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The Canberra Matrix is a tool you must use when applying for an Australian Capital Territory (ACT) nomination. It’s designed to make sure everyone has an equal chance. The goal is to pick out the people who will benefit Canberra most. If you want to figure out your score, you can use our handy Canberra Matrix Calculator.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has the authority to nominate candidates for two types of visas:
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional) – Subclass 491
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 190
If you want the ACT Government to consider you for nomination, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
Understanding Minimum Ranking Score
The minimum ranking score serves as an indication, but it doesn’t guarantee an invitation. Other factors, like active applications or previous nominations, also influence invitation issuance.
To manage limited spots, invitation rounds in this financial year are exclusively for residents of the ACT.
Note: Requests for ranking information or chances of receiving an invitation won’t be entertained. The Canberra Matrix evaluation remains impartial and doesn’t consider personal circumstances like visa expiry or birthdays.
Priority for Critical Sectors
Submissions in critical sector occupations might receive prioritization in the Canberra Matrix assessment.
Invitation Round Overview: 5 April 2024
Canberra residents received a total of 121 invitations for Subclass 190 nominations and 142 invitations for Subclass 491 nominations. The majority of these invitations were granted under the Critical Skills pathway.
For overseas residents, there were 19 invitations issued for Subclass 190 nominations and 103 invitations issued for Subclass 491 nominations.
| Resident Type | Matrix Nominating | Subclass | Invitations | Minimum Matrix Score |
| Canberra Residents | Small Business Owners | 190 | 5 | 125 |
| 491 | 18 | 100 | ||
| 457 / 482 Visa Holders | 190 | 20 | – | |
| 491 | 7 | – | ||
| Critical Skill Occupations | 190 | 96 | – | |
| 491 | 117 | – | ||
| Overseas Applicants | Critical Skill Occupations | 190 | 19 | – |
| 491 | 103 | – |
Nomination Places for ACT
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) allocates a fixed number of nomination places each month, adjusted proportionally from the annual allocation.
Candidates with the highest-ranking Canberra Matrix scores in each occupation are invited to apply for ACT nomination. Various factors, including the remaining monthly allocation, submission time, occupation caps, and demand determine the cut-off score for selection.
Impact of Occupation Demand
The demand for ACT nomination in a particular occupation affects the required score for an invitation, with higher demand typically leading to higher score requirements.
Application Fee for ACT Nomination
To apply for ACT Nomination, applicants are required to pay a non-refundable service fee of $300. This fee covers the processing of applications and is strictly an administrative charge. It’s important to note that payment of this fee does not guarantee approval of the application for ACT nomination.
ACT Nomination Pathways
Canberra Residents
To be eligible for this pathway, you must currently reside in Canberra.
1. ACT Subclass 491 Nomination:
Requirement: Living and working in Canberra for at least 3 months.
2. ACT Subclass 190 Nomination:
Requirement: Living and working in Canberra for at least 6 months.
Overseas Applicants
For individuals who are not currently in Australia.
1. Subclass 491 Nomination:
Requirement: Minimum three years relevant experience in the nominated occupation.
2. Subclass 190 Nomination:
Requirement: Genuine job offer in the nominated occupation from an employer in Canberra.
Doctorate Streamlined Nomination
This pathway is available for individuals who hold a Doctorate completed at an ACT university.
For Canberra Residents:
Criteria: Living in Canberra and completing a professional or research doctoral degree at an ACT university.
For Interstate/Overseas Applicants:
Criteria: Awarded a professional or research doctoral degree from an ACT university within the last two years.
Significant Economic Benefit
This stream enables the ACT Government to invite individuals whose employment is deemed to bring significant economic benefit to the Territory.
Note: Invitation for this stream is initiated solely by the ACT Government; applicants cannot directly request to apply under this stream.