The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has released the results of its Canberra Matrix Invitation Round held on April 23, 2025, providing valuable insights into current nomination trends for skilled migration. This update is especially important for applicants targeting ACT nomination through visa subclasses 190 (Skilled Nominated) and 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional).

What Is the Canberra Matrix?

The Canberra Matrix is a points-based system used by the ACT Government to manage nominations for skilled migrants who wish to live and work in Canberra. Applicants are awarded points based on various factors such as work experience, English proficiency, job offer, close ties to Canberra, and more. Invitations are issued to the highest-ranked candidates as per monthly quotas.

Highlights from the April 23 Round

In the April 23 round, ACT issued invitations to both onshore and offshore applicants, although the numbers were limited. The selection was heavily focused on applicants from critical sectors, particularly:

• Health (e.g., Registered Nurses, Allied Health Professionals)
• Education (e.g., Early Childhood Teachers, Secondary Teachers)
• Social Services
• Construction and Skilled Trades

This reflects ACT's ongoing efforts to support its local workforce needs and economic recovery by prioritizing occupations facing shortages.

Understanding the Selection Process

ACT operates on a fixed monthly quota, which is a portion of its annual nomination allocation. This means the number of invitations can vary each round depending on:

• Remaining nomination places
• Volume of applications
• Occupation caps
• Matrix ranking scores and submission timing

Importantly, there is no fixed minimum Matrix score for selection. The minimum score observed is only indicative, not a guarantee of invitation.

Also, having an active application or a previous ACT nomination disqualifies applicants from receiving a new invitation.

Why Were Some Applicants Not Invited?

Not all high-scoring applicants received invitations. Here’s why:

• Some occupations may have reached their cap
• Applicants with lower demand occupations were deprioritized
• Applicants with active applications or prior ACT nominations are automatically excluded
• Timing of submission plays a key role when scores are similar

Strategic Takeaways for Applicants

If you're planning to lodge or have already submitted a Matrix:

• Target high-demand occupations, especially in critical sectors
• Maximize your Matrix score — focus on work experience, English, and ties to Canberra
• Be strategic with timing — even a few hours can matter in a competitive round
• Keep updated on ACT’s evolving priorities and sector-specific needs

For those in sectors like Business, IT, or Administration, be aware that invitations may be rare or delayed unless demand increases in future rounds.

How to Move Forward

Navigating the Canberra Matrix system can be complex, especially with changing occupation priorities and limited quotas. It’s crucial to stay informed, act strategically, and consider professional guidance.

If you’re unsure where you stand or how to improve your chances, getting your Matrix score assessed and receiving tailored advice can make a big difference.

Final Words

The ACT’s latest invitation round confirms what many already suspect — competition is high, and invitations are now more sector-focused than ever before. For applicants aligned with critical skills needs, this is a window of opportunity. For others, it’s a reminder to build stronger profiles and monitor each round closely.

Stay proactive, stay informed — and your opportunity might be just around the corner.