This free ACT Canberra Matrix calculator estimates your score for ACT (Canberra) subclass 190 and 491 state nomination. The ACT uses two different matrices: one for Canberra residents (12 categories) and one for overseas applicants (11 categories). Choose yours and the calculator shows the official categories and points, ticks off the key eligibility rules, and adds up your total.
Important: the Canberra Matrix can change. This calculator follows the official ACT Government Canberra Matrix score sheets for Canberra residents and overseas applicants (checked 20 October 2026). The ACT Government may change the Matrix categories, points, occupation list or eligibility criteria at any time, and the 2026–27 nomination allocation had not been announced when we checked.
Always confirm on the official ACT Government Canberra Matrix page before you submit. Your result is an estimate and general information only, not migration advice.
ACT Canberra Matrix calculator (190 and 491)
Choose your situation, then answer each category. Your score updates as you go.
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0/ 195 Matrix points
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How the Canberra Matrix works
To be considered for ACT nomination for a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa, you submit a Canberra Matrix through the ACT Migration Application Portal, separately for each visa you want. You claim points for ACT residence, English, your occupation, ACT employment, qualifications, ACT study, family in Canberra and investment, and you pay a service fee within 7 days or the submission lapses.
The ACT ranks Matrix submissions within each occupation and invites the highest-ranked in each invitation round. The cut-off depends on the monthly allocation, demand, occupation caps and submission date and time. There is no fixed pass mark, and the ACT does not answer questions about your ranking. A Matrix lapses after 6 months without an invitation; updating it extends validity by 6 months, to a maximum of 12 months from the original submission. You also need at least 65 points on the federal SkillSelect points test; check that with our Australia PR points calculator.
Key eligibility rules (summary)
| Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | |
|---|---|---|
| Canberra residents | Lived in Canberra 6+ months; worked in Canberra 26+ weeks (30+ hours a week in 26 of the last 30 weeks) | Lived in Canberra 3+ months; worked in Canberra 13+ weeks (15+ hours a week in 13 of the last 15 weeks) |
| Overseas applicants | 3+ years of full-time, post-graduate experience in the nominated occupation in the last 5 years; Proficient English (unless Chef or ANZSCO skill level 3–5); living overseas | 1+ year of full-time, post-graduate experience in the nominated occupation in the last 5 years; Competent English; living overseas |
| Occupation | On the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List, unless you qualify for the Doctorate Streamlined pathway (or, for Canberra residents, the Small Business Owner pathway) | |
These are the main points only. Read the full 190 and 491 nomination criteria before you submit.
Canberra Matrix points table: Canberra residents
| Category | Options and points |
|---|---|
| ACT residence (last 8 years) | 5+ years 25 · 4–5 years 20 · 3–4 years 15 · 2–3 years 10 · 1–2 years 5 · under 1 year 0 |
| English proficiency | Superior 15 · Proficient 10 · Competent 0 |
| Spouse/partner English | Superior or Proficient 5 · Competent 0 |
| Nominated occupation | On the ACT occupation list 20 · not on the list 0 |
| Small business owner | 12+ months trading, $200,000+ turnover 20 · 6+ months trading, $100,000+ turnover 10 |
| Length of ACT employment (last 2 years) | 12+ months 10 · 6–12 months 5 |
| ACT employment: skill level | Nominated occupation on the list 20 · sponsored 457/482 holder 15 · other listed occupation 10 · ANZSCO skill level 1–3 occupation 5 |
| Spouse/partner employment | Listed occupation with skills assessment 15 · relevant skills assessment 10 · any occupation in Canberra 5 · Australian tertiary qualification and Competent English (not working) 5 |
| Tertiary qualification | Doctorate 20 · Masters 15 · Bachelor or trade certificate 10 · Diploma (18+ months full-time) 5 |
| Years of study at an ACT tertiary institution | 4+ years 20 · 3 years 15 · 2 years 10 · 1 year or ACT Professional Year 5 |
| Close family ties (citizen/PR in Canberra 2+ years) | Spouse/partner or child 20 · parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle 10 |
| Assets in Canberra | $250,000+ cash in ACT residential or commercial property 5 |
Canberra Matrix points table: overseas applicants
| Category | Options and points |
|---|---|
| Previous ACT residence or time in Canberra (last 8 years) | 5+ years 20 · 3–5 years 15 · 1–3 years 10 · visited (7+ consecutive nights) 5 |
| Nominated occupation | On the ACT occupation list 20 · not on the list 0 |
| English proficiency | Superior 15 · Proficient 10 · Competent 0 |
| Spouse/partner English | Superior or Proficient 5 · Competent 0 |
| ACT job offer | Full-time genuine ACT job offer in the nominated occupation 20 |
| Relevant work experience | 8–10 years 20 · 5–8 years 15 · 3–5 years 10 |
| Spouse/partner employment | Listed occupation with skills assessment 15 · skill level 1–3 occupation with skills assessment 10 · skill level 1–3 occupation with relevant tertiary qualification 5 |
| Tertiary qualification | Doctorate 20 · Masters 15 · Bachelor or trade certificate 10 · Diploma (2+ years full-time) 5 |
| Years of study at an ACT tertiary institution | 4+ years 20 · 3 years 15 · 2 years 10 · 1 year or ACT Professional Year 5 |
| Close family ties (in Canberra 2+ years) | Australian citizen or PR 20 · temporary visa holder 5 |
| Assets in Canberra | $250,000+ cash in ACT property 10 · or Canberra business with $100,000+ turnover in 6 months 10 |
Source: ACT Government, Canberra Matrix score sheet for Canberra residents and for overseas applicants. Each category has detailed evidence rules on the official pages.
Latest ACT invitation round: 12 October 2026
The first ACT round of 2026–27 was held in the week starting 12 October 2026 and covered subclass 190 only. The ACT invited 54 Doctorate Streamlined applicants, 18 Canberra resident small business owners (minimum Matrix score 120), 1 subclass 457/482 holder, 126 Canberra residents in critical skill occupations and 63 overseas applicants in critical skill occupations. No 491 invitations were issued in that round. Further rounds are tentatively scheduled for the weeks starting 25 January, 22 March and 24 May 2027. See the official ACT invitation round page for the occupation ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canberra Matrix?
The Canberra Matrix is the ACT Government's points-based expression of interest for ACT nomination for the subclass 190 and 491 visas. You claim points for factors such as ACT residence, English, your occupation, ACT employment, qualifications and family ties, and the ACT ranks submissions within each occupation.
What Canberra Matrix score do I need for an ACT invitation?
There is no fixed pass mark. The ACT invites the highest-ranked Matrix submissions in each occupation, and the cut-off depends on the monthly allocation, demand and occupation caps. In the 12 October 2026 round, the minimum score for Canberra resident small business owners (190) was 120.
Is the Canberra Matrix different for overseas applicants?
Yes. Canberra residents use a 12-category matrix that rewards ACT residence and ACT employment, while overseas applicants use an 11-category matrix that rewards an ACT job offer, relevant overseas work experience and previous time in Canberra. The eligibility rules are also different.
Can I update my Canberra Matrix after submitting it?
Yes. You can update or withdraw your Canberra Matrix at any time before an invitation is issued, at no charge. An updated Matrix replaces the previous one and is treated as a new submission for ranking, and you must meet all claims at the date of the update.
How long is a Canberra Matrix valid?
A Canberra Matrix lapses after 6 months if you are not invited and do not update it. Updating it extends validity by 6 months, up to a maximum of 12 months from the original submission.
Do I still need 65 points for ACT nomination?
Yes. The Canberra Matrix is separate from the federal points test. You need a SkillSelect EOI that meets the Home Affairs points test (currently 65 points) and selects the ACT, as well as a suitable skills assessment.
How accurate is this Canberra Matrix calculator?
It uses the official ACT Government Canberra Matrix score sheets, checked on 20 October 2026. The ACT can change the Matrix, occupation list and criteria at any time, so always confirm on the official ACT Government website before you submit. Your result is an estimate, not migration advice.