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Quick Answer: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) issued 261 invitations for Subclass 190 nomination in its Canberra Matrix round on 12 October 2026. Invitations covered doctorate, small business and critical skill occupation pathways. No Subclass 491 invitations were issued in this round. |
What Happened in the Latest ACT Invitation Round?
If you are exploring skilled migration to Australia, the latest Canberra Matrix results offer a useful look at ACT nomination activity.
The ACT held an invitation round on **12 October 2026**, with invitations issued for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa.
The published results were:
- Doctorate Streamlined Pathway: 54 invitations
- Small Business Owners: 18 invitations
- Critical Skill Occupations – Canberra residents: 126 invitations
- Critical Skill Occupations – overseas applicants: 63 invitations
- Total Subclass 190 invitations: 261
- Subclass 491 invitations: None in this round
For Small Business Owners, the minimum Matrix score shown was 120. The ACT did not publish a single universal cut-off score for all critical skill occupation applicants on the main round summary.
Which Sectors and Applicants Were Included?
The ACT’s results grouped invitations by pathway rather than publishing one overall sector-by-sector total.
The main groups included:
1. Critical Skill Occupations
These invitations covered eligible applicants in the ACT’s critical skill occupation pathway. Both Canberra residents and overseas applicants received invitations.
2. Doctorate Streamlined Pathway
The ACT issued 54 Subclass 190 invitations through this pathway. Applicants should check the specific doctorate pathway criteria rather than assume that any doctoral qualification automatically qualifies.
3. Small Business Owners
Eighteen Subclass 190 invitations were issued to Canberra residents under the Small Business Owners Matrix pathway. The published minimum Matrix score for this group was 120.
The invitation result does not mean every occupation or business profile is eligible. The ACT’s occupation list and pathway criteria remain essential.
How Does the Canberra Matrix Work?
Unlike simply submitting an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, ACT nomination uses a points-based Canberra Matrix.
Applicants first need a valid SkillSelect EOI and must meet the requirements for their chosen ACT nomination pathway. They can then submit a Canberra Matrix through the ACT Migration Application Portal.
The Matrix considers factors such as:
- Skilled employment
- English language ability
- Qualifications
- Time spent living or studying in the ACT
- Business activity or investment, where relevant
- Close family ties, where applicable
Applicants are ranked, and those selected may receive an invitation to apply for ACT nomination.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation. Results depend on ranking, occupation demand, available places and the number of invitations issued.
Is the ACT Nomination Process Open?
The ACT Migration Application Portal is open for Canberra Matrix submissions. However, the ACT’s official website states that its 2026–27 nomination allocation has not yet been confirmed by the Australian Government.
The ACT has published a tentative invitation schedule for the 2026–27 year, including weeks starting:
- 12 October 2026 — Subclass 190 only
- 25 January 2027
- 22 March 2027
- 24 May 2027
These dates are tentative and may change. Applicants should check the official invitation page before planning around a future round.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
If you are considering ACT nomination, check the current occupation list and the criteria for your specific pathway first.
Make sure your SkillSelect EOI and Canberra Matrix details are accurate and supported by evidence. If you update your Matrix, the updated submission is treated as a new Matrix for ranking purposes.
Do not rely only on a score from a previous invitation round. A score that received an invitation previously may not receive one in a future round.
Final Takeaway
The ACT’s 12 October 2026 round issued 261 Subclass 190 invitations across doctorate, small business and critical skill occupation pathways. The results are useful for understanding recent selection activity, but they do not establish a guaranteed score for future applicants.
For the latest occupation list, Matrix requirements and invitation schedules, use the official ACT Government migration website.
Official sources:
- Canberra Matrix invitation round
- Canberra Matrix information
- ACT Migration
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. ACT nomination criteria, allocations and invitation schedules may change. Always confirm the latest requirements with the ACT Government.
