ACT Canberra Matrix Invitation Round Update – May 2026 (Subclass 190 & 491 Latest Insights)
Latest ACT Canberra Matrix invitation round update May 2026. Check invitation numbers, minimum matrix scores, remaining nomination places, approvals, refusals, and ACT migration trends.
Introduction
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has released its latest Canberra Matrix invitation round update for May 2026, providing important insights for applicants targeting Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nominations.
With limited nomination places remaining and increasing competition across critical occupations, this update gives a clear picture of invitation trends, approval rates, remaining allocations, and ACT nomination priorities.
Applicants planning their Australia PR pathway through ACT should closely monitor these trends to improve their chances of receiving an invitation.
How ACT Canberra Matrix Invitations Work
The ACT has a fixed number of nomination places available each month based on the annual allocation.
Invitations are issued to the highest-ranked Canberra Matrix applicants in each occupation category.
Selection depends on several factors including:
| Selection Factors | Details |
| Monthly Allocation | Remaining nomination places available |
| Matrix Score | Higher ranking receives priority |
| Submission Timing | Earlier submission may help during ties |
| Occupation Demand | High-demand occupations need higher scores |
| Occupation Cap | Limited invitations for some occupations |
The ACT confirmed that occupations with higher demand require significantly higher Matrix scores.
Applicants should also note:
| Important ACT Conditions | Explanation |
| Minimum score is not guaranteed | Meeting score does not guarantee invitation |
| Active applications excluded | Invitations not issued if an active ACT application exists |
| Previous ACT nomination excluded | Previous nominees generally cannot receive another invitation |
| Critical sectors prioritised | Some occupations may receive preference |
Important ACT Clarification for Applicants
The ACT Government has clearly stated that:
| ACT Clarification | Details |
| Invitations are not guaranteed | Matrix ranking alone does not ensure invitation |
| No personal priority | Visa expiry or birthdays are not prioritised |
| No ranking enquiries | ACT will not provide invitation likelihood information |
| Ranking-based selection only | Invitations depend strictly on Matrix ranking |
This means the Canberra Matrix system remains strictly competitive and ranking-based.
Doctorate Streamlined Pathway – May 2026
The ACT continues to support eligible PhD graduates through the Doctorate Streamlined Pathway.
| Category | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
| Invitations Issued | 22 invitations | 8 invitations |
Canberra Residents Invitation Results
For Canberra residents, invitations were issued across multiple categories.
| Category | 190 Nominations | 491 Nominations |
| Small Business Owners | 3 invitations | 14 invitations |
| Minimum Matrix Score | 105 | 100 |
| 457 / 482 Visa Holders | 1 invitation | 0 invitations |
| Critical Skill Occupations | 130 invitations | 87 invitations |
This clearly shows that critical skill occupations continue dominating ACT invitation rounds.
Overseas Applicants Invitation Results
Overseas applicants continue facing significantly higher competition.
| Category | 190 Nominations | 491 Nominations |
| Critical Skill Occupations | 38 invitations | 33 invitations |
Compared to Canberra residents, overseas applicants receive fewer invitations due to stronger local preference.
2025–2026 ACT Nomination Allocation
The ACT has the following nomination allocation for the 2025–26 financial year.
| Visa Type | Allocation |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | 800 places |
| Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) | 800 places |
| Total Allocation | 1600 places |
Application Count as of 7 May 2026
The ACT also released approval and refusal statistics.
| Category | Total | 190 Nominations | 491 Nominations |
| Approvals | 1288 approvals | 615 approvals | 673 approvals |
| Refusals | 195 applications | 91 refusals (12.9%) | 104 refusals (13.4%) |
The refusal rate highlights the importance of accurate and well-prepared applications.
Approvals by Residency Status
The majority of approvals continue going to ACT residents.
| Residency Status | Approvals |
| ACT Residents | 1131 approvals (87.8%) |
| Overseas Residents | 157 approvals (12.2%) |
This demonstrates the significant advantage for applicants already living and working in Canberra.
Remaining ACT Nomination Allocation (2025–26)
Only a limited number of nomination places remain for the current financial year.
| Category | Remaining Places |
| Total Remaining Allocation | 312 places |
| Subclass 190 Remaining | 185 places |
| Subclass 491 Remaining | 127 places |
With fewer places remaining, competition is expected to become even stronger in upcoming rounds.
Key Insights from the May 2026 ACT Update
Several major trends can be identified from this invitation round.
| Key Trend | Insight |
| Strong ACT resident preference | Majority of approvals issued to Canberra residents |
| Critical occupations prioritised | Healthcare, ICT, engineering and trades remain important |
| Overseas competition rising | Higher Matrix scores needed for overseas applicants |
| Limited allocation remaining | Competition likely to increase further |
| Regional pathways important | Subclass 491 continues playing a major role |
Why Matrix Scores Are Increasing
The ACT migration pathway is becoming more competitive because:
| Main Reasons | Impact |
| Limited nomination places | Fewer invitations available |
| High applicant demand | More competition across occupations |
| Priority occupations | Some sectors receive stronger preference |
| Stronger applicant profiles | Higher scores needed to stay competitive |
How to Improve Your Chances in ACT
Applicants can improve their chances by focusing on:
| Improvement Strategy | Benefit |
| Higher English scores | Increases Matrix ranking |
| Additional work experience | Strengthens profile |
| Critical occupation selection | Better invitation chances |
| Canberra employment | Strong local advantage |
| Updated Matrix profile | Reflects latest improvements |
| Accurate claims | Avoids refusal risks |
Reality Check for ACT Applicants
Many applicants believe that simply meeting eligibility is enough.
The reality in 2026 is very different.
ACT invitations now depend heavily on:
- Matrix ranking
- Occupation demand
- Available allocation
- Competition level
Strong profiles continue receiving invitations faster.
Call to Action
The ACT Canberra Matrix pathway remains one of the strongest PR options in 2026, but competition is increasing rapidly.
Victory Group Australia can help you:
- Calculate your Matrix score
- Improve your profile strategically
- Understand ACT invitation trends
- Maximise your nomination chances
Book your consultation today and stay ahead in your Australia PR journey.
.png)
| Question | Answer |
| Does ACT guarantee invitations if I meet the minimum score? | No, minimum scores are only indicators and do not guarantee invitations. |
| Are ACT residents prioritised? | Yes, ACT residents currently receive significantly higher invitation numbers. |
| Can overseas applicants still receive ACT nomination? | Yes, but competition is much higher. |
| How many nomination places remain in 2025–26? | 312 nomination places remain as of May 2026. |
| What is the biggest factor affecting invitations? | Occupation demand and Matrix ranking score. |
| Does ACT prioritise visa expiry dates? | No, personal circumstances are not prioritised. |
| What occupations are receiving more invitations? | Critical skill occupations continue receiving the highest invitations. |
| Why are Matrix scores increasing? | Due to increasing competition and limited nomination places. |