Tentative Invitation Round Schedule 2025-26 3rd round - In the week of 26 January 2026 4th round - in the week of 9 March 2026 Final round - In the week of 4 May 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: 12 March 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 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 Download a copy of the Matrix invitation ranking 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

The Department of Home Affairs has published an updated occupation list legislative instrument on 28-03-2026. This instrument supersedes the previous version published on 14-12-2024 and introduces revisions to occupation name formatting. No occupations have been added, removed, or reclassified in this update. There are no amendments to visa–category associations. These changes may affect eligibility assessment and migration pathway planning where occupation name precision is required. Occupation Name Changes - ANZSCO 139999: specialist managers (nec) except: (a) ambassador; or (b) archbishop; or (c) bishop → specialist managers (nec) except: (a) ambassador; or (b) archbishop; or (c) bishop Migration agents and other stakeholders should review affected occupation profiles to ensure that eligibility assumptions remain accurate. Nomination and pathway strategies may require adjustment in accordance with the updated occupation name. It is essential to rely on the latest legislative instrument for all migration assessments. Previously issued guidance should be reviewed where applicable. Ongoing monitoring of legislative updates remains critical to maintain compliance with current migration policy.

The Department of Home Affairs has published an updated occupation list legislative instrument dated 28-03-2026. This instrument supersedes the previous list published on 07-11-2025 and reflects the latest amendments to the skilled occupation list. The current update includes a revision to the nomenclature of one occupation. No occupations have been added, removed, or reclassified, and there are no changes to visa–category associations. These amendments may affect eligibility assessment and migration pathway planning for the affected occupation. Occupation Name Changes - ANZSCO 313212: Telecommunications Field Engineer → Telecommunications Network Engineer Migration agents and other stakeholders are advised to review affected client profiles in light of this update. Eligibility assumptions should be reassessed where necessary, and nomination and pathway strategies may require adjustment to align with the updated occupation name. It is essential to rely on this latest legislative instrument for all assessments and advice. Previously issued guidance should be reviewed to ensure consistency with the current instrument. Ongoing monitoring of legislative updates remains critical to maintain compliance and accuracy in migration advice.

The March 2026 Evidence Level (EL) update for countries and education providers (based on student visa outcome data from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025) has taken place, effective for applications lodged on or after 27 March 2026. Department of Home Affairs systems have been updated to reflect March 2026 ELs. The Document Checklist Tool on the Department of Home Affairs’ website (homeaffairs.gov.au) also reflects ELs as per the March 2026 update. Document Checklist Tool For more information see: Evidence Levels for Education Program (homeaffairs.gov.au) Evidence Levels for Education Program

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2026 introduces updates to the specified assessing authority for the occupation of Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212), following the liquidation of the Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA). The Institution of Surveyors New South Wales Ltd (ISNSW) has been appointed as the new assessing authority, and the relevant legislative instruments have been amended to reflect this change. The amendments: The instrument also clarifies the relevant assessing authorities for the occupation “Information and Organisation Professionals NEC” (ANZSCO 224999), confirming the roles of ACS and VETASSESS in specified circumstances. This is a technical amendment designed to ensure continuity of skills assessment processes and fairness for affected applicants. - Apply to visa applications made on or after 8 October 2025, including those not yet finalised - Ensure that applicants are not disadvantaged by delays in updating the legislative instruments - Confirm that skills assessments issued by GCA prior to its liquidation remain valid and do not require reassessment

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 26/03/2026: Subclass 190 - 19 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 20 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - Gold pass only Subclass 491 - 502 points (Green pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 462 ROIs Subclass 491 - 374 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 450 places Subclass 491 - 396 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 332 applications Subclass 491 - 223 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 46 invitations Subclass 491 - 35 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 18/12/2025

Temporary travel restrictions are now in place for most people outside Australia who have a Subclass 600 Visitor visa linked to their Iranian passport. The Arrival Control Determination (the Determination) began on 26 March 2026 and is in force for 6 months. The Australian Government has made the Determination to protect the integrity and sustainability of the migration system. For more information go to Arrival Control Determination - Temporary travel restrictions for Visitor visa holders with Iranian passports.

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Annual Market Salary Rate) Instrument 2026 introduces amendments to the existing framework for determining the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for employer-sponsored visa nominations. The instrument provides greater flexibility in how AMSR is determined, particularly where a Fair Work instrument, state industrial instrument, or transitional instrument applies. In such cases, nominators may now use an alternative methodology based on relevant employment documents (where an equivalent Australian worker exists) or relevant information (where one does not), provided the resulting salary is not less than the amount specified under the applicable industrial instrument. The amendments apply to nominations under Subclass 482, 494, 186 and 187 visas and operate alongside existing income thresholds, ensuring that migrant workers are paid at least market rates and do not undercut Australian workers. The changes are intended to improve accuracy in reflecting real labour market conditions, accommodate diverse employment arrangements, and enhance protections against underpayment and exploitation. The instrument commences the day after registration and applies to both new and undecided nomination applications. It is beneficial in nature, as it expands, rather than restricts, available methods for determining AMSR. Overall, the amendments promote fair wages, support an adequate standard of living for migrant workers, and align the skilled migration program more closely with Australian labour market conditions. Source: Migration-Legislation-Amendment-AMSR-Instrument-2026.pdf and Migration-Legislation-Amendment-AMSR-Instrument-2026-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

The Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/008) commenced on 21 March 2026, updating the UNSC sanctions framework within Australian migration law. Made under the Migration (UNSC Resolutions) Regulations 2007, the Instrument specifies the current UNSC resolutions that identify individuals subject to international travel bans. It replaces IMMI 14/034 and ensures Australia remains aligned with its obligations under the UN Charter. Scope of the Instrument The Instrument applies to individuals designated under UNSC sanctions regimes, including: Lebanon, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan, Haiti and North Korea. Al-Qaida, ISIL (Da’esh), Taliban and Al-Shabaab. It also removes outdated regimes, including Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Eritrea. Migration Law Impact Where a person is designated under a relevant UNSC resolution, Australia must prevent their entry or transit. This is implemented through visa refusal or cancellation under section 116(1)(g) of the Migration Act 1958. Importantly, the regime is designation-based, not nationality-based. Exceptions Exemptions may apply where: a UNSC committee approves travel; or there are humanitarian, medical, legal or compelling circumstances. Conclusion LIN 26/008 updates Australia’s migration framework to reflect current UNSC sanctions. Practitioners must focus on whether a person is UNSC-designated, rather than their nationality, when assessing visa risks. Source: Migration-United-Nations-Security-Council-Resolutions-Instrument-2026.pdf and Migration-United-Nations-Security-Council-Resolutions-Instrument-2026-explanatory-statement.pdf - a UNSC committee approves travel; or - there are humanitarian, medical, legal or compelling circumstances.

The Australian Citizenship (Special Residence Requirement) Amendment (Measures No. 1) Instrument 2026 introduces targeted amendments to the Special Residence Requirement (SRR) framework under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. The primary purpose of the instrument is to expand the categories of work that may be recognised for the purposes of satisfying the SRR, which applies in limited circumstances where applicants are unable to meet the general residence requirements due to extended or frequent absences from Australia. The amendments include: Extending recognised research and development work to include PhD-qualified academics employed by Australian universities, where the work is of benefit to Australia; and PhD-qualified academics employed by Australian universities Introducing a new category covering the work of ministers of religion in senior leadership positions within religious organisations. work of ministers of religion in senior leadership positions within religious organisations These changes acknowledge that certain professions require regular international travel and are intended to ensure that eligible applicants are not disadvantaged in meeting citizenship residence requirements where they maintain a strong and ongoing connection to Australia. The instrument also makes minor technical and drafting updates to the existing framework. Overall, the amendments broaden access to the SRR pathway while maintaining its application to specific and exceptional circumstances. Source: Australian-Citizenship-Special-Residence-Requirement-Amendment-Measures-No-1-Instrument-2026.pdf and Australian-Citizenship-Special-Residence-Requirement-Amendment-Measures-No-1-Instrument-2026----Explanatory-Statement.pdf - Extending recognised research and development work to include PhD-qualified academics employed by Australian universities, where the work is of benefit to Australia; and - Introducing a new category covering the work of ministers of religion in senior leadership positions within religious organisations.

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 19/03/2026: Subclass 190 - 23 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 18 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - Gold pass only Subclass 491 - 301 points (Green pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 464 ROIs Subclass 491 - 307 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 516 places Subclass 491 - 410 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 380 applications Subclass 491 - 228 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 41 invitations Subclass 491 - 46 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 17/12/2025

Tentative Invitation Round Schedule 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 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: 12 March 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 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 Download a copy of the Matrix invitation ranking 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