Canberra Matrix – Invitation Round

Tentative Invitation Round Schedule 2025-26
• 3rd round – In the week of 26 January 2026
• 4th round – In the week of 23 February 2026
• 5th round – In the week of 23 March 2026
• Final round - In the week of 27 April 2026

Please note: The tentative invitation round schedule is subject to change based on operational requirements. Any updates or changes will be published on this page.

Canberra Matrix Invitation Round: 29 January 2026
The ACT has a fixed number of nomination places available each month (pro-rata against the annual allocation). The highest ranked Matrix in each occupation were invited to apply for ACT nomination. The cut‑off for selection depended on the remaining monthly allocation, the date and time of Matrix submission, occupation cap and demand. The greater the demand for an occupation, the higher the rank of the Matrix score invited.

The minimum ranking score is an indication only and not a guarantee that an invitation was issued. Invitations will not be issued if you have an active application in the system; or if you have previously received ACT nomination.

Canberra Matrix submissions in occupations in critical sectors may be prioritised.

Requests for ranking information
Invitations are not guaranteed. We will not respond to requests for information on ranking or the likelihood of receiving an invitation. Matrix will not be prioritised or issued invitations based on personal circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, visa expiry dates or a change in circumstances including critical birthdays.

Matrix nominating Doctorate Streamlined Pathway

Nomination Type	Invitations
190 nominations	26 invitations
491 nominations	1 invitation

Canberra residents

Nomination Type	Invitations	Minimum Matrix Score
Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations: 17 invitations	105
	491 nominations: 16 invitations	95
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations: 49 invitations
	491 nominations: 20 invitations
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations: 123 invitations
	491 nominations: 140 invitations

Overseas applicants

Nomination Type	Invitations
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations: 31 invitations
	491 nominations: 60 invitations

2025-2026 Allocation of ACT Nomination Places:

Visa Type	Places
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa	800 places
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa	800 places

Application Count @30 January 2025

Category	Approvals	Refusals
Total approvals	660 approvals
190 Nominations	338 approvals	45 refusals (12%)
491 Nominations	322 approvals	56 refusals (15%)

Approvals by residency status since the last invitation round

Residency Status	Approvals
ACT Resident	595 approvals (90%)
Overseas Resident	65 approvals (10%)

Remaining Allocation 2025-2026

Nomination Type	Remaining Places
Total allocation remaining	940 nomination places
190 Nominations	462
491 Nominations	478