ACT Announces Latest Canberra Matrix Invitation Round
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has officially released the results of its latest Canberra Matrix Invitation Round, offering new opportunities for skilled migrants seeking nomination under Australia’s skilled migration program. This announcement is significant for applicants targeting ACT nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491)—two key pathways that support Australia’s regional workforce needs and provide a route to permanent residency.
What Is the Canberra Matrix?
The Canberra Matrix is a points-based ranking system used by the ACT Government to select candidates for skilled migration nomination. Instead of applying directly for nomination, eligible applicants submit a Matrix profile and claim points based on criteria such as age, qualifications, English language proficiency, skilled work experience, ACT employment or residency, business activity, and partner skills.
All submitted Matrices are ranked within specific occupation groups and applicant categories. During each invitation round, the ACT invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for nomination. An invitation represents a strong opportunity but does not guarantee visa approval, as applicants must still meet all eligibility and documentation requirements.
Key Highlights of the Latest Invitation Round
In the latest Canberra Matrix invitation round, invitations were issued to both Canberra residents and overseas applicants across multiple streams. These included:
Critical Skill Occupations
Small Business Owners
Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 457/482) visa holders
Overseas skilled professionals
The ACT continued to prioritize occupations experiencing genuine skill shortages within the territory. Sectors such as healthcare, information technology, engineering, construction, education, and skilled trades remained in high demand. Applicants with strong professional experience, higher English scores, and long-term employment prospects in the ACT were particularly competitive.
Focus on Regional Migration
A strong emphasis was again placed on regional migration pathways, especially through the Subclass 491 visa. This provisional regional visa allows skilled migrants to live and work in Canberra and surrounding regions for a specified period before becoming eligible for permanent residency.
By prioritizing the Subclass 491 pathway, the ACT aims to promote sustainable population growth while addressing workforce shortages in critical sectors. Canberra residents with stable local employment and longer periods of ACT residency benefited from higher rankings, while overseas applicants were mainly assessed on occupation demand and work experience.
What Applicants Should Know
The latest invitation round highlights the competitive nature of ACT nomination. Applicants must ensure that all claims made in their Matrix submission are accurate, current, and supported by valid evidence. Any discrepancies or overstated points may result in refusal at the nomination stage.
It is also important for candidates to stay informed about ACT migration updates, as occupation lists, point thresholds, and nomination allocations may change throughout the migration year based on labor market needs and federal allocation limits.
Conclusion
The announcement of the latest Canberra Matrix Invitation Round reaffirms the ACT Government’s commitment to attracting skilled migrants who can contribute to the territory’s economic growth and community development. With a structured points-based system and a strong focus on regional migration, the Canberra Matrix continues to be a valuable pathway for professionals seeking Australian permanent residency. Strategic planning, accurate Matrix submissions, and alignment with ACT priorities remain essential for success in future invitation rounds.
