The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) uses the Canberra Matrix as a distinctive ranking system to nominate skilled candidates based on their occupation, residency, employment status, and community ties. For the 2024-25 migration program, three invitation rounds have been conducted so far, each aligning with the ACT’s strategic priorities to meet its labour and community needs. Here, we’ll review each round, highlight significant trends in points requirements, and offer insights into the upcoming rounds.
Round 1 Summary-8 August 2024
The first invitation round targeted high-demand occupations within the ACT, focusing primarily on sectors such as Health and Education. This round saw high points requirements, particularly for healthcare roles, underscoring the intense competition among applicants in essential fields. Occupations like nursing and general practitioners required elevated scores, reflecting their critical role in supporting Canberra’s healthcare infrastructure. Only part of the invitation information is shown below, please see the link for details.
2024-25-Invitation-Round-Rankings
Round 2 Summary-19 September 2024
In the second round, the ACT government expanded its focus to include a broader range of occupations, including those in IT and Engineering. This round introduced slightly lower points thresholds in certain categories, allowing more applicants to qualify. The focus on IT and Engineering supports Canberra’s growing need for tech expertise, as the city increasingly emphasises digital transformation and innovation. The reduction in points requirements demonstrated flexibility in addressing the immediate labour demands in the tech sector. Only part of the invitation information is shown below, please see the link for details.
2024-25-Invitation-Round-Rankings
Round 3 Summary-24 October 2024
In the third round, the ACT adjusted its focus further, extending more invitations to candidates in Social Services and Community Welfare, which are critical to supporting Canberra’s growing population. As Canberra expands, there’s a consistent demand for roles such as Social Workers, Healthcare Practitioners, and Community Service Managers. Points required for these occupations remained competitive but reflected a more accessible threshold than in previous rounds in order to meet community needs. Only part of the invitation information is shown below, please see the link for details.
ACT Skilled Migration Nomination Invitation Round Update
On October 24, 2024, the ACT conducted a skilled migration nomination invitation round, issuing a total of 95 nominations for the Subclass 190 visa and 132 nominations for the Subclass 491 visa. Below is a breakdown of the invitations:
Canberra Residents
- Small Business Owners
- Subclass 190: 1 invitation (minimum matrix score: 130)
- Subclass 491: 3 invitations (minimum matrix score: 120)
- 457/482 Visa Holders
- Subclass 190: 14 invitations
- Subclass 491: 2 invitations
- Critical Skill Occupations
- Subclass 190: 79 invitations
- Subclass 491: 97 invitations
Overseas Applicants
- Critical Skill Occupations
- Subclass 190: 1 invitation
- Subclass 491: 30 invitations
The next invitation round is scheduled before December 6, 2024.
2024-25-Invitation-Round-Rankings
Key Occupation Trends and Points Requirements
AAcross these rounds, several occupation trends emerged, with consistent demand in:
- Healthcare Professionals – Positions such as Nurses and General Practitioners often required higher points, emphasising Canberra’s priority on filling critical healthcare shortages.
- IT Specialists and Engineers – The demand for technology professionals has been steady, particularly in roles such as software engineering and data analysis, reflecting Canberra’s focus on digital skills.
- Education and Community Services – Teachers, social workers, and counsellors also saw consistent demand, with points thresholds varying in response to immediate needs.
Points requirements generally ranged from 65 to 85, depending on the specific occupation and demand in each round. Higher points requirements were typical for roles that are in significant demand and essential for the ACT’s labour market needs.
Summary and Insights
The three invitation rounds reflect the ACT’s adaptive and responsive approach to migration needs, with shifts in points and occupation priorities based on demand.
- Consistent Focus Areas: Healthcare, IT, and Community Welfare sectors have remained high priorities.
- Dynamic Points Thresholds: The points requirements vary across rounds, showing the ACT’s flexibility in adjusting to its labour market needs.
- Strategic Allocation of Invitations: The number of invitations per round is influenced by immediate labour shortages and Canberra’s long-term development goals.
Looking Ahead to the Next Round
The ACT government is expected to maintain its data-driven approach in the next rounds, with a focus on key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and social services. Prospective applicants should focus on improving their Matrix scores, especially by strengthening their ties to the ACT community, employment status, and skill set alignment with ACT priorities.
For those seeking to navigate the Canberra Matrix system, consulting with experienced immigration professionals can be invaluable. At Kris Ahn Lawyers, our team of skilled immigration experts provides tailored guidance to help you increase your Matrix score and enhance your chances in future rounds. Book a consultation with Kris Ahn Lawyers today to discuss your options and receive personalised advice on securing a state nomination in the ACT.
Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice
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Do not rely solely on the information presented here – but please book in a consultation with us to see how you this information applies to you and may benefit you. Any reliance on the material in this post is at your own risk.
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