Skilled Migration Program ACT (Australian Capital Territory) 2025-26

Charlene Tan
2 days ago
3 min read

🏙️ ACT Skilled Migration Program 2025–26

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has officially opened its 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program, welcoming skilled professionals, graduates, and business owners from around the world.

This year’s program brings fresh opportunities and key updates — including revised visa allocations, smoother nomination pathways, and a new-look ACT Migration Occupation List (formerly the Critical Skills List). Whether you’re already in Canberra or planning your move from overseas, now is the time to explore what the nation’s capital has to offer.

✈️ Visa Pathways for Skilled Migrants

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

If you’re looking for a permanent move, the Subclass 190 Visa is your ticket to live and work in Canberra long-term. With ACT nomination, you gain additional points toward your skilled visa points test, a valuable boost toward securing Australian permanent residency.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

The Subclass 491 Visa is ideal for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional areas around Canberra. It’s a five-year provisional visa that can lead to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 Visa, once you’ve met the three-year living and working requirement.

📊 What’s New in the 2025–26 Program

The ACT Government has released an interim allocation for this program year:

85 places for Subclass 190 nominations
80 places for Subclass 491 nominations

These numbers are expected to increase once the full allocation is announced.

Selection continues to be based on the Canberra Matrix — a points-based system that ranks applicants on factors like skills, employability, qualifications, English level, and ties to the ACT.

🏠 ACT Nomination Pathways

ACT offers several routes for skilled workers, business owners, and graduates to qualify for nomination.

1. Canberra Residents – Subclass 190 & 491

If you already live and work in Canberra, you may qualify under this pathway.

For the 190 Visa, you’ll need to:

Meet Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) requirements.
Have an occupation listed on the ACT Migration Occupation List or hold a 457/482 visa with an ACT employer.
Have lived in Canberra for at least six months.
Demonstrate ongoing ACT banking activity and employment (26 weeks minimum).
Commit to living and working in Canberra for at least two years after your visa is granted.

For the 491 Visa, eligibility is similar but slightly more flexible:

You must have lived in Canberra for at least three months.
Worked in the ACT for at least 13 weeks.
Hold a valid occupation and meet the English requirement.

Both pathways allow flexibility if you have multiple employers or are self-employed, provided you meet income and hours requirements.

2. Doctorate Streamlined Nomination

If you’ve completed a PhD or professional doctorate at an ACT university, you’re in luck, there’s a fast-tracked nomination stream just for you.

You can apply if:

You’ve lived in Canberra for at least 12 months, or
You’re living overseas and completed your ACT doctorate within the last two years.

3. Overseas Applicants – Subclass 190 & 491

Canberra also welcomes talented professionals from overseas who want to make a fresh start in Australia.

For the 190 Visa:

Your occupation must appear on the ACT Migration Occupation List.
You need at least three years of full-time post-graduate work experience.
You must demonstrate Proficient or Superior English (unless exempt).
You should provide a statement showing you’ve researched the ACT job market and are confident about employability.

For the 491 Visa:

At least one year of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation.
Competent English or higher.
Genuine interest and commitment to living and working in Canberra.
Proof that you have sufficient funds to support your move.

💡 Tip: ACT places high importance on employability — showing genuine research into Canberra’s labour market can significantly strengthen your nomination.

🔢 The Canberra Matrix: How Applicants Are Ranked

The Canberra Matrix is central to the ACT nomination process. Applicants earn points for their:

Qualifications and work experience
English proficiency
Employment in the ACT
Length of residency in Canberra
Ties to the local community
Applicants with the highest scores receive invitations to apply for ACT nomination.

The ACT Government actively supports skilled migrants who bring value to the local economy — whether through employment, entrepreneurship, or academic excellence.

Take the first step today, explore your eligibility, prepare your Canberra Matrix, and start your path toward Australian residency.

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