Canberra Matrix 2026: ACT 190 and 491 State Nomination Guide
Quick Answer: What Is the Canberra Matrix?
The Canberra Matrix is the ACT Government’s points-based ranking system for skilled migrants who want ACT nomination for the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 or the Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 491. ACT Migration uses the Canberra Matrix to assess how strongly an applicant can contribute to Canberra’s economy and community.
Unlike the federal SkillSelect points test, it looks closely at ACT-specific factors such as skilled employment, English, qualifications, ACT residence or study, business activity, investment, and close family ties. ACT Migration ranks Matrix submissions, and applicants who rank high enough in their occupation may receive an invitation to apply for ACT nomination.
Why the Canberra Matrix Matters in 2026?
The Canberra Matrix matters because ACT nomination places remain limited. The ACT Government receives a fixed number of nomination places each financial year, and demand can exceed the available allocation. Therefore, meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation.
In 2026, ACT Migration also moved to a new online portal for Matrix submissions and ACT nomination applications. The new ACT Migration Application portal is now open for Canberra Matrix submissions, while the ACT has not yet received its 2026–27 allocation at the time of the current ACT update.
For this reason, applicants should prepare early, check their Matrix score carefully, and avoid claiming points they cannot prove.
Canberra Matrix vs SkillSelect EOI
Many applicants confuse the Canberra Matrix with the SkillSelect Expression of Interest. However, they are not the same.
SkillSelect is the federal system where skilled visa applicants submit an Expression of Interest for visas such as Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. The Canberra Matrix, meanwhile, is the ACT Government’s ranking system for people who want ACT nomination.
Before starting the ACT nomination process, applicants must submit a valid SkillSelect EOI. Then, once they meet the ACT nomination criteria, they can express interest in the ACT nomination.
| System | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SkillSelect EOI | Shows interest in skilled migration at the federal level |
| Canberra Matrix | Shows interest in ACT nomination |
| SkillSelect points | Focus on age, English, qualifications, work, partner points and other skilled migration factors |
| Canberra Matrix points | Focus on ACT contribution, ACT connection, occupation, employment, study, family ties and other ACT factors |
Canberra Matrix Fees in 2026
ACT Migration charges a non-refundable service fee for submissions and nomination applications. This fee does not guarantee a positive outcome, a ranking result, or an invitation. ACT Migration also confirms that it will not process an application or rank a Matrix until it receives and confirms payment.
Current listed fees include:
| Application Type | Fee Excluding GST | Fee Including GST |
|---|---|---|
| Canberra Matrix submission | AUD $25 | AUD $27.50 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | AUD $325 | AUD $357.50 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | AUD $325 | AUD $357.50 |
ACT Migration also states that applicants must pay the service fee within 7 days of submission. Otherwise, the Matrix submission will lapse automatically.
Canberra Matrix for ACT 190 and ACT 491 Nomination
ACT nomination supports two skilled migration pathways: the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 and the Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 491. The ACT Government confirms that Home Affairs allows it to nominate applicants for these two skilled migration visas.
ACT Subclass 190
The Subclass 190 visa suits skilled workers who want permanent residence through state or territory nomination. Home Affairs describes the Subclass 190 visa as a visa that lets nominated skilled workers live and work in Australia as permanent residents.
ACT Subclass 491
The Subclass 491 visa suits skilled workers who want a regional provisional visa pathway. Home Affairs includes the Subclass 491 visa in its skilled regional visa framework and confirms that state or territory nomination can support the pathway.
| Feature | ACT Subclass 190 | ACT Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent skilled nominated visa | Provisional regional skilled visa |
| Nomination | ACT nomination required | ACT nomination required |
| SkillSelect points | 5 additional points for state nomination | 15 additional points for state or regional nomination |
| Best suited for | Applicants seeking permanent residence through ACT nomination | Applicants willing to follow a regional pathway |
| Competition | Often more competitive | May provide more opportunity for some applicants |
| Long-term pathway | Permanent residence on grant | Possible pathway to Subclass 191 if eligible |
Canberra Matrix Points: What ACT Looks At
The Canberra Matrix looks beyond general skilled migration points. It focuses on how strongly an applicant connects to Canberra and how they may contribute to the ACT economy and community.
ACT may consider factors such as skilled employment, ACT residence or study, English ability, qualifications, partner skills, close family ties, business activity, and genuine commitment to Canberra.
However, applicants should not only focus on getting a high score. They must also prove every point they claim with strong documents. For example, employment, study, English, qualification, and residence claims should match the evidence provided.
Important tip: Do not claim Canberra Matrix points unless you can clearly prove them. If your documents do not support your claims after an invitation, ACT may refuse your nomination application.
Eligibility for Canberra Residents
Canberra residents must usually meet both Home Affairs visa requirements and ACT nomination requirements before submitting a Canberra Matrix.
This means applicants should check their SkillSelect EOI, skills assessment, English test, nominated occupation, ACT residence history, employment evidence and supporting documents before lodging the Matrix.
In addition, applicants should continue to meet Home Affairs visa requirements while waiting for an invitation. Therefore, it is important to keep visa status, documents and eligibility updated throughout the process.
Eligibility for Overseas Applicants
Overseas applicants may also submit a Canberra Matrix if they meet ACT requirements. However, competition can be strong because ACT nomination depends on occupation demand, available places, and ACT priorities.
Before applying, overseas applicants should check whether their occupation appears on the ACT occupation list, whether they meet skills assessment and English requirements, and whether they can show a genuine intention to live and work in Canberra.
Most importantly, overseas applicants should prepare evidence that supports their work experience, qualifications, settlement plans and Canberra commitment.
How the Canberra Matrix Process Works
The process usually starts with checking visa eligibility for Subclass 190 or Subclass 491. After that, the applicant submits a valid SkillSelect EOI and reviews the ACT nomination criteria.
Next, the applicant calculates their Canberra Matrix score and submits the Matrix through the ACT Migration Application Portal. Once the Matrix fee is paid, ACT can rank the submission against other applicants.
If ACT invites the applicant, they can then lodge an ACT nomination application with supporting evidence. After ACT approves the nomination, Home Affairs may invite the applicant to apply for the visa.
Simple process:
Check eligibility → Submit SkillSelect EOI → Lodge Canberra Matrix → Wait for invitation → Apply for ACT nomination → Apply for visa
Canberra Matrix Validity
A Canberra Matrix submission can lapse if you do not receive an invitation. ACT Migration states that Canberra Matrix submissions automatically lapse after six months if ACT does not issue an invitation and the applicant does not update the Matrix. Updating the Matrix can extend validity by six months, but the maximum validity runs for 12 months from the original submission.
This rule creates an important strategy point. If your circumstances improve, for example through stronger English, more work experience or a better evidence position, you may consider updating your Matrix. However, ACT treats an updated Matrix as a new Matrix for ranking purposes, so you should get advice before changing anything.
How Emigrate Lawyers Can Help
Emigrate Lawyers can help skilled migrants understand the Canberra Matrix and prepare a stronger ACT nomination strategy.
Our team can assist with:
- Canberra Matrix eligibility review;
- ACT 190 and ACT 491 pathway advice;
- SkillSelect EOI strategy;
- points claim review;
- occupation and skills assessment guidance;
- document checklist preparation;
- evidence review before Matrix submission;
- ACT nomination application preparation;
- response to ACT requests;
- visa application planning after nomination;
- refusal risk assessment.
Most importantly, we help applicants avoid weak or unsupported claims. A strong Canberra Matrix does not only depend on the score. It also depends on accurate documents, honest claims and a strategy that matches your long-term migration goal.
FAQs
Q1. What is a good Canberra Matrix score?
A- A good Canberra Matrix score depends on your occupation, applicant category, available nomination places, and competition in each invitation round. There is no fixed score that guarantees an invitation because ACT ranks applicants against others in the same round.
Q2. Is there a Canberra Matrix round today?
A- The latest ACT information says the 2026–27 tentative invitation round schedule will be updated after the ACT receives its annual allocation. You should check the official Canberra Matrix invitation round page for the latest round date before making decisions.
Q3. Can I withdraw from Canberra Matrix?
A- You may need to manage or update your Canberra Matrix through the ACT Migration Application Portal. Before withdrawing, get advice because it may affect your timing, ranking strategy, fees, and future ACT nomination plans.
Q4. What are the advantages of Canberra Matrix?
A- The Canberra Matrix gives skilled migrants a pathway to seek ACT nomination for Subclass 190 or Subclass 491. It can benefit applicants with strong Canberra employment, study, residence, family ties, or genuine commitment to the ACT.
Q5. What are the requirements for Canberra Matrix 190 nomination?
A- For the Canberra Matrix 190 nomination, applicants must meet Home Affairs visa criteria and ACT nomination criteria before submitting or updating the Matrix. They usually need a valid SkillSelect EOI, skills assessment, English result, an eligible occupation, and documents proving their Matrix claims.
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Book A ConsultationFinal Thoughts
The Canberra Matrix remains a major pathway for skilled migrants who want ACT nomination for Subclass 190 or Subclass 491. However, applicants should not treat it as a simple points form. ACT ranks applicants according to points, occupation demand, available nomination places, and evidence.
Therefore, you should prepare carefully before submitting your Matrix. Check your eligibility, prove every claim, review your documents, and choose the right strategy for your circumstances.
For professional guidance with the Canberra Matrix, ACT 190 nomination, ACT 491 nomination, or skilled visa planning, contact Emigrate Lawyers.
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