The Australian Capital Territory Government (ACT Government) has officially released the results of the Canberra Matrix Invitation Round held on 29 January 2026. This round reflects ACT’s monthly pro-rata allocation under the 2025–26 migration program year, with invitations issued across multiple migration streams and visa subclasses.

If you’re planning to migrate to Australia under the ACT Nomination program, this update gives a clear picture of cut-off scores, demand by occupation, and visa competitiveness.

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🔹 Total Invitations Issued – January 2026 Round

Doctorate Streamlined Pathway

• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): 26 invitations
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): 1 invitation

Small Business Owners (Canberra Residents)

• Subclass 190: 17 invitations (Minimum Matrix score: 105)
• Subclass 491: 16 invitations (Minimum Matrix score: 95)

457 / 482 Visa Holders

• Subclass 190: 49 invitations
• Subclass 491: 20 invitations

Critical Skill Occupations – Canberra Residents

• Subclass 190: 123 invitations
• Subclass 491: 140 invitations

Critical Skill Occupations – Overseas Applicants

• Subclass 190: 31 invitations
• Subclass 491: 60 invitations

📌 This round clearly favoured Canberra residents and critical skill occupations, showing ACT’s focus on retaining local talent.

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🔹 Minimum Canberra Matrix Scores by Occupation (29 January 2026)

Below are selected highlights from the minimum Matrix scores:

🖥 ICT & Engineering (Highly Competitive)

• Software & Applications Programmers (2613)
  • Canberra 190: 125 points
  • Overseas 190: 110 points
• ICT Business & Systems Analysts (2611)
  • Canberra 190: 130 points
• Civil Engineers (2332)
  • Canberra 190: 120 points
  • Overseas 190: 90 points

🧮 Accounting & Finance

• Accountants (2211)
  • Canberra 190: 135 points
  • Overseas 190: 135 points
• Auditors & Corporate Treasurers (2212)
  • Canberra 190: 130 points

🏥 Healthcare & Medical (Lower Cut-offs)

• Registered Nurses (2544)
  • Canberra 190: 105 points
  • Overseas 190: 90 points
• Medical Practitioners (2531–2539)
  • Canberra 190: 65 points
  • Overseas 190: 70 points

👩‍🏫 Education

• Early Childhood Teachers (2411)
  • Canberra 190: 115 points
  • Overseas 190: 90 points
• Primary & Middle School Teachers (2412–2413)
  • Canberra 190: 60 points

🔧 Trades

• Electricians (3411)
  • Canberra 190: 90 points
  • Overseas 190: 90 points
• Plumbers (3341)
  • Canberra 190: 90 points
• Chefs (3513)
  • Canberra 190: 125 points
  • Overseas 190: 100 points

📌 ICT, accounting, and hospitality occupations remain highly competitive, while healthcare, teaching, and trades continue to offer more accessible pathways.

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🔹 Key Insights from the January 2026 Canberra Matrix Round

✔ Score thresholds are rising – ACT selection is now heavily score-driven
✔ ICT & Accounting professionals face the toughest competition (125–135+ points)
✔ Healthcare & teaching remain in strong demand with lower cut-offs
✔ Hospitality shows mixed trends – harder for Canberra residents, easier for overseas applicants
✔ Trades remain stable with consistent selection ranges

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🔹 What Should Applicants Do Next?

To improve your ACT nomination chances:

✅ Compare your Matrix score + submission date with the latest cut-offs
✅ Avoid multiple Matrix submissions – optimize one strong profile
✅ Choose the right pathway: Subclass 190 vs Subclass 491
✅ Improve:

• English test results
• Canberra work experience or study
• Qualifications
• Partner points
  ✅ Prepare documents early:
• Skills assessment
• English test
• Employment references

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🔹 Need Professional Guidance?

ACT Canberra Matrix selection is becoming highly competitive and strategic. A small improvement in your profile can make the difference between waiting 12 months or receiving an invitation in the next round.

👉 At ImmigrationExperts.pk, we help you:

• Assess your ACT Matrix score
• Choose the right occupation
• Plan score-boosting strategies
• Prepare and lodge a strong nomination profile

📩 Contact us today for a personalized ACT Migration Assessment.