ACT Migration Updates 2025–26: Canberra Skilled Migration Program Explained

The ACT migration updates for 2025–26 represent a significant change in how the ACT Government manages skilled migration intake within the Australian Capital Territory. Updates include changes to the occupation list, stricter nomination guidelines, and clarified processes for PhD graduates and employer-sponsored applicants. These updates, coordinated with the Department of Home Affairs, form ‌part of the broader Australia migration program settings.

Overview of the ACT Skilled Migration Program for 2025–26

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Skilled Migration Program supports skilled workers who can contribute to Canberra’s ongoing economic growth. The ACT Skilled Migration Nomination selects applicants whose occupation, employment history, and settlement outcomes align with areas of greater demand and address local labour shortages.

Candidates are selected through the Canberra Matrix, a point-based ranking system used by the ACT Government to nominate individuals for the Subclass 190 (permanent) or Subclass 491 (regional provisional) visas. The matrix assesses and ranks applicants based on the length of residency, skilled employment, economic contribution, English proficiency, and close family ties to Canberra. Only high-scoring individuals who meet eligibility criteria receive the ACT nomination.

Major ACT Migration Updates Introduced for the 2025–26 Program Year

The ACT migration updates for 2025-26 introduce a more controlled nomination environment. Revised policy priorities and reduced planning levels indicate that fewer nomination places will be available for skilled migration.

Critical Skills List Renamed to ACT Migration Occupation List

The ACT Critical Skills List has been renamed the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (ACT Migration Occupation List) to clarify its purpose and nomination eligibility. The list includes occupations identified as being in high demand within priority sectors or anticipated to be in demand in the ACT labour market.

Significant Reduction in Eligible Occupations for ACT Nomination

There has been a substantial reduction in the number of eligible occupations for ACT nomination, from 152 to 105 ANZSCO unit groups. Several roles previously supported under ACT Skilled Migration are no longer eligible, limiting access to the skilled nominated visa and skilled work regional visa pathways.

Impact of Occupation List Changes on New and Existing Applicants

Impact on Existing Applicants:

• If a nominated occupation is removed from the list, applications submitted after receiving an invitation in the September 2025 round will not be affected.
• If an invitation has not been issued following the submission of a Canberra Matrix, the reduced list will apply.
• However, the assessment of those who received active nominations before the updated list will follow the previous rules.

Impact on New Applicants:

• New applicants must confirm their occupation appears on the updated ‌ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List to be eligible for ACT nomination through Canberra Matrix.
• Applicants holding a 457 or 482 visa must work for their sponsoring ACT employer for at least six months before submitting their application.
• PhD applicants, who previously received invitations every 7 business days, will now be included in the regular invitation rounds.

Canberra Matrix Invitation Rounds and Nomination Process in 2025–26

The Canberra Matrix is central to the nomination process. Operational requirements determine the timing of invitation rounds and the allocation of invitations.

How Canberra Matrix Invitations Are Issued

The ACT government issues Canberra Matrix invitations through monthly, merit-based selection rounds to the highest-ranked candidates within each occupation group. Employment duration, occupation demand, skills, residence, English test scores, and a candidate’s overall contribution to the ACT economy determine the rankings.

Expected Frequency of Invitation Rounds in 2025–26

The invitation rounds are held periodically, with frequency varying based on interim allocation controls and operational requirements. Although the ACT government has indicated fewer rounds, the tentative invitation schedule for 2025-26 is likely to be:

• 3rd round: In the week of 26 January 2026
• 4th round: in the week of 23 February 2026
• 5th round: In the week of 23 March 2026
• Final round (last remaining invitation round): In the week of 27 April 2026

Order of Invitations for Subclass 491 and Subclass 190 Visas

The order of invitations for subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas prioritises the highest points score, followed by the earliest submission date and occupation relevance. Regional demand generally determines the issuance of 491 visas, while 190 visas are subject to greater competition and may provide a pathway to permanent residency.

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Key Clarifications to ACT Nomination Criteria and Policy Guidelines

Authorities have issued several clarifications to ensure consistency across all nomination streams.

Updated Invitation Process for PhD Graduates in the ACT

PhD candidates will be invited during each standard invitation round, maintaining priority processing while simplifying scheduling and allocation management.

Clarification for Employer-Sponsored Applicants on Subclass 482 and 457

The updated guidelines explicitly confirm that employer-sponsored visa holders (subclass 482/457) must have at least six months of employment with an ACT employer before they apply for ACT nomination.

Minimum Employment Period Required Before ACT Nomination

ACT Nomination Allocation and Planning Levels for 2025–26

The ACT skilled migration nomination for 2025-26 has received an allocation of 1600 places (800 places for subclass 190 and 800 places for subclass 491). Nomination places are subject to both interim allocation and final allocation decisions agreed upon by both the ACT Government and the Australian Government.

For 2025–26, the national migration planning level remains at 185,000 places. This total includes 33,000 places for state/territory nominations, which will target regional, health, and IT sectors. The reduction in planning levels is expected to increase competition across all criteria for the migration program occupation list.

ACT Skilled Migration Rules That Remain Unchanged in 2025–26

Core ACT nomination requirements remain unchanged. Candidates must:

• Hold a valid skills assessment and meet English test scores.
• Satisfy health and character requirements as set by the Department of Home Affairs
• Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and a Canberra Matrix

Also,

• The Canberra Matrix remains a point-based ranking system to determine invitations.
• The ACT Government keeps the power to issue nominations.
• PhD graduates from ACT universities are exempt from occupation list requirements, provided they meet standard visa and nomination rules.

Strategic Considerations for Applicants Under ACT Migration 2025–26

If you are considering ACT nomination:

• Strengthen your long-term settlement indicators, including higher English proficiency, sustained skilled employment, and clear evidence of genuine commitment to Canberra.
• Review the updated occupation and ACT critical skills list and your Matrix strategy to comply with the current guidelines.
• Understand the streamlined pathway for doctorate graduates and supporting documents
• Meet the six-month employment requirement with the ACT employer (for employer-sponsored visa holders)
• Monitor invitation rounds if you are targeting a 190 nomination.

Business migrants and small business owners are required to demonstrate active investment with supporting documentation and bank statements to confirm compliance with ACT policy settings.

Key Takeaways from ACT Migration Updates 2025–26

• ACT migration updates for 2025-26 focus on labour market alignment and prioritise subclass 491 over subclass 190.
• ACT nominations support a reduced list of eligible occupations.
• The ACT Government retains discretion in issuing nominations.
• Meeting minimum criteria or submitting a matrix does not guarantee an invitation.

For further information on ACT migration updates, you may contact Australian Migration Lawyers for guidance on ACT nomination and the Canberra Matrix process.

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Book a Consultation‍

If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.

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FAQs–ACT Migration Updates 2025–26

What Are the Key ACT Migration Updates for 2025–26?

Key updates include:

• Reduced occupation list (from 152 to 105 ANZSCO unit groups)
• More priority on 491 skilled work regional visas
• Applicants for a 482 visa should have 6 months of employment with their sponsoring employer
• PhD applicants are now invited during regular, scheduled rounds.
• Applications submitted before September 2025 generally remain unaffected by the reduced list.
• Canberra Matrix submissions lodged after 1 February 2026 are subject to new guidelines.

Has the ACT Occupation List Changed for 2025–26?

Yes, the updated ACT occupation list reduced the number of occupations from 152 to 105 and increased the focus on health, IT, education, and construction.

How Does the Canberra Matrix Work in 2025–26?

The matrix ranks candidates based on their employment, skills, language proficiency, and settlement factors, making invitations highly competitive.

Are Subclass 491 Visas Prioritised Over Subclass 190 in ACT Invitations?

Yes, with the updated occupation list, the ACT government prioritises subclass 491 visas over subclass 190 to promote regional work participation.

What Changes Apply to Employer-Sponsored Applicants Under the ACT Migration?

Employer-sponsored applicants must work in Canberra for at least 6 months for an ACT employer to apply for nomination.

What Changes Affect PhD Applicants in ACT Migration for 2025–26?

PhD applicants who previously received invitations every 7 business days will now be included in the regular invitation rounds.

How Can I Improve My Chances of ACT Nomination in 2025–26?

To improve your chances of nomination:

• Secure a job aligning with ACT's critical skill occupation priorities
• Improve English proficiency
• Live long-term in Canberra and contribute to the economy