The ACT government has recently reaffirmed its state-nomination program for skilled migration, emphasising critical sectors such as construction, healthcare and education. The program is designed to support the territory’s labour-market needs while offering a pathway for skilled professionals to gain state nomination under the skilled visa streams.
Key Features
The ACT’s Nominated Migration Program Occupation List identifies specific occupations in demand for nomination eligibility.
- ACT has received the full nomination allocation of 1,600 places for 2025 - 2026 program year.
- Applicants must submit the Canberra Matrix on top of the EOI for applications to be considered. The Canberra Matrix has its own points system.
- The last invitation round on 15 September 2025 invited 18 offshore applicants for Subclass 190 and 65 offshore applicants for Subclass 491, while the number of onshore applicants invited were 517 for Subclass 190 and 259 for Subclass 491.
- The occupations invited for offshore applicants in the latest invitation round include, but are not limited to, Construction Managers, Engineering Managers, Child Care Centre Managers, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Primary School and Secondary School Teachers.
What It Means for Applicants
If you’re looking to be nominated by the ACT for a skilled visa:
Ensure your nominated occupation appears on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (previously ACT Critical Skills List).
Submit your Canberra Matrix on top of your Expression of Interest (EOI). The Canberra Matrix has its own points system and applicants will be ranked based on their Matrix points.
Be aware that because nomination places are limited, competition will be significant; strong documentation and alignment with ACT labour-market priorities will improve your chances.
If you are already residing, working or studying in the ACT, it may strengthen your nomination prospects, as state programs often favour applicants with local links.
Strategic Tips
Double-check that your skills assessment is valid for your nominated occupation and that your occupation is eligible.
Align your profile with the stated priority sectors: improving English proficiency, gaining relevant work experience, and choosing an occupation with demonstrated demand will help.
Keep monitoring the ACT government’s migration-nomination website for formal invitation rounds.
- Ensure your EOI and Canberra Matrix are updated. The Matrix automatically expire six months after the date of submission if no invitation is issued. You can submit a new application if your points have changed or if the Matrix has expired.
- Consider whether you meet other ACT nomination criteria (residence/study/employment in the territory) and prepare supporting evidence accordingly.
Final Thoughts
The ACT’s update reinforces that it is actively targeting skilled migration in a focused way—particularly in engineering, healthcare and education. Acting early, aligning your documentation, and ensuring you meet ACT’s criteria will position you strongly when invitation rounds open.
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