Canberra Matrix Invitation Rounds

The ACT lists a tentative 2026-27 schedule by week: the week starting 12 October 2026 (subclass 190 only), then the weeks starting 25 January 2027, 22 March 2027 and 24 May 2027. The ACT says the dates are subject to change without notice and any change is published on its website. The allocation for 2026-27 has not been announced.

The ACT invites the highest-ranked Matrix in each occupation. The cut-off depends on the remaining allocation, the date and time of submission, the occupation cap and demand: the greater the demand, the higher the score invited. Occupations in critical sectors may be prioritised.

No invitation is issued if you have an active application or have already received ACT nomination.

For 2025-26 the ACT allocated 800 places each for the 190 and the 491, and approved 1,600 nominations by 30 June 2026. It refused 229 applications (111 for the 190, 12.2%; 128 for the 491, 13.8%). Of approvals since the last round, 89% went to ACT residents and 11% to overseas residents. No places remain in that year.

Keep meeting the Home Affairs visa criteria and the ACT criteria. Update the Matrix if your circumstances change; an update restarts ranking and extends validity. See the ACT Canberra Matrix page for the rules, and the ACT Matrix calculator to test a change. The criteria are on the ACT 190 requirements page. The ACT does not respond to requests about ranking or the chance of an invitation. The wider ACT nomination process is set out on its own page.

Invitations are limited and the ACT does not discuss ranking, so the application you lodge after an invitation has to be right the first time. An application prepared by an Australian migration lawyer is more likely to succeed. An immigration lawyer for ACT nomination checks claims before lodging, a Canberra immigration lawyer for 190 and 491 applications prepares the nomination application, and an immigration lawyer in Canberra for a refused visa acts if a decision goes against you. Enquire about an ACT nomination matter.