ACT (Canberra) nomination for the 190 and 491 visas

As checked on 9 November 2026, the ACT Government says:

• its 2026–27 allocation of nomination places has not yet been confirmed by the Australian Government, and will be published once it is confirmed;
• the most recent Canberra Matrix invitation round was held on 12 October 2026;
• a new ACT Migration Application portal is open for Canberra Matrix submissions;
• ACT nomination for the National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is not yet open.

We could not confirm: the number of ACT places for 2026–27, or the date of the next invitation round. Check the ACT Government's Canberra Matrix invitation rounds page before you apply.

ACT nomination leads to the invitation from Home Affairs to apply for your visa.

You register interest by completing the Canberra Matrix, where you claim points against economic and commitment criteria. The ACT publishes separate nomination criteria for the 190 and the 491, and an ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List showing the occupations in demand.

The ACT also offers streamlined nomination for people who completed a professional or research doctorate at an ACT university.

Both visas need a SkillSelect EOI, at least 65 points, age under 45 when invited, competent English, a suitable skills assessment and an eligible occupation. The 190 is permanent. The 491 is provisional and requires you to live, work and study in a designated regional area. Canberra counts as a designated regional area for the 491.

Once your visa is granted, the ACT says you must live and work in Canberra for at least two years.

1. Check the ACT occupation list and the 190 or 491 criteria.
2. Lodge your EOI in SkillSelect selecting the ACT. See our EOI guide.
3. Submit your Canberra Matrix through the ACT Migration Application portal.
4. Wait for an invitation round. The ACT publishes the ranking results of each round.
5. If invited, lodge your ACT nomination application, then your visa application.

ACT nomination may suit people already living and working in Canberra, graduates of ACT universities, doctorate holders, and overseas applicants with occupations on the ACT list who are ready to commit to Canberra for two years.

• Skills assessment: make sure it is for the occupation you will nominate and is still valid on the day you are invited.
• English test: make sure your result is current and meets the level you are claiming points for.
• Points: every points claim in your EOI must be backed by documents. Claims you cannot prove can lead to refusal.
• Evidence for the ACT: collect proof of where you live and work, such as a lease, payslips and an employment contract, if the ACT asks for it.
• Visa expiry: know when your current visa ends, so you can plan a bridging visa or another option if the nomination takes longer than expected.

• Relying on one state only, when another state or visa may suit you better.
• Lodging an EOI that does not match your documents, such as different dates of employment.
• Missing the deadline to apply after an invitation. A state invitation and a Home Affairs invitation each have their own time limit.
• Assuming a registration or EOI keeps you lawful in Australia. It does not. Only a valid visa or bridging visa does.