Subclass 190 · ACT
Australian Capital Territory state nomination
Permanent residence with Australian Capital Territory Government nomination. 800 places allocated for 2025-26. Canberra Matrix selection through ACT Government Migration.
The Australian Capital Territory Government nominates skilled migrants for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa under the General Skilled Migration program. The program is administered by ACT Government Migration and uses a Canberra Matrix mechanism. For the 2025-26 program year, ACT received 800 190 places from the Department of Home Affairs, alongside 800 491 places.
State nomination is one stage of a two-stage process. Australian Capital Territory assesses applicants against state-specific criteria; the Department of Home Affairs then assesses the federal visa application following nomination. The strategic question is whether your profile matches ACT's priority sectors and selection mechanism well enough to receive nomination, given the limited 2025-26 allocation.
ACT 190 eligibility
Federal eligibility
You must meet the standard 190 federal criteria: under 45 at invitation, positive skills assessment, Competent English (IELTS 6 across each component or equivalent), at least 65 points on the points test (including the five-point nomination bonus), and health and character requirements.
Nominated occupation
Your nominated occupation must be on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List. 105 ANZSCO 4-digit unit groups (last updated 10 October 2025). The occupation must also appear on the federal MLTSSL or STSOL.
Selection mechanism
Australian Capital Territory uses a Canberra Matrix system. Canberra residents claiming Matrix points must demonstrate at least six months of ACT residence at the date of Matrix submission.
Priority sectors
Australian Capital Territory prioritises care, education, construction, renewables, experience economy, advanced technology. Applicants whose occupation, employment, and proposed settlement aligns with these sectors are more likely to receive nomination in competitive rounds.
Doctorate streamlined pathway
PhD graduates from ACT universities have a separate Doctorate Streamlined Nomination pathway.
How Australian Capital Territory selection works
ACT's 190 selection process operates through ACT Government Migration and is documented at act.gov.au/migration. Selection rounds are conducted on the schedule the ACT program publishes, which is revised through the program year. Successful applicants receive a state nomination, which generates a federal invitation and a 60-day window in which to lodge the complete visa application.
The ACT program publishes nomination guidelines and round results that are updated regularly. Confirm the current settings before lodging an EOI or ROI.
Speak with an immigration lawyer about your ACT 190 application
We assess your profile against ACT's priority sectors and selection mechanism, identify the strongest claim available to you, and prepare both the ACT ROI and the federal application to a litigation-ready standard.
Book a consultationIf your application is refused
Refusal at the Australian Capital Territory state nomination stage is a state administrative decision. Internal review or reconsideration may be available depending on the ACT program's guidelines. State nomination decisions are not directly reviewable by the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Refusal of the federal visa following nomination triggers merits review rights to the ART within statutory time limits, and judicial review to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on grounds of jurisdictional error. Time limits are strict.
Common questions
How does the ACT 190 nomination process work?
What is the ACT 190 allocation for 2025-26?
Which occupation list applies?
What are the priority sectors?
What residency or commitment is required?
What if my ACT 190 nomination is refused?
Information current as at 30 April 2026. Australian Capital Territory program settings, occupation lists, and allocations are revised through the program year. Confirm current settings at act.gov.au/migration before lodging an EOI or ROI.