ACT Invitation Round Minimum Matrix Score 2026 Australia (Latest Update)
- May 22
- 5 min read
Last Updated: 22 May 2026
Many applicants miss ACT invitations despite meeting the minimum visa points requirement. The latest ACT invitation round Matrix scores show why some occupations require significantly higher scores than others.
Recent invitation rounds show that ACT selects candidates based on real competition, not just eligibility. If your score sits below the latest cut-off, you will not receive an invitation.
This guide breaks down the latest ACT data and shows how to assess your chances correctly.
What Is the ACT Invitation Round Minimum Matrix Score 2026 Australia?
The ACT invitation round minimum matrix score 2026 Australia shows the lowest score invited for each occupation under:
This score reflects actual invitation thresholds, not minimum visa requirements.
ACT ranks applicants based on their Matrix score. Higher-ranking candidates receive invitations first.
Latest ACT Invitation Round Scores (May 2026)
The most recent ACT invitation round took place on 6 May 2026.
Recent results show that highly competitive occupations continue to require strong Matrix scores, particularly in ICT, accounting, project administration and hospitality occupations.
Software and Applications Programmers (ANZSCO 2613)
Skilled Work Regional 491: 125
Skilled Nominated Visa 190: 130
ICT Business and Systems Analysts (ANZSCO 2611)
Skilled Work Regional 491 : 120
Skilled Nominated Visa 190: 130
Accountants (ANZSCO 2211)
Skilled Work Regional 491: 130
Skilled Nominated Visa 190: 135
Civil Engineering Professionals (ANZSCO 2332)
Skilled Work Regional 491: 110
Skilled Nominated Visa 190: 110
Roof Tilers (ANZSCO 3333)
Skilled Work Regional 491: 80
Skilled Nominated Visa 190: 90
These scores confirm that highly competitive occupations require significantly higher points.
Latest ACT Invitation Scores by Occupation
In the May 2026 invitation round, accountants, ICT occupations and chefs continued to require some of the highest Matrix scores.
Software programmers and ICT business analysts generally needed scores above 120, while many trade occupations remained competitive at around 80–90 points. Healthcare occupations such as nursing continued to attract invitations at lower thresholds than highly competitive professional occupations.
Latest ACT Invitation Scores by Popular Occupations
Occupation | Canberra Resident 491 | Canberra Resident 190 | Overseas Applicant 491 | Overseas Applicant 190 |
Accountants (2211) | 130 | 135 | 100 | 115 |
ICT Business and Systems Analysts (2611) | 120 | 130 | 95 | 100 |
Software and Applications Programmers (2613) | 125 | 130 | 100 | 105 |
Civil Engineering Professionals (2332) | 110 | 110 | 90 | 90 |
Registered Nurses (2544) | 100 | 105 | 80 | 90 |
Early Childhood Teachers (2411) | 115 | 125 | 75 | 80 |
Chefs (3513) | 125 | 130 | 85 | 95 |
Motor Mechanics (3212) | 105 | 110 | 90 | 90 |
Plumbers (3341) | 80 | 90 | 80 | 90 |
Roof Tilers (3333) | 80 | 90 | 80 | 90 |
ACT Matrix Scores by Occupation (Full List)
The table below contains the complete ACT invitation round results from 6 May 2026. You can search and filter occupations to compare Matrix score requirements across subclass 190 and subclass 491 nominations.
Highest ACT Matrix Scores in May 2026
The May 2026 invitation round confirmed that several occupations remained highly competitive for ACT nomination.
The highest minimum Matrix scores recorded for Canberra residents included:
Occupation | Visa | Minimum Matrix Score |
Accountants (2211) | 190 | 135 |
ICT Business and Systems Analysts (2611) | 190 | 130 |
Software and Applications Programmers (2613) | 190 | 130 |
Chefs (3513) | 190 | 130 |
Contract, Program and Project Administrators (5111) | 190 | 130 |
Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers (2212) | 190 | 130 |
ICT Managers (1351) | 190 | 125 |
Computer Network Professionals (2631) | 190 | 125 |
ICT Support Technicians (3131) | 190 | 125 |
Database and ICT Security Specialists (2621) | 190 | 125 |
These results show that ICT occupations continue to dominate the highest ACT Matrix score rankings. Accounting occupations also remain extremely competitive, with accountants requiring the highest score recorded in the May 2026 invitation round.
Candidates targeting subclass 190 nomination in these occupations typically need significantly higher scores than the minimum eligibility requirements.
Canberra Resident vs Overseas Applicants
ACT separates candidates into two groups:
Canberra Residents
Candidates who live and work in Canberra often receive lower invitation thresholds. ACT values local contribution and employment.
Overseas Applicants
Overseas candidates face higher competition and need stronger scores to secure an invitation.
For example:
Accountants reach up to 135 for subclass 190
Overseas applicants still require around 120 or more
This difference shows that location plays a major role in ACT selection.
ACT Invitation Score Trends (2025–2026)
Recent invitation rounds show that accountants, ICT professionals, chefs and project administrators continue to require some of the highest Matrix scores in the ACT nomination program.
Accountants recorded the highest threshold at 135 points, while several ICT occupations and chefs required 130 points for subclass 190 invitations.
What Is a Good ACT Matrix Score in 2026?
A competitive score depends on your occupation.
Occupation Group | Competitive Score |
ICT occupations | 120–130+ |
Accounting occupations | 130–135 |
Engineering occupations | 95–120 |
Healthcare occupations | 60–80 |
Trades occupations | 80–90 |
If your score sits below these ranges, your chances remain low in current conditions.
How to Improve Your ACT Matrix Score
If your score does not meet recent cut-offs, focus on improving key areas:
Increase your English test results
Gain additional skilled work experience
Add partner points if eligible
Secure employment in Canberra
Consider alternative visa pathways
Small improvements can significantly impact your ranking.
Common Mistake Applicants Make
Many applicants believe that meeting 65 points guarantees an invitation.
This assumption leads to delays and refusals.
ACT does not invite based on minimum eligibility. ACT selects candidates who rank higher than others in the same occupation.
ACT Invitation Round FAQ
What is the ACT invitation round minimum matrix score 2026 Australia?
It is the lowest score ACT invited in a specific round for each occupation under subclass 190 and 491 visas.
What was the latest ACT invitation round?
The latest ACT invitation round was held on 6 May 2026. Invitation thresholds varied significantly between occupations, with accountants, ICT occupations and project administrators recording some of the highest Matrix scores.
Which occupation had the highest ACT Matrix score in May 2026?
Accountants recorded the highest minimum Matrix score in the May 2026 invitation round, requiring 135 points for a Canberra resident subclass 190 invitation. Several ICT occupations, chefs and project administrators also required scores of 130 points.
Is 65 points enough for ACT nomination?
No. ACT requires competitive Matrix scores, often well above 65, depending on occupation.
Why are ACT scores so high?
ACT has limited nomination places and ranks applicants based on economic contribution, employment, and points.
Which occupations have lower ACT scores?
Healthcare and some trade occupations typically have lower thresholds compared to ICT and accounting roles.
Final Thoughts
The ACT invitation round minimum matrix score 2026 Australia provides a clear benchmark for migration planning.
You should not rely on minimum eligibility. You need to compare your score against real invitation data and adjust your strategy accordingly.
How RACC Can Help
Understanding the ACT invitation round minimum matrix score 2026 Australia is only the first step. Many applicants still miss invitations because their profile does not rank competitively within their occupation.
RACC helps you assess your real position based on recent ACT invitation data and guides you on how to improve your Matrix score effectively. We focus on practical strategies that align with current ACT selection trends, not just basic eligibility.
Our team can assist you with:
Evaluating your ACT Matrix score against recent invitation rounds
Identifying realistic pathways for subclass 190 or 491 nomination
Advising on ways to increase your points and ranking
Reviewing your occupation and nomination options across states
If you would like to explore your options, you can book a consultation with our migration team.
Registered Migration Agents: MARN 1572962 | MARN 1172003
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