ACT (Canberra) 2025–26 State Nomination Program — Updated Pathways, Occupation List & Key Rules
📌Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
👩💼Led by Registered Migration Agent Suman Dua (MARN: 1800859)
Canberra has started inviting applicants under its 2025–26 ACT Nominated Migration Program — even though the final allocation from the Department of Home Affairs hasn’t been confirmed yet!
There are some important updates this year:
The ACT occupation list has been reduced
The PhD process has changed
There’s now clearer guidance for 482 visa holders and small business owners
Let’s go through everything you need to know about migrating to Canberra in 2025–26.
✅Department of Home Affairs Minimum Criteria
Before considering ACT nomination, you must first satisfy Home Affairs’ baseline criteria for skilled visas:
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
Have Competent English or higher
Hold a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
Achieve at least 65 points, including ACT nomination points
Once you meet these minimums, you can look at the ACT nomination pathways.
🔄Key ACT Updates for 2025–26
The ACT Government released several changes for this financial year:
The ACT Critical Skills List is now called the ACT Migration Occupation List
The list has been reduced from 152 to 105 occupation groups
Only occupations on the updated list are eligible for new invitation rounds — no matter when you submitted your Canberra Matrix
PhD applicants will now be invited during regular invitation rounds, not every 7 business days
482 visa applicants must have been employed for at least 6 months with their sponsoring employer before submitting the Canberra Matrix
491 visa invitations will be issued before 190 invitations starting with the new program year
📝 Note: Applications from the September 2025 round remain unaffected.
🧭Overview of the ACT Nomination Program
ACT nominates applicants for two skilled visas:
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated (Permanent)
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Applicants are ranked through the Canberra Matrix, which considers:
Occupation
English level
Work experience
Study history
Length of ACT residence
📌 ACT Nomination Pathways (Streams)
1. Canberra Resident Pathway
For applicants living and working in Canberra:
Live in Canberra for 3 months (491) or 6 months (190)
Be employed in a genuine, paid role for:
13 weeks (491)
26 weeks (190)
Your occupation must be on the ACT Migration Occupation List, unless applying under 482 or SBO pathways
482 visa holders: must have worked for their ACT sponsor for at least 6 months
Small Business Owners:
Own 51% of a registered ACT business
Operate solely in ACT
Pay yourself $13,000 over 3 months (491) or $26,000 over 6 months (190)
Employ one Australian citizen/PR/NZ citizen at 20+ hours/week for 13 weeks
Service Fee: $300 (apply within 14 days of invitation)
🧾 482 Visa Holder Pathway
If you hold a 457 or 482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer:
You’re the primary visa holder
Worked for your ACT sponsor for 6+ months
Your occupation is on the Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List (not necessarily ACT’s)
👉 A great option for skilled workers already contributing to Canberra’s economy.
💼 Small Business Owner (SBO) Stream
Perfect for ACT-based entrepreneurs:
Own at least 51% of a profit-generating business
Operate only in ACT
Pay yourself:
$26,000 over 6 months (190)
$13,000 over 3 months (491)
Employ one local worker for at least 13 weeks, 20+ hours/week
❌ Excluded business types: ride-share, taxi, courier, delivery, sub-tenancy
2. Overseas Applicant Stream
For skilled professionals outside Australia:
Occupation must be on the ACT Migration Occupation List
Work experience:
1 year for 491
3 years for 190
Provide:
Employment research statement about ACT job market
Commitment statement to live in Canberra for at least 2 years
Service Fee: $300 (apply within 14 days)
3. Doctorate Streamlined Nomination
For PhD graduates of ACT universities:
Canberra residents: must have lived in ACT for 12+ months post-PhD
Interstate/overseas: must have completed PhD within the last 2 years
No Canberra Matrix points required
Free application, invitations in regular rounds
🧾After Nomination
Once ACT nomination is approved:
ACT will update your SkillSelect EOI
Home Affairs will send you a visa invitation
You have 60 days to lodge your visa
💡 Important: ACT nomination ≠ automatic visa grant. Home Affairs makes the final decision.
📍 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re:
✅ A Canberra resident
✅ An overseas applicant
✅ A PhD graduate
✅ A small business owner
✅ Or a 482 visa holder
There’s a clear pathway for you under the ACT 2025–26 Nomination Program.
🤝 Need Help?
If you're unsure which stream fits you best, or need assistance with your Canberra Matrix, we’re here to guide you.
📥 Book a Consultation with Nationwide Migration and Education
📞 Call | WhatsApp: +61 7 3726 5183
🌐 Visit: www.nationwidemigration.com.au
🆔 MARN: 1800859
⚠️Disclaimer
Visa rules and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This blog is intended as general guidance only. For personalised advice based on your individual circumstances, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1800859).
