As the 2026–27 program year gets underway, there is still some uncertainty around the number of nomination places available to the ACT.
The Australian Government has not yet confirmed the ACT’s allocation of nomination places for the new program year. The ACT Government has confirmed that it will publish the allocation once it is available.
In the meantime, the ACT is planning ahead and has released tentative dates for upcoming Canberra Matrix invitation rounds.
When will the next ACT invitation round take place?
The first ACT invitation round for the 2026–27 financial year is currently scheduled for the week starting 12 October 2026.
The ACT has also published tentative dates for further invitation rounds:
- Week starting 12 October 2026
- Week starting 25 January 2027
- Week starting 22 March 2027
- Week starting 24 May 2027
The October round is currently listed as subclass 190 only. However, these dates remain tentative and may change depending on the final allocation of nomination places and the ACT’s operational requirements.
This means applicants should avoid treating a scheduled invitation round as a guarantee that invitations will be issued.
What does the uncertainty around nomination places mean?
The ACT receives a fixed number of nomination places from the Australian Government each financial year for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). The number of places available directly affects the ACT’s ability to issue nominations.
Until the 2026–27 allocation is confirmed, there is limited certainty around the number of invitations the ACT will be able to issue throughout the program year.
Applicants should also remember that meeting the ACT’s eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation. Canberra Matrix submissions are ranked according to factors including occupation, residency status, Matrix score, demand and the number of available places.
Is the ACT Migration Application Portal open?
Yes. The new ACT Migration Application Portal has been operational since July 2026 and is now used to manage Canberra Matrix submissions and ACT nomination applications.
Applicants can use the portal to submit, view, update and pay for Canberra Matrix submissions. If a Matrix is selected and an invitation to apply for ACT nomination is issued, the nomination application is also managed through the portal.
What if I have paid for my Canberra Matrix but it still says “submitted”?
The ACT has advised that applicants may experience a delay between making payment and their Canberra Matrix status updating in the portal.
A delay does not necessarily mean that the payment has not been received. Applicants should avoid making a second payment simply because the status has not updated immediately.
If you are unsure whether your payment has been successfully processed, check the portal and follow the ACT’s current instructions before making another payment.
How many Canberra Matrix submissions can I make?
The ACT has clarified its guidelines around multiple Canberra Matrix submissions.
Applicants can submit up to two Canberra Matrix submissions per nominated occupation, across a maximum of four occupations, regardless of the nomination pathway selected.
However, applicants should only submit a Matrix where they genuinely meet the relevant eligibility requirements and can support the claims made in the submission.
Has the ACT occupation list been finalised?
The ACT’s 2026–27 Nominated Migration Program Occupation List remains an important piece of information for applicants, particularly those seeking nomination through the occupation list pathway.
The ACT has indicated that its occupation list is being reviewed, with the final allocation of nomination places affecting the timing of that process.
Applicants considering ACT nomination should therefore check the current ACT occupation list and nomination guidelines rather than relying on previous program-year settings.
What should ACT skilled migration applicants do now?
With the 2026–27 allocation still to be confirmed, applicants should focus on ensuring their migration strategy and Canberra Matrix are accurate and supported by evidence.
Before submitting or updating a Matrix, make sure you meet the current ACT nomination requirements and that you can substantiate every point you claim. The ACT specifically advises applicants to ensure their claims are accurate and supported by the required documentation.
It is also important to remember that a Canberra Matrix submission does not guarantee an invitation, and ACT nomination does not guarantee that the Department of Home Affairs will grant the visa.
As the 2026–27 program develops, applicants should continue monitoring ACT Migration updates for confirmation of the allocation, occupation list and invitation rounds.
If you are considering an ACT 190 or 491 visa, getting professional migration advice can help you understand whether you currently meet the requirements and how changes to the ACT program may affect your options.
