ACT Migration: Canberra Matrix Invitation Round Updates for 2025-26

Tentative Invitation Round Schedule 2025-26

Additional invitation round - Thursday 11 June 2026 (subclass 190 only). Please note, this is a small invitation round only for Subclass 190 visas. This means that Canberra Matrix submissions with a nominated occupation in a critical sector may be prioritised.

Canberra Matrix Invitation Round: 6 May 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

Category 190 Nominations 491 Nominations
Doctorate Streamlined Pathway 22 invitations 8 invitations

Canberra residents

Category 190 Nominations 491 Nominations
Small Business Owners 3 invitations 14 invitations
Minimum Matrix Score 105 100
457 / 482 visa holders 1 invitation 0 invitations
Critical Skill Occupations 130 invitations 87 invitations

Overseas applicants

Category 190 Nominations 491 Nominations
Critical Skill Occupations 38 invitations 33 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 @ 7 May 2026

Category Total Approvals Total Refusals
190 Nominations 615 approvals 91 refusals (12.9%)
491 Nominations 673 approvals 104 refusals (13.4%)

Approvals by residency status since the last invitation round

Residency Status Approvals
ACT Resident 1131 approvals (87.8%)
Overseas Resident 157 approvals (12.2%)

Remaining Allocation 2025-2026

Category Remaining Places
Total allocation remaining 312 nomination places
190 Nominations 185
491 Nominations 127