The Canberra Matrix Invitation Round has announced its tentative schedule for 2025-26:

• 3rd round - In the week of 26 January 2026
• 4th round - In the week of 9 March 2026
• 5th round - In the week of 13 April 2026
• Final round - In the week of 18 May 2026

Please note: The schedule is subject to change based on operational requirements. Updates will be published on this page.

The Canberra Matrix Invitation Round on 12 March 2026 had a fixed number of nomination places available each month. 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.

Important: Invitations will not be issued if you have an active application in the system or if you have previously received ACT nomination. Submissions 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 based on personal circumstances.

Matrix nominating Doctorate Streamlined Pathway:
• 190 nominations: 23 invitations
• 491 nominations: 2 invitations

Canberra residents:
• Matrix nominating Small Business Owners
• 190 nominations: 12 invitations
• 190 minimum matrix score: 105
• 491 nominations: 11 invitations
• 491 minimum matrix score: 95

Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders:
• 190 nominations: 21 invitations
• 491 nominations: 9 invitations

Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations:
• 190 nominations: 123 invitations
• 491 nominations: 149 invitations

Overseas applicants:
• Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations:
• 190 nominations: 44 invitations
• 491 nominations: 101 invitations

2025-2026 Allocation of ACT Nomination Places:
• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 800 places
• Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 800 places

Application Count @13 March 2026:
• Total approvals: 961 approvals
• 190 Nominations: 474 approvals
• 491 Nominations: 487 approvals
• Total refusals: 140 applications
• 190 Nominations: 68 refusals (12.5%)
• 491 Nominations: 72 refusals (12.9%)

Approvals by residency status since the last invitation round:
• ACT Resident: 860 approvals (89.6%)
• Overseas Resident: 101 approvals (10.5%)

Remaining Allocation 2025-2026:
• Total allocation remaining: 639 nomination places
• 190 Nominations: 326
• 491 Nominations: 313