ACT State Nomination — Canberra Matrix (190 & 491)
The ACT uses the Canberra Matrix — a points-based scoring system separate from the federal migration points test — to rank candidates for state nomination. The Matrix scores connection to Canberra (residence, study, employment), English, qualifications, occupational demand, and partner / family situation.
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WIDEN does not issue ACT nominations. The ACT does, on its own published Matrix and criteria. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed (s 15). WIDEN's role is the migration pathway — visa subclass, points strategy, EOI lodgement, and integration with the broader visa application.
Two scores, both matter
For an ACT nomination pathway you need both: a federal points-test score that meets the EOI floor for your target subclass (189/190/491), and a Canberra Matrix score that ranks well in ACT invitation rounds. Optimising one without the other is incomplete strategy.
Canberra Matrix categories (high level)
- ACT residence — length of recent residence in Canberra (continuous months)
- ACT employment — length and skill level of current Canberra employment in your nominated or closely related occupation
- ACT study — completed qualifications from ACT institutions, often with a duration threshold
- English — competent / proficient / superior
- Qualifications — highest qualification level recognised by ACS / VETASSESS / etc.
- Occupational demand — bonus for occupations on the Critical Skills List or similar priority categories
- Partner skills — Matrix points for a skilled partner (separate from federal partner points)
- Asset / business commitment — for applicants demonstrating financial commitment to ACT
Specific scoring values change. Verify current Matrix scoring directly with the ACT before submitting a Matrix.
Critical Skills List
The ACT maintains a Critical Skills List of priority occupations. Listed occupations typically attract additional Matrix consideration. The list is updated periodically — verify the current published list before lodging.
Application sequence
- Confirm your occupation is one the ACT is currently nominating (or on the Critical Skills List)
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
- Submit a Canberra Matrix score via the ACT's portal
- Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect, ticking ACT as nominating state
- If invited by the ACT, lodge a complete nomination application within the deadline
- Receive nomination outcome; if positive, the Department of Home Affairs will issue an invitation to apply for the visa
Frequently asked questions
What is the Canberra Matrix?
The Canberra Matrix is the Australian Capital Territory's points-based ranking system for state nomination, used in addition to (not instead of) the Department of Home Affairs migration points test. The Matrix awards points across categories specific to ACT — including connection to Canberra (length of residence, study, employment), English ability, qualifications, occupational demand, partner and family situation. The ACT periodically invites Matrix submissions to apply for nomination, prioritised by Matrix score.
How is the Matrix different from the federal points test?
The federal points test (managed via SkillSelect) determines visa eligibility and Department invitations. The Canberra Matrix is the ACT's separate ranking system for deciding who to nominate. Two scores: federal for the visa, Matrix for ACT nomination. You can have high federal points but low Matrix points (or vice versa). Both matter — federal for the visa subclass, Matrix for the ACT nomination step.
What's the Critical Skills List?
The ACT maintains a Critical Skills List identifying occupations in particular demand. Occupations on this list may attract additional Matrix points or be prioritised in invitation rounds. The Critical Skills List changes periodically — verify the current published list with the ACT before lodging.
Do I need to live in Canberra to be nominated?
Most successful ACT nominations involve a current or recent connection to Canberra — residence, study, or employment. Length of Canberra residence is a significant Matrix category. Offshore Matrix submissions are possible but typically score lower without ACT-specific connection. Confirm current criteria with the ACT directly.
How much do I score in the Matrix?
Matrix scoring depends on your specific circumstances across the published categories. The ACT publishes the current Matrix scoring guide and invitation thresholds on its skilled migration website. Predicting your Matrix score requires careful comparison to the current published categories — verify rather than estimate.
What does ACT nomination cost?
The ACT publishes its current nomination fee on its skilled migration website. The Department of Home Affairs visa application charge is separate and materially higher. Verify both before applying.
Discuss your ACT pathway
Related
- All state nomination programs (overview)
- Federal skilled migration points calculator
- Regional migration (491 / 494 / 191)
General information only. Australian Capital Territory's skilled migration program — including occupation lists, points cut-offs, fees, criteria, and processing times — changes regularly. Verify current rules directly at www.act.gov.au/migration before relying on this page.
This page does not constitute migration advice (s 23, Migration Agents Code of Conduct 2022). WIDEN does not issue state nominations — Australian Capital Territory does, on its own published criteria, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed by any registered migration agent (s 15). Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid initial consultation under section 43 of the Code, with a written service agreement issued before further work commences (section 42). The OMARA Consumer Guide is provided to all clients before the consultation begins. PI insurance held under the Migration Agents Regulations 1998. Complaints via our Complaints Policy or directly to OMARA.