Latest Canberra Matrix Invitation Round: 13 October 2026
Team Universal Adviser
Published on: October 16, 2026
ACT Issues 261 Invitations for Skilled Migration In Latest Canberra Matrix Draw
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) conducted a new Canberra Matrix invitation round on October 13, 2026, offering 261 invitations to candidates seeking state nomination through skilled migration pathways. The selection included Canberra-based applicants, overseas candidates and doctorate holders pursuing Subclass 190 nomination.
The latest results provide an update on the ACT’s priorities for skilled migration and highlight opportunities for eligible professionals looking to establish their careers and lives in Canberra. However, receiving an invitation depends on the applicant’s Matrix ranking, occupation, employment circumstances and the availability of nomination places.
The latest round covered multiple applicant streams, with invitations distributed across small business owners, critical skill occupations and the doctorate pathway. Canberra residents received the largest share of invitations, while overseas candidates also secured opportunities to pursue Australian permanent residency through ACT nomination.
The invitation distribution was as follows:
Stream
Matrix Type
Subclass 190 Nomination
Canberra Matrix Score
Canberra Residents
Small Business Owners
18
120
Canberra Residents
Critical Skill Occupations
126
-
Overseas applicants
Critical Skill Occupations
63
-
Doctorate Streamlined Pathway
Doctorate
54
-
Total
261
The results show that critical skill occupations accounted for 189 invitations across Canberra residents and overseas applicants. Another 54 invitations were issued through the doctorate streamlined pathway, while 18 went to small business owners.
The Matrix score of 120 listed for small business owners applies to that specific selection category. The table does not provide minimum scores for the other streams, so applicants should not assume that a single score applies across all categories.
Receiving an invitation is not the same as securing ACT nomination, and nomination itself does not guarantee that the Australian Government will approve a visa. The Canberra Matrix also does not give priority to candidates simply because their current visa is close to expiry, they have an upcoming birthday or they are experiencing a significant personal change.
Similarly, achieving or exceeding a minimum ranking score does not automatically result in an invitation. Candidates who have previously received ACT nomination or who do not have an active application in the system were not considered in this round.
Candidates interested in ACT nomination should review their eligibility, select the appropriate pathway and monitor future Canberra Matrix invitation rounds. Keeping employment details, occupation information and supporting documents accurate can help applicants prepare for the nomination process.
For overseas skilled professionals and Canberra residents alike, the October 13 results provide a useful snapshot of the ACT’s current selection activity. However, applicants should base their plans on the requirements of their specific pathway rather than relying on invitation numbers or scores from a single round.