ACT Skilled Migration Update: Insights from the Latest Canberra Matrix Invitation Round

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has released its most recent Canberra Matrix invitation round, offering a detailed look at the evolving priorities within the ACT Skilled Migration Program for the 2025-26 program year. The Canberra Matrix remains a critical tool through which ACT identifies and nominates skilled professionals for subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas.

Understanding the Canberra Matrix System

The Canberra Matrix operates as a merit-based ranking system that assesses candidates against several weighted criteria. These include skilled employment within the ACT, professional qualifications, English proficiency, length of residency or study in the Territory, and alignment with critical skill needs. Each submission is scored, and invitations are issued based on ranking, occupation demand, and quota availability.

Importantly, a high score does not guarantee an invitation. The ACT Government issues invitations progressively, subject to monthly allocation limits and occupational ceilings. This approach ensures transparency and flexibility as labour market needs evolve throughout the program year.

For applicants wishing to review their eligibility, detailed scoring information is available via the official Canberra Matrix calculator.

Highlights from the September 2025 Invitation Round

The 15 September 2025 invitation round offered a snapshot of current nomination activity across key sectors.

Summary of outcomes:

• Subclass 190 - Canberra Residents (Small Business Owners): 9 invitations | minimum score 115

• Subclass 491 - Canberra Residents (Small Business Owners): 18 invitations | minimum score 110

• Subclass 190 - 457/482 Visa Holders: 41 invitations

• Subclass 491 - 457/482 Visa Holders: 16 invitations

• Critical Skill Occupations (Canberra Residents): 167 invitations under 190 | 225 under 491

• Critical Skill Occupations (Overseas Applicants): 18 invitations under 190 | 65 under 491

• Remaining allocation (as at this round): 35 places for 190 | 59 for 491

Of the approved nominations so far, approximately 94% were Canberra residents, reaffirming the Territory’s strong emphasis on supporting locally based professionals.

Applicants from few of these occupations received PR invitations with considerably low points: Child care centre managers, Construction Managers, Human Resource Managers etc. Do note, that Canberra has a different points calculation system called ACT Matrix, which favours applicants living in Canberra and applicants with skilled partner. Also, given that there is no "Age factor" in ACT Matrix, it could be favourable applicants with the age over 33.

What This Means for Skilled Migrants

The latest data highlights several ongoing trends:

• Local engagement remains pivotal. Canberra-based professionals continue to receive a majority of invitations, reflecting the ACT’s commitment to supporting local labour market retention.

• Critical occupations dominate allocations. Healthcare, education, ICT, and engineering remain the primary focus areas.

• Competition remains high. Even candidates meeting or exceeding the published cut-offs may not receive an invitation due to occupation caps and quota management.

• Quota management tightens as the program year advances. With limited remaining places, future cut-offs may increase, particularly in popular occupations.

Applicants are encouraged to maintain current documentation, regularly monitor their ranking, and ensure their nominated occupation aligns closely with ACT’s critical skills list.

The Role of Advanced Skills and Education

As digital transformation continues to shape Australia’s workforce, qualifications such as the Master of Information Technology and Systems from the University of Tasmania (UTAS) exemplify the kind of advanced training valued within state nomination programs. Degrees of this nature strengthen candidates’ professional profiles and demonstrate alignment with high-demand ICT and systems roles frequently prioritised in ACT invitation rounds.

Forward Outlook

The Canberra Matrix remains a distinctive and transparent mechanism for selecting skilled migrants aligned with the Territory’s long-term workforce strategy. The September 2025 invitation round underscores the importance of adaptability, local contribution, and sectoral alignment in achieving nomination success.

As the ACT Skilled Migration Program progresses through the current program year, applicants should anticipate further rounds guided by the same principle—targeted selection to meet genuine and emerging workforce needs.

At Newsted, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.