Canberra Matrix invitation rounds 2026–27: dates and results
Settledin Team4 min readThe latest Canberra Matrix invitation round with published results is 12 October 2026. ACT Migration listed a round on 12 November 2026, but its results were not on ACT's page on 13 November. The next date on ACT's schedule is the week starting 30 November 2026. ACT calls these dates "tentative and subject to change without notice".
Last updated: 13 November 2026. Checked against ACT Migration's Canberra Matrix invitation round page.
Which Canberra Matrix rounds has ACT published for 2026–27?
ACT Migration publishes each round on its Canberra Matrix invitation round page. It covers the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). The program year runs from 1 July to 30 June.
| Round | Visas invited | Groups ACT lists | Status on ACT's page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 November 2026 | Not yet published | Not yet published | ACT's home page said the round "will be conducted on Thursday 12 November 2026". No results were posted on 13 November |
| 12 October 2026 | 190 only | Doctorate Streamlined Pathway. Canberra residents: Small Business Owners, Critical Skill Occupations. Overseas applicants: Critical Skill Occupations | Results published, with invitations by group and a downloadable Matrix invitation ranking |
Round data as of the 12 October 2026 round. Read on ACT's page on 13 November 2026.
ACT lists the number of invitations for each group on its round page. It also links a copy of the Matrix invitation ranking in its library of guidelines and invitations.
When is the next Canberra Matrix invitation round?
ACT's tentative schedule for the rest of 2026–27, as published on 13 November 2026:
| Date on ACT's schedule | Note from ACT |
|---|---|
| Week starting 12 October 2026 | Subclass 190 only. Results published |
| On 12 November 2026 | Results not yet published |
| Week starting 30 November 2026 | Tentative |
| Week starting 11 January 2027 | "May be brought forward" |
| Week starting 22 March 2027 | Tentative |
| Week starting 24 May 2027 | Tentative |
ACT says the dates depend on "final allocation of nomination places and operational requirements". It adds: "Any changes will be published on this website." When Settledin checked the page on 5 November 2026, the schedule listed 25 January 2027 and had no November dates.
ACT's home page says the ACT has a nomination allocation for 2026–27, and that "the allocation has not yet been finalised".
This page is updated when ACT publishes a new round.
How does ACT choose who gets an invitation?
ACT ranks Canberra Matrix submissions, not SkillSelect EOIs. Its ACT Government nomination page says it ranks a Matrix "based on your residency, occupation, and the number of points you have claimed".
The how to apply page sets out the rules:
- Residency. Canberra and overseas residents "may be ranked separately", as the Matrix differs by residency.
- Occupation. In the occupation list pathway, only a Matrix with an occupation on the latest list is ranked. "The highest ranked Canberra Matrix submission in each occupation will be invited."
- Visa order. Matrix submissions for the 491 "will be selected first".
- Ties. If many have the same score, selection "may be based on the date and time you submitted the Canberra Matrix". An updated Matrix uses the date it was last updated.
- Exclusions. ACT does not invite people who have an active application or who have already received ACT nomination.
On the round page, ACT says it has "a fixed number of nomination places available each month (pro-rata against the annual allocation)". Occupations in critical sectors "may be prioritised". The occupation list page names those sectors and says occupations "may be capped" when nominations far outstrip demand. That list was last updated on 10 October 2025.
The Doctorate Streamlined pathway works differently. ACT says its invitations "are issued automatically in every invitation round". The full pathways and criteria are in ACT state nomination: the Canberra Matrix, pathways and fees.
What happens after an ACT invitation?
ACT creates a nomination application in the ACT Migration Application Portal. Its how to apply page says: "The application for ACT nomination is active for 14 days." If it is not submitted and paid in that time, "the invitation will lapse".
ACT's fees page (last updated 27 July 2026) lists these fees, including GST:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Canberra Matrix submission | $27.50 |
| 190 nomination application | $357.50 |
| 491 nomination application | $357.50 |
If ACT approves, it confirms the nomination in SkillSelect. ACT says this "triggers the invitation from the Department of Home Affairs". The Home Affairs subclass 190 page says: "We will only invite you to apply for this visa if you are nominated." It gives 60 days from the date of the invitation to apply. Home Affairs publishes current processing times on its own page.
The SkillSelect steps are in invited in SkillSelect: what happens next. The visa is on the subclass 190 page for the ACT.
How do other states run their rounds?
Each state and territory runs its own process. Home Affairs' invitation rounds page says 190 and 491 nominations "will not be affected by the departmental invitation rounds".
Each state's current status is in the state nomination tracker. The WA and NSW guides describe how those states select EOIs. The Home Affairs rounds for the 189 are in 189 invitation rounds 2026–27.
Frequently asked questions
How often does ACT hold Canberra Matrix rounds?
ACT publishes a tentative schedule at the start of each program year. Its 2026–27 schedule lists six dates, from October 2026 to May 2027.
Where does ACT publish round results?
On its Canberra Matrix invitation round page. Its home page also notes when results for a round are available.
Are the round dates fixed?
No. ACT says they are "tentative and subject to change without notice".
Does a Canberra Matrix expire?
Yes. ACT says a Matrix lapses "after six months if an invitation is not issued and no updates are made". An update extends it by six months, up to 12 months from the original submission. The Matrix fee is due within 7 days, or the submission lapses.
Is the Canberra Matrix the same as a SkillSelect EOI?
No. ACT requires a valid SkillSelect EOI first, then a separate Canberra Matrix through its own portal. ACT ranks the Matrix. EOI expiry rules are in EOI validity and updating.
What is the ACT occupation list?
The ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List, "formerly known as the ACT Critical Skills list". It covers the 190 and the 491. The ACT state page summarises ACT nomination.
Settledin adds up an indicative points total from the official Home Affairs points table, for the SkillSelect EOI that ACT nomination starts from.
Work out your indicative points
This article describes published ACT Migration and Department of Home Affairs information, checked on 13 November 2026. It is general information, not migration advice. For advice on your situation, speak to a registered migration agent. Check the register.
Source: ACT Migration, Canberra Matrix invitation round page, November 2026.