ACT Occupation List 2025–2026
Canberra Matrix & State Nomination Guide

ACT Skilled Migration 2025–2026 — Program Overview

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — home to Canberra, Australia's federal capital — runs one of the most distinctive skilled migration programs in the country. Rather than using a simple points-based EOI system, the ACT uses its own unique ranking tool called the Canberra Matrix, which gives significant weight to local employment, residency, study, and economic contribution within the territory.

For 2025–26, the ACT has received an allocation of 1,600 nomination places, equally split between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. This places the ACT among the mid-tier states for allocation size, but its highly targeted approach and strong career opportunities in government, healthcare, technology, and education make it a compelling pathway to Australia PR.

What Is the ACT Occupation List?

The ACT Occupation List — now officially called the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (previously the ACT Critical Skills List) — is the register of occupations that the ACT Government is currently prepared to consider for state nomination under its skilled migration program.

If your occupation appears on this list, you are eligible to submit a Canberra Matrix application for either the Subclass 190 (permanent) or Subclass 491 (regional provisional) visa. Being on the list does not guarantee nomination — the ACT ranks all applicants using the Canberra Matrix and selects the highest-scoring candidates within each occupation during regular invitation rounds.

The ACT occupation list is reviewed and updated periodically based on Canberra's evolving labour market needs. Occupations tied to healthcare, ICT, education, engineering, and government services tend to remain consistently eligible, while others may be adjusted as workforce conditions change. The most recent reduction from 152 to 105 eligible unit groups reflects the ACT's more targeted and selective approach for 2025–26.

How the Canberra Matrix Works — Explained Simply

The Canberra Matrix is the ACT's unique points-based ranking system. Unlike other Australian states that simply rank applicants by their federal SkillSelect points score, the ACT uses a completely separate, territory-specific assessment that rewards genuine commitment to living and contributing to Canberra's economy.

What the Canberra Matrix Measures

• Length of Residence in Canberra: The longer you have lived in the ACT, the more Matrix points you earn. Canberra residents consistently dominate invitation rounds — 89.6% of all approvals in recent rounds went to ACT residents.
• Skilled Employment in the ACT: Points are awarded based on the type and duration of your skilled employment for an ACT employer.
• ACT Study and Qualifications: Points for studying at an ACT institution, including a PhD streamlined pathway for ACT university graduates.
• English Proficiency: Higher English scores earn more Matrix points.
• Occupation on the ACT Occupation List: Having an occupation on the ACT list earns bonus Matrix points, and Critical Skills occupations receive the highest bonus.
• Spouse or Partner Skills and Employment: Additional points if your partner is also skilled and employed in Canberra.
• Investment Activity or Close Family Ties in Canberra: Points for having business investments or immediate family members already settled in the ACT.

Live Cut-Off Score Examples (Recent 2025–26 Rounds)

ACT Visa Pathways — Subclass 190 & Subclass 491

The ACT nominates skilled migrants under two federal visa categories. A major change for 2025–26 is that the ACT now issues Subclass 491 invitations before Subclass 190 in each round — reflecting the ACT's priority for regional work participation and a preference for provisional settlement pathways.

ACT Nomination Pathways 2025–2026

The ACT offers several distinct nomination pathways catering to different applicant profiles. Understanding which pathway applies to your situation is essential before submitting your Canberra Matrix.

Key Changes to the ACT Occupation List for 2025–2026

The ACT has made several significant changes to its skilled migration program for 2025–26 that every applicant needs to understand:

Occupation List Renamed and Reduced

The previous "ACT Critical Skills List" has been officially renamed to the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (also called the ACT Migration Occupation List). More importantly, the list has been reduced from 152 to just 105 eligible ANZSCO unit groups. This makes the ACT program more targeted and selective. If your occupation was on the previous list, you must confirm it is still on the updated 2025–26 list before submitting your application.

491 Invited Before 190 in Every Round

The ACT has confirmed that Subclass 491 invitations are now issued before Subclass 190 in every invitation round. This reflects the ACT Government's stated preference for provisional pathways and regional work participation. Applicants who submitted Matrix applications for both visa subclasses should note that only their 491 application will be assessed in the first phase of each round.

PhD Applicants in Regular Rounds

PhD graduates from ACT universities previously enjoyed a privileged fast-track process with invitations every 7 business days. Under the 2025–26 program, PhD applicants have been brought into the regular invitation rounds alongside all other pathways. This change creates greater competition but also more predictability in the process.

Reduced Eligible Occupation List — Impact on Applicants

Applications submitted before September 2025 are generally not affected by the reduced occupation list. However, all Canberra Matrix submissions lodged after 1 February 2026 are assessed against the new, smaller list. If you submitted a Matrix application before this date with an occupation that has since been removed, seek advice from a registered migration agent promptly.

ACT Priority Sectors & Critical Skills 2025–2026

The ACT's invitation rounds consistently prioritise occupations on the ACT Critical Skills designation within the broader occupation list. Applicants in these sectors earn additional Matrix points and are typically invited at lower cut-off scores than non-critical occupations.

Eligibility Requirements for ACT State Nomination

To be eligible for ACT nomination under Subclass 190 or 491, you must meet both the federal Department of Home Affairs requirements and the ACT's own specific Canberra Matrix criteria.

Federal Requirements (All Applicants)

• Occupation on the ACT List: Your nominated occupation must be on the current ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (the updated 2025–26 version with 105 unit groups).
• Valid Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the correct Australian assessing authority for your ANZSCO occupation code.
• EOI in SkillSelect: Maintain an active Expression of Interest through the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect portal with ACT/Canberra as your preferred state.
• Minimum Points: At least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test.
• English Proficiency: At least Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band).
• Age: Under 45 years at the time of nomination.

ACT-Specific Requirements

• Minimum 60 Matrix Points: Score at least 60 Canberra Matrix points in your submitted Matrix application. In practice, competitive scores are significantly higher depending on your occupation.
• ACT Residency (for Resident Pathway): Must be living in the ACT for the minimum required residency period at the time of submission.
• ACT Skilled Employment: Must be working in your nominated occupation for an ACT employer. Employer-sponsored (457/482) applicants must have 6 months of ACT employment before applying.
• Commitment to ACT: Demonstrate a genuine intention to continue living and working in the ACT after receiving your visa nomination.
• New Matrix Submissions from February 2026: All Matrix submissions lodged after 1 February 2026 must be assessed against the updated, reduced occupation list of 105 unit groups.

How to Apply for ACT State Nomination — Step by Step

1. 1

   Confirm Your Occupation on the ACT List

   Verify your ANZSCO occupation code is on the current ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (2025–26 version with 105 unit groups). Check the official ACT Government migration website and immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Confirm which visa subclasses (190, 491, or both) your occupation is eligible for — some occupations are 491 only.

2. 2

   Complete Your Skills Assessment

   Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your ANZSCO occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, ANMAC, CPA, AITSL). This typically takes 2–6 months and must be completed before you can submit a valid Canberra Matrix application.

3. 3

   English Language Test

   Complete a recognised English test — IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET. Higher English scores earn additional Canberra Matrix points. Use our AU Points Calculator to check how your English level affects both your federal points score and your Canberra Matrix competitiveness.

4. 4

   Submit EOI via SkillSelect

   Log in to your ImmiAccount and submit your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Select ACT/Canberra as your preferred state and specify your intended visa subclass (190, 491, or both). Keep your EOI up to date with accurate information.

5. 5

   Submit Canberra Matrix Application

   Submit your Canberra Matrix application through the official ACT Government migration portal. Claim all eligible Matrix points accurately for your residency, employment, qualifications, English, and family or investment ties to Canberra. Ensure your Matrix is submitted before each round's deadline.

6. 6

   Receive ACT Nomination Invitation

   The ACT conducts regular invitation rounds and selects the highest Matrix scores by occupation. If invited, respond promptly and submit your nomination application with all required documents — employment evidence, pay slips, skills assessment, English results, residency proof, and identity documents.

7. 7

   Lodge Visa Application with the Department of Home Affairs

   Once the ACT nominates you, lodge your visa application through ImmiAccount with police clearances, medical examination results, and full supporting documentation. Processing times for ACT nominations currently average approximately 3 weeks from Matrix submission to nomination decision.

ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List 2025–2026 — Full Official List

Frequently Asked Questions — ACT Occupation List 2025–2026

ACT State Nomination for Pakistani Applicants

Canberra is a highly educated, professional city with a strong economy centred around government, technology, healthcare, and education. For Pakistani professionals who have established themselves in Canberra or hold strong credentials in the territory's priority sectors, ACT nomination offers a direct and credible route to Australia PR.

Best ACT Occupations for Pakistani Professionals

• Healthcare: Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, Specialist Physicians, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists — consistently the highest-priority group in ACT rounds with the lowest Matrix cut-off scores (60–75).
• ICT & Technology: Software Engineers, ICT Business Analysts, ICT Security Specialists, Developer Programmers, Network Engineers — strong demand from Canberra's large government and defence technology sector.
• Engineering: Civil, Structural, Electrical, Environmental, Biomedical Engineers — consistent demand from ACT's construction sector and government infrastructure programs.
• Accounting & Finance: General Accountants, Management Accountants, External Auditors — eligible for both 190 and 491, though they have the highest Matrix cut-off scores in the program.
• Education: All school teachers including Primary, Secondary, Special Needs, and Early Childhood — strong ongoing demand from ACT's growing school network.

Strategic Advice for Pakistani Applicants

For Pakistani professionals currently living in Canberra: focus on maximising your Canberra Matrix score by building your local employment record, English proficiency, and residency duration. For offshore applicants: ACT is competitive but not impossible — particularly in healthcare and ICT. Consider whether other states (Victoria, WA, SA, Queensland) may offer a faster route given your occupation and profile. Our registered consultants can compare all options for you.