ACT state nomination (190 and 491)

How does the Canberra Matrix work?

It is a points-based ranking. You claim points for skilled employment, English, qualifications, length of ACT residence or study, investment activity and close family ties. Applicants who will make, or have made, a positive economic contribution to the ACT are weighted higher. Matrix entries are ranked within an occupation, and the cut-off depends on demand, the monthly share of places and any occupation cap. Entries in critical sectors such as care, education, construction, renewables and advanced technology may be prioritised. Demand is far above the number of places, so meeting the criteria does not guarantee an invitation.

You pay the Matrix fee within seven days of submitting or the entry lapses. Updating or withdrawing a Matrix is free until it is invited or lapses. You must still meet the Home Affairs visa criteria, including a valid English test and skills assessment, while you wait.

Who is eligible for the 190?

Canberra residents must, on the day they submit the Matrix: - Meet the Home Affairs criteria for the visa. - Have an occupation on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List, or qualify under the Doctorate Streamlined pathway (an ACT university doctorate and 12 months living in the ACT) or the Small Business Owner pathway. - Have lived in Canberra for at least six months, shown by ACT banking activity (living within 30 minutes in NSW, such as Queanbeyan, also counts). - Have worked in Canberra for at least 26 weeks: at least 30 hours a week in 26 of the 30 weeks before submitting, with an employer statutory declaration. The self-employed need taxable income of at least A$1,175 a week in each of the 26 weeks and 12 months of ACT business activity. - Have Proficient or Superior English, unless the occupation is a chef (351311) or ANZSCO skill level 3 to 5. - Sign a declaration to live and work in Canberra for at least two years from visa grant.

Overseas applicants must: - Meet the Home Affairs criteria and have an occupation on the ACT list (or the Doctorate Streamlined pathway for a doctorate awarded by an ACT university in the last two years). - Have at least three years of full-time, post-graduate work experience in the occupation in the last five years. - Have Proficient or Superior English (same exceptions). - Live overseas, not have lived in Australia in the last year and hold no Australian visa other than a visitor visa. - Attach an employment statement showing they researched the ACT job market, and a commitment statement in their own words. - Show enough money to settle in Canberra and sign a declaration to live and work in Canberra for two years from arrival.

A de facto relationship is accepted for partner points only with a relationship certificate (or a VEVO secondary applicant status for residents).

What does it cost?

Fees are non-refundable and do not guarantee an invitation. After an invitation you have 14 days to submit the application and pay.

What was the latest invitation round?

On 12 October 2026 the ACT invited 54 Doctorate Streamlined, 18 Small Business Owner (minimum Matrix score 120) and 126 Critical Skill Occupation Canberra residents, plus 63 overseas Critical Skill Occupation applicants, all for the 190. No 491 invitations were issued. The tentative 2026-27 rounds start the weeks of 25 January, 22 March and 24 May 2027.