ACT Skilled Migration Program 2025-26: Key Updates and Visa Pathways
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- Oct 10
- 6 min read
The ACT Skilled Migration Program 2025-26 is now officially open, offering exciting opportunities for skilled workers, graduates, and business owners to migrate to Canberra. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has updated its program with key changes to the pathways for skilled migration, including new visa allocations, streamlined nomination processes, and critical updates to the ACT Critical Skills List.
Visa Options for Skilled Migrants in ACT
State Sponsored Subclass 190 Visa – Permanent Visa
The Subclass 190 Visa is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Canberra. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through state nomination, offering additional points to help meet the Department of Home Affairs’ skilled visa points test.
Subclass 491 Visa – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
The Subclass 491 Visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Canberra. This visa offers a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 Visa after three years of living and working in the region.
Key Updates to the ACT Skilled Migration Program 2025-26
Interim Allocation and Nomination Pathways
The ACT Government has released an interim allocation for the 2025-26 program:
85 places for Subclass 190 Visa nominations.
80 places for Subclass 491 Visa nominations. The full allocation for 2025-26 is expected to be announced soon. Nomination will be based on the Canberra Matrix, which ranks applicants according to their employability, qualifications, English proficiency, and ACT residency.
ACT Nomination Pathways
There are several pathways under which applicants can qualify for ACT nomination:
1. Canberra Resident Applicants – Subclass 190 and Subclass 491
Eligibility Criteria for 190 Nomination
Meet all requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs
You must meet one of the following ACT Resident Pathway options:
Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List; or
You hold a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer and have worked in your nominated occupation for that employer in Canberra for at least six months; or
You are the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and are claiming Matrix points as a Small Business Owner.
The following business types are not eligible: Sub-tenancy; Ride-share, taxi, delivery, or courier services; On-sold businesses previously used to qualify for ACT nomination
You have lived in Canberra for at least six months before submitting your Canberra Matrix and continue to live there until you receive an invitation.
You may live within a 30-minute commuting distance from Canberra (for example, Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, or Googong).
Your bank statements or transaction history must show ACT banking activity for this period.
You have worked in Canberra for at least 26 weeks.
You may combine different types of employment (multiple employers, self-employment, or small business ownership) if you meet the overall hourly or income requirement.
You meet the Department of Home Affairs English requirement for ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ English, unless your nominated occupation is:
Chef (351311); or
An occupation with ANZSCO skill level 3–5.
You must sign a declaration committing to live and work in Canberra while your visa is processed and for at least two years after your visa is granted.
If you have a spouse or partner, they must have lived in Canberra for at least six months or be living overseas.
Eligibility Criteria for 491 Nomination:
Meet all requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List; or
You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer and have worked in your nominated occupation for that employer in Canberra for the last six months.
Your occupation does not need to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List; or
You are the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category.
Your occupation does not need to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
The following business types are not eligible: Sub-tenancy; Ride-share, taxi, delivery, or courier services; On-sold businesses previously used to qualify for ACT nomination
You have lived in Canberra for at least three months before submitting your Canberra Matrix and continue to live there until you receive an invitation.
You may live within a 30-minute commuting distance in NSW (e.g. Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, Googong).
Your bank statements or transaction history must show ACT banking activity for this period.
You have worked in Canberra for at least 13 weeks.
You may work for more than one employer, be self-employed, and/or be a Small Business Owner.
You must meet at least Competent English level.
Your spouse or partner must have lived in Canberra for at least three months or be living overseas.
2. Doctorate Streamlined Nomination
Eligibility: Graduates of research or professional doctorates from ACT universities who have lived in Canberra for at least 12 months.
Overseas Applicants: Applicants living overseas with a doctorate from an ACT university within the last 2 years can also apply.
3. Overseas Applicants – Subclass 190 and 491
190 Visa:
Meet all requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Your occupation must be on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
You have at least three years of full-time, post-graduate work experience in your nominated occupation within the last five years.
Your work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing authority in your skills assessment (if points advice is provided).
Your skills and experience must be relevant to the ACT economy.
If required, you hold the relevant Australian registration or licence for your nominated occupation.
You meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ English, unless your occupation:
Is Chef (351311); or
Has an ANZSCO skill level of 3–5.
You have researched the ACT labour market and are confident you are employable in Canberra.
You understand that some positions (especially in the Australian Government) may not be available due to citizenship or security clearance requirements.
You must attach an employment statement explaining:
The research you conducted on the ACT labour market; and
Why you believe you are employable in Canberra, including examples of recent job vacancies.
Commitment to Canberra:
You and any migrating dependents (except school-aged children in the ACT):
Are living overseas;
Have not lived in Australia for the last 12 months; and
Do not hold a current Australian visa or bridging visa, except a visitor visa.
You have access to sufficient funds to cover your migration and settlement in Canberra.
You must provide proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate or civil partnership/union certificate.
De facto relationships are not accepted unless a relationship certificate cannot legally be obtained in your country.
491 Visa:
Meet all requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Your nominated occupation must be on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
You have at least one year of full-time, post-graduate work experience in your nominated occupation within the last five years.
The work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing authority in your skills assessment (if points advice is provided).
Your skills and experience must be relevant to the ACT economy.
If required, you must hold the relevant Australian registration or licence for your nominated occupation.
You meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘Competent’ English, unless a higher level is required by your assessing authority.
You have researched the ACT labour market and are satisfied that you are employable in Canberra.
Your background and work experience are relevant to the ACT economy.
You have researched Canberra and are genuinely committed to living in the ACT.
You and any migrating dependents (except children enrolled at school in the ACT):
Are living overseas;
Have not lived in Australia during the past 12 months; and
Do not hold a current Australian visa or bridging visa, except for an Australian visitor visa.
You have access to sufficient funds to cover your migration and settlement in Canberra.
You must provide proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate or civil partnership/union certificate.
De facto relationships are not accepted unless a relationship certificate cannot legally be obtained in your country of residence.
Important Updates: ACT Critical Skills List
The ACT Critical Skills List has been updated for the 2025-26 program year:
The list has been renamed to the ACT Migration Occupation List.
The number of occupations has been reduced from 152 to 105 ANZSCO 4-digit unit groups.
This update ensures that the list reflects the most relevant occupations for ACT’s economic needs.
Canberra Matrix Nomination Process
The Canberra Matrix plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility for ACT nomination:
Applicants are ranked based on their skills, qualifications, employment history, English proficiency, and residency in the ACT.
High-ranking applicants will be invited to apply for ACT nomination.
To apply, you need to:
Choose your ACT Nomination pathway.
Submit a Canberra Matrix, providing detailed information on your employability and connection to Canberra.
Include all necessary documentation to support your claims.
ACT Skilled Migration Open: Book a Consultation
The ACT Skilled Migration Program 2025-26 offers excellent opportunities for skilled workers seeking to live and work in the Australian Capital Territory, specifically in Canberra. To apply, review, or finalise your application, contact our migration team at migration6@racc.net.au and cc allison@racc.net.au.
Applicants who have already submitted an EOI and received an invitation can use the discount code RACCACT2025 to receive 40% off service fees — reducing the original $2,500 + GST fee to $1,500 + GST. Our migration specialists will guide you through each step to ensure a smooth and compliant application process
