Yes. ACT Migration has introduced a new application system and updated nomination guidelines for the 2026–27 program year. Applicants seeking ACT nomination for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa or Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa should ensure they are using the new ACT Migration Application Portal and familiarise themselves with the updated nomination requirements before lodging a Canberra Matrix.
The Canberra Matrix is ACT Migration’s merit-based ranking system used to determine which applicants will be invited to apply for ACT nomination.
Applicants can claim points for factors such as:
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation, as applicants are ranked against others in their nominated occupation.
It depends on when your Canberra Matrix was lodged.
If your Canberra Matrix was lodged using the new ACT Migration Application Portal, then yes. You can update your Canberra Matrix at any time before you receive an invitation, free of charge.
However, applicants should remember that updating a Canberra Matrix resets its ranking date. While an update may increase your Canberra Matrix score, it will also be treated as a new submission for ranking purposes. This means that, if applicants have the same score, the Canberra Matrix that was updated more recently may rank behind an earlier submission.
If your Canberra Matrix was lodged under the previous system and automatically transferred to the new ACT Migration Application Portal, then no. Existing Canberra Matrix submissions that were carried over to the new portal cannot be edited. They remain valid and continue to be eligible for invitation, provided they have not lapsed, but they cannot be updated or amended.
If your transferred Canberra Matrix is no longer correct or you no longer wish to rely on it, you may withdraw it through the portal. You can then decide whether to submit a new Canberra Matrix under the current system, provided you meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
Yes.
Applicants can now withdraw a Canberra Matrix at any time before it is invited or lapses. There is no fee to withdraw a Canberra Matrix.
A Canberra Matrix remains valid for six months.
Applicants may extend validity by updating the Matrix before it expires, up to a maximum overall validity of twelve months from the original submission date.
Yes.
Applicants can submit up to:
allowing a maximum of four nominated occupations where eligible.
Yes.
The ACT Critical Skills List has been renamed the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List.
Although the name has changed, applicants should continue checking whether their nominated occupation appears on the latest list before submitting a Canberra Matrix.
Yes.
The previous dedicated pathway for eligible subclass 457 and subclass 482 visa holders has been removed.
Many employer-sponsored visa holders may still qualify through the standard nomination pathways if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
The ACT Government has identified five priority sectors:
Applicants employed in these industries may benefit from the Territory’s current workforce priorities.
Applicants should review their SkillSelect EOI carefully before accepting an invitation.
If an error is identified after lodging the ACT nomination application but before nomination has been approved, applicants may withdraw the nomination application through the ACT Migration Application Portal.
In limited circumstances, yes.
Applicants may request expedited assessment where, within ten working days:
Over many years of advising clients on ACT skilled migration, we have seen a number of recurring issues that can delay applications or result in refusal.
Some of the most common include:
Applicants should only claim points they can fully support with documentary evidence. ACT Migration assesses supporting documents carefully and applications may be refused if Matrix claims cannot be verified.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements simply allows you to submit a Canberra Matrix.
Whether you receive an invitation depends on your ranking, your nominated occupation, available nomination places and demand within your occupation.
Although applicants can now update their Matrix, every update resets the ranking date.
In some occupations, retaining an earlier submission date may be more advantageous than obtaining a small increase in points.
Every situation is different and should be considered strategically.
Many applicants are eligible for more than one occupation.
Choosing the occupation with the strongest alignment to your employment history, skills assessment and ACT demand can significantly improve your prospects.
Occupation selection should never be based solely on assumptions about invitation scores.
Applicants must continue satisfying Department of Home Affairs requirements throughout the ACT nomination process.
This includes ensuring that:
The ACT has modernised its nomination program in a positive way.
Greater transparency, improved online services and increased flexibility for applicants represent meaningful improvements over the previous system.
However, the changes also make migration strategy more important than ever.
Applicants now have more decisions to make, including:
These decisions can have a significant impact on an applicant’s chances of receiving an invitation.
Every applicant’s circumstances are different.
A successful ACT nomination strategy involves much more than simply calculating Canberra Matrix points. It requires careful consideration of eligibility, occupation selection, supporting evidence, timing, ranking strategy and long-term migration goals.
At Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services, we regularly assist clients with:
Our experienced registered migration agents provide practical, strategic advice tailored to your individual circumstances, helping you avoid costly mistakes and maximise your prospects of receiving an invitation.
Need Advice About ACT Nomination?
If you are considering applying for ACT nomination, or you would like advice on the best pathway to permanent residence, our team is here to help.
We can assess your eligibility, review your Canberra Matrix strategy, identify opportunities to strengthen your application, and guide you through every stage of the ACT nomination and visa process.
Book a consultation with Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services today and receive tailored advice from an experienced Registered Migration Agent.
