ACT Nominated Migration Program Update 2025-26: Reduced Occupation List and Guideline Changes Explained
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has announced significant updates to its Nominated Migration Program for 2025-26, marking one of the most important changes for skilled migrants seeking state nomination this year.
The update includes a major reduction in eligible occupations, clarified nomination guidelines, and adjusted invitation procedures for PhD applicants and employer-sponsored visa holders.
If you’re planning to apply for an ACT 190 or 491 nomination, these changes could directly impact your eligibility and your chances of receiving an invitation.
Key Highlights of the ACT 2025-26 Migration Program Update
Here’s a summary of the important points from the latest announcement:
- The ACT Critical Skills List will be renamed and reduced
- New ACT Migration Occupation List replaces the previous list
- PhD applicant invitation frequency reduced but priority remains
- Clearer rules for 457/482 visa holder pathway
- 491 invitations to be prioritised before 190 nominations
- Applications submitted under the September 2025 round remain unaffected
From 152 to 105 occupations: ACT updates its skilled occupation list
The ACT Government has officially confirmed that the Critical Skills List will be renamed to the ACT Migration Occupation List.
This change is not just in name; it’s also a strategic reduction. The list will now include 105 ANZSCO 4-digit Unit Groups, down from 152 in the previous financial year.
This streamlined version aims to focus on occupations that are most relevant to the ACT economy’s current and future skill needs. The announcement stated, “The name change better reflects the purpose of the list, determining eligibility for ACT nomination.”
Impact on existing and new applicants
Applications submitted in response to invitations issued in the September 2025 round will not be affected, even if their occupation has since been removed from the list.
However, for future invitation rounds, only occupations on the updated ACT Migration Occupation List will be considered, even if the Canberra Matrix was submitted before the update.
This means timing is critical. Migrants are encouraged to review the new list carefully before submitting new ROIs or Canberra Matrix entries.
See the minimum matrix score ranked on the latest ACT invitation round here.
Minor but important updates to the ACT nomination guidelines
Alongside the occupation list update, the ACT has also released clarified and revised nomination guidelines. While these may appear minor, they carry important implications for several key application groups.
1. PhD Applicants
Previously, PhD applicants were invited every 7 business days, regardless of whether ACT nomination places were available.
Now, PhD invitations will only be issued during each official invitation round.
Although this may reduce the frequency of invitations, the priority processing for PhD applicants will remain unchanged. It ensures their applications are still treated with urgency once invited.
2. Employer-sponsored pathway (subclass 457/482 holders)
The ACT clarified a long-standing confusion regarding the 457/482 visa holder pathway.
To qualify under this stream, applicants must now clearly demonstrate that they have been employed for at least six months with their sponsoring employer on their employer-sponsored visa.
This clarification aligns the rules with the original intent of the program and ensures fair assessment across all applicants.
3. Priority of invitations: 491 before 190
The updated guidelines also make it clear that 491 visa invitations are issued before 190 visa invitations.
This adjustment is design to align with national migration objectives that encourage regional settlement first, before transitioning to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.
Applicants should take this into account when setting their Canberra Matrix preferences and migration timelines.
What happens next?
The updated ACT Migration Occupation List and nomination guidelines will apply to all upcoming invitation rounds.
Applications submitted before the September 2025 round will continue to be processed under the previous settings.
However, the ACT Government also clarified that, “In the absence of a final allocation, we will continue to process applications in the queue even if the interim allocation is reached.”
This means eligible applications may still be assessed, but nominations will only be issued once the Department of Home Affairs confirms the final allocation for ACT.
Once that happens, the ACT Government will also publish tentative dates for the remaining invitation rounds for the 2025-26 financial year.
What this means for skilled migrants
The updated ACT Migration Occupation List represents a tightening of eligibility, but it also reflects a more focused and transparent system.
While fewer occupations are now eligible, those remaining are better aligned with actual demand, meaning higher chances of success for qualified applicants.
Applicants currently on temporary visas or awaiting invitation under the old list are encouraged to:
- Re-check if their occupation is still on the new ACT Migration Occupation List
- Review their Canberra Matrix score to remain competitive
- Consider alternative state nomination pathways if their occupation was removed.
Navigating the ACT nomination updates can be complex, especially with shifting occupation lists, new priority systems, and limited allocations.
Our expert team at ONEderland Consulting, led by Registered Migration Agent Indah Melindasari, can help you:
- Check if your occupation is still eligible under the new ACT Migration Occupation List
- Prepare a competitive Canberra Matrix submission
- Explore alternative state nomination or employer-sponsored pathways
- Respond strategically if your nomination is delayed due to allocation limits.
With years of experience handling ACT and state nomination cases, we ensure your application remains strong, even amidst policy changes.
We’re here to help you!
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting, with a remarkable 98% success rate, will guide you through the ACT state nomination program, whether you’re aiming for the 190 Visa or 491 Visa. We are proud to be one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews to see why our clients trust us.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us via email at visa@onederland.com.au, by phone at 1300 827 159, or through WhatsApp at +61494372414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.
