Permanent Residency
Explore skilled migration and permanent residence pathways based on your profile and goals.
Explore PR OptionsACT nomination uses the Canberra Matrix, a separate ranking mechanism that considers factors such as employment, English, qualifications and connections to Canberra.
2026–27 program status (reviewed 19 October 2026): The ACT conducted a Canberra Matrix invitation round on 12 October 2026 for subclass 190. Its 2026–27 allocation was not yet confirmed in the official published update.
Australian Capital Territory nomination visa options
| Visa | Overview | Nomination points |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 190 | Permanent skilled nominated visa | 5 points |
| Subclass 491 | Five-year provisional visa for designated regional areas, with a potential pathway to Subclass 191 permanent residence | 15 points |
State nomination is only one step. Applicants must also meet the federal visa conditions. Subclass 491 regional residence and other conditions must be satisfied.
Who may qualify?
- Generally be under 45 at the relevant invitation stage.
- Have a suitable skills assessment for an eligible nominated occupation.
- Meet competent English requirements, unless a higher level is required for the pathway.
- Have at least 65 points under the federal skilled migration points test, including applicable nomination points.
- Meet Australian Capital Territory nomination conditions and any occupation, residency, employment or invitation criteria.
State-specific assessment: An ACT Matrix score is not the same as a federal SkillSelect points score. A strong Matrix score does not guarantee invitation.
Meeting the minimum federal points threshold does not guarantee state nomination or a visa invitation.
How to apply for Australian Capital Territory nomination
- Check your nominated occupation, skills assessment, English results and visa points.
- Review the current Australian Capital Territory nomination pathway and program availability.
- Create or update your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) with accurate details.
- Submit a valid SkillSelect EOI, calculate the applicable Canberra Matrix, then submit it through the ACT Migration Application Portal and pay the required service fee.
- If nominated and invited by Home Affairs, submit the visa application with the required evidence within the specified deadline.
Do not submit a nomination application or pay a fee until the applicable state process confirms you are eligible to do so.
ACT nomination and Matrix fees
Published ACT service fees include AUD 27.50 (incl. GST) for Canberra Matrix submission and AUD 357.50 (incl. GST) for a subclass 190 or 491 nomination application. These are separate from federal visa charges.
Canberra Matrix submissions require payment within seven days, otherwise they lapse.
Australia visa guides and calculator
Australia PR Subclass 190 Subclass 491 Subclass 191Current program information: Consult the relevant state or territory authority before relying on opening dates, occupation lists or stream-specific criteria.
Peerless Immigration Services provides general information and eligibility assistance. This page is not an invitation or guarantee of nomination.
Frequently asked questions
You may be able to express interest in both visa types if eligible, but Australian Capital Territory has its own selection and nomination rules. Check the current nomination process for each visa.
65 points is the general federal points-test minimum. Nomination is competitive and the state or territory may impose additional eligibility and selection criteria.
Offshore eligibility depends on the relevant Australian Capital Territory nomination pathway and current program rules. Confirm whether offshore applicants are being accepted.
No. The Department of Home Affairs separately decides the visa application and assesses all federal eligibility requirements.
How the ACT skilled migration program works
The Australian Capital Territory uses the Canberra Matrix to rank eligible applicants for nomination. Matrix points are separate from federal SkillSelect points, and a Matrix submission does not guarantee an invitation. Applicants need evidence to support every Matrix claim.
Who should consider this pathway?
- Skilled professionals with an occupation eligible for the relevant state nomination stream and visa.
- Applicants with a positive skills assessment and at least competent English, subject to pathway-specific requirements.
- Applicants who can meet the federal points test and any additional state residence, employment or occupation conditions.
- People prepared to meet nomination commitments and regional visa conditions, where applicable.
State nomination is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation, nomination or visa grant.
Eligible and in-demand occupations
Check whether your occupation and ANZSCO code are eligible before submitting an EOI or paying for an assessment. State lists can change during the year, and occupation inclusion does not automatically establish eligibility.
State nomination processing fees and visa costs
Published state/territory nomination charges: Canberra Matrix: AUD 25 excluding GST (AUD 27.50 including GST). Subclass 190 or 491 nomination: AUD 325 excluding GST (AUD 357.50 including GST).
Fee source: State or territory government fee schedule.
| Cost component | Who charges it | When relevant |
|---|---|---|
| State nomination / ROI / Matrix charge | State or territory government | At registration or nomination application, depending on program |
| Subclass 190 or 491 visa application charge | Australian Department of Home Affairs | When lodging the federal visa application |
| Additional applicant charges | Australian Department of Home Affairs | Partner and dependent children, where included |
| Skills assessment, English test, medical and police checks | Relevant third parties | As required by the applicant's circumstances |
Federal visa charges are separate from state nomination fees. See the linked Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 guides for family visa-charge details.
Start your ACT skilled migration eligibility assessment
Peerless Immigration Services can review your occupation, skills assessment pathway, English score, work experience, federal points and state nomination options. If your profile appears suitable, our team can outline the supporting documents and next steps.
- Check your points using the Australia PR Points Calculator.
- Review your occupation list and state-specific nomination criteria.
- Submit the Australia enquiry form on this page with your preferred visa category.
- Our team can review your profile and discuss possible pathways and applicable costs.
Submitting an enquiry does not constitute a visa application or guarantee eligibility or nomination.
