ACT Skilled Nomination Update 2025

The ACT government has recently reaffirmed its state-nomination program for skilled migration, emphasising critical sectors such as construction, healthcare and education. The program is designed to support the territory’s labour-market needs while offering a pathway for skilled professionals to gain state nomination under the skilled visa streams.

The ACT’s Nominated Migration Program Occupation List identifies specific occupations in demand for nomination eligibility.

If you’re looking to be nominated by the ACT for a skilled visa:

Ensure your nominated occupation appears on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (previously ACT Critical Skills List).

Submit your Canberra Matrix on top of your Expression of Interest (EOI). The Canberra Matrix has its own points system and applicants will be ranked based on their Matrix points.

Be aware that because nomination places are limited, competition will be significant; strong documentation and alignment with ACT labour-market priorities will improve your chances.

If you are already residing, working or studying in the ACT, it may strengthen your nomination prospects, as state programs often favour applicants with local links.

Double-check that your skills assessment is valid for your nominated occupation and that your occupation is eligible.

Align your profile with the stated priority sectors: improving English proficiency, gaining relevant work experience, and choosing an occupation with demonstrated demand will help.

Keep monitoring the ACT government’s migration-nomination website for formal invitation rounds.

The ACT’s update reinforces that it is actively targeting skilled migration in a focused way—particularly in engineering, healthcare and education. Acting early, aligning your documentation, and ensuring you meet ACT’s criteria will position you strongly when invitation rounds open.