The Canberra Matrix

You claim points against criteria such as skilled employment, English, qualifications, ACT residence or study, investment and close family ties. The ACT ranks the claimed score, and those who rank high enough in their occupation are invited to apply for nomination. The resident and overseas versions score different criteria.

Use the Canberra Matrix points calculator to add up either version. The ACT Critical Skills List, now called the ACT occupation list, sets the occupations that earn occupation points.

1. Check that you meet the eligibility criteria for ACT nomination, and that your EOI is valid.
2. Choose the resident or overseas version, and the pathway (190 or 491).
3. Claim points only where you can prove them at the submission date.
4. Submit through the ACT Migration Application Portal.
5. Pay the A$25 fee within seven days. Ranking starts only after payment is confirmed.

A Canberra migration lawyer can check the documents against each claim before step 5. The ACT states that supporting documents must prove every claim as at the date you submitted or last updated the Matrix. If you are invited and the documents do not substantiate your claims, the application will be refused.

You receive an email summarising the score claimed. You can update or withdraw the Matrix at any time before an invitation, at no charge. An update replaces the earlier submission and counts as a new Matrix for ranking.

A Matrix lapses after six months with no invitation or update. Each update extends it by six months, to a maximum of 12 months from the original submission.

No. The ACT states there is no guarantee that a Matrix will be ranked, even if you meet the eligibility criteria. It does not answer requests for ranking information or the chance of an invitation, and it does not prioritise on personal circumstances such as visa expiry. Dates and numbers for past rounds are on the ACT invitation round page.

It feeds ACT 190 visa and 491 nominations. The wider process, from the EOI to the nomination application, is set out under ACT Government nomination.

One unproven claim can sink a Matrix, because the ACT refuses applications whose documents do not match the points. An application prepared by an Australian migration lawyer is more likely to succeed. An immigration lawyer for ACT nomination reads each claim against the evidence before you pay and submit, and a migration lawyer in Canberra can recheck the score whenever you update it. Enquire about a Canberra migration matter.