03.10.2026
ACT Skilled Migration 2026-27: First Invitation Round Set for October, New Portal and Updated Guidelines
ACT Skilled Migration 2026-27: First Invitation Round Set for October, New Portal and Updated Guidelines
If Canberra is on your list, here is where the ACT nominated migration program (subclass 190 and 491) stands right now.
First invitation round in October
ACT Migration has scheduled the first Canberra Matrix invitation round of the 2026-27 financial year for the week starting 12 October 2026.
Allocation is not yet confirmed
The ACT's 2026-27 allocation of nomination places has not yet been confirmed by the Australian Government. The numbers will be published on the ACT Migration website once they are confirmed.
New ACT Migration Application Portal
The new portal went live on 30 July 2026 and is now used for Canberra Matrix submissions and nomination applications. If you had an account in the old system, you will need to create a new one.
The guidelines were updated together with the portal launch. The key changes:
Occupation list under review
ACT Migration has been reviewing the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List. Some changes are anticipated, although the list is expected to remain broadly similar and aligned with ACT labour market needs.
What this means for you
If you are planning to apply for ACT nomination, now is a good time to check that your Canberra Matrix is submitted in the new portal and reflects your current circumstances before the October round.
This article is general information only and is not migration advice. For advice on your individual situation, book a consultation with our registered migration agent (MARN 2217785) at https://sivavisa.com
First invitation round in October
ACT Migration has scheduled the first Canberra Matrix invitation round of the 2026-27 financial year for the week starting 12 October 2026.
Allocation is not yet confirmed
The ACT's 2026-27 allocation of nomination places has not yet been confirmed by the Australian Government. The numbers will be published on the ACT Migration website once they are confirmed.
New ACT Migration Application Portal
The new portal went live on 30 July 2026 and is now used for Canberra Matrix submissions and nomination applications. If you had an account in the old system, you will need to create a new one.
The guidelines were updated together with the portal launch. The key changes:
- A new fee structure and changes to Canberra Matrix validity, including how updating your Matrix may affect your ranking.
- A new framework to expedite nomination application processing in specific circumstances, such as visa or document expiry and critical birthdays. This applies only after an invitation has been issued. It does not affect ranking in invitation rounds.
- A definition of "trade certificate" has been added to the glossary for claiming points in the tertiary qualification category.
- The "Years of study at an ACT tertiary institution" category now states explicitly that the study must be at tertiary level.
Occupation list under review
ACT Migration has been reviewing the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List. Some changes are anticipated, although the list is expected to remain broadly similar and aligned with ACT labour market needs.
What this means for you
If you are planning to apply for ACT nomination, now is a good time to check that your Canberra Matrix is submitted in the new portal and reflects your current circumstances before the October round.
This article is general information only and is not migration advice. For advice on your individual situation, book a consultation with our registered migration agent (MARN 2217785) at https://sivavisa.com
