cost for a single Matrix and successful invitation: $350 plus GST.

Applicants who lodge more than one Matrix pay the submission fee again for each one.

Updated Priority Sectors 

The ACT's priority sectors for 2026-27 are Care, Education, Construction, Renewables, and Advanced Technology. This replaces the previous, broader focus on healthcare, education, social assistance, construction, and IT. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation, even within a priority sector.

Increased Income Threshold Requirements

The ACT has increased the minimum taxable income requirements for self-employed applicants and their spouses. The updated threshold is the following:

• Subclass 491 nomination: $610 for at least 13 out of the 15 weeks
• Subclass 190 nomination: $1,175 for at least 26 out of the 30 weeks.

In addition, the minimum income required to claim ACT employment skill points has increased to $31 per hour (before casual loading). This requirement is applicable for the primary applicant and their spouse.

Removal of 482 Visa Fast-Track Pathway

Another change that has been made recently is that the 482 Visa Holder Pathway has been removed from the ACT nomination framework.

Updated Nomination Guidelines (February 2026)

The February 2026 guidelines have since been superseded by the 2026-27 program update, which introduced the new online portal, the new fee structure, and the Matrix changes described above.

ACT Nomination Allocation for 2025–2026

The 2025-26 program year has closed. Its final allocation figures are historical and no longer relevant to a current application.

The ACT has a fixed number of nomination places available monthly, which is based on pro rata against annual allocation. This figure impacts the cut-off for selection.

How ACT Invitation Rounds Work in 2026

As mentioned earlier, ACT has a fixed number of nomination places available each month.

Step-by-Step Process

Go to the official ACT government website and follow the steps mentioned below:

• Review the ACT nomination criteria for your selected pathway and confirm your eligibility to qualify for Matrix points.
• Enter your personal information.
• Select the ACT 491 nomination or the ACT 190 nomination according to your eligibility.
• Select 'Canberra resident' or 'overseas applicant'.
• Also select yes/no for doctorate (if eligible) for streamlined nominations.
• After filling in the important information, you will have to select one option in the drop-down menu for each matrix category. The supporting documents must prove that your matrix point claims are true.
• Refer to the document checklist to ensure you have included everything.
• Submit the application.

Applications are lodged through the new ACT Migration Application Portal, which replaced the previous system for 2026-27. The portal requires multi-factor authentication.

Selection Factors

The selection is based on the Canberra matrix. Here points can be claimed by the applicant against specific factors such as skilled employment, English proficiency, formal qualifications, length of ACT residence, close family ties, and others.

The Canberra Matrix is separate from the federal SkillSelect points test used for the 190 and 491 visas. Meeting the federal points threshold does not guarantee a competitive Matrix score, and vice versa.

What These Changes Mean for Applicants

The changes in the ACT migration do impact the visa application process.

Key Impacts

The changes in the ACT nomination imply that applicants need a higher income threshold to meet the eligibility criteria. Moreover, with the reduction in occupations listed in the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List, the competition will be more rigid.

Opportunities

On the brighter side, applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can access high-demand jobs in IT, healthcare, education, construction, and others mentioned in the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It is important to avoid the following mistakes when applying for the ACT skilled migration program:

• Claiming the points that you can't prove is a strict no and is one of the most common reasons for refusal.
• The applicant's occupation not being closely related to the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List may lead to an invalid application.
• Ignoring income thresholds is another common mistake. Income levels are critical in determining eligibility.

Tips to Improve Your Chances for ACT Nomination

The following tips will improve your chances of ACT nomination:

• Don't apply as soon as you qualify. Build a competitive score at first.
• Secure a relevant ACT job to improve your chances.
• Seek professional help to ensure that you are submitting the nomination correctly.

Think carefully before updating an already-submitted Canberra Matrix. An update resets your ranking date, so only update if the added points are worth losing your original submission date.

[success_stories] [/success_stories]

How Australian Migration Agents Can Help

Australian Migration Agents can make a real difference with the ACT nominations. Here is how they can help:

• They will help you identify whether ACT is the best pathway and if it is the perfect time to apply.
• They will help maximize your Canberra matrix by identifying where you are losing points and suggesting ways to increase them.
• ACT is strict about nomination guidelines. With the help of the professionals, you can avoid overclaiming points.

FAQs

What are the ACT migration updates for 2026?

There are two major ACT migration updates for 2026:

• The income thresholds have been increased for applicants.
• The ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List has been updated, bringing down the total number of eligible occupations.

Is ACT nomination harder in 2026?

Yes, with the increased income thresholds and decreased number of eligible occupations, ACT nomination may be more competitive in 2026..

What is the Canberra Matrix?

It is a points-based ranking system to select skilled migrants for nomination under Australia's skilled visa programs.

How many nomination places are available in 2026?

800 places each for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa and the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa.

Can I update my Canberra Matrix after submitting it?

Yes. From 2026-27, applicants can update or withdraw a Canberra Matrix before receiving an invitation, at no extra cost. An update resets the submission date used for ranking.

Can 482 visa holders apply for ACT nomination?

The previous 482 visa holder pathway has been removed. Applicants must meet current ACT nomination criteria to be eligible.

How can I improve my chances of ACT nomination?

To improve your chances of getting ACT nomination, focus on maximizing your matrix score and aligning with ACT priorities. It is competitive, so small updates can make a significant difference.

[registered_migration_agents] [/registered_migration_agents]