Introduction
You can express an interest in applying for ACT nomination by completing a score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’ where points can be claimed against specific criteria including skilled employment, English proficiency, formal qualifications, length of ACT residence / study, investment activity and close family ties, etc.
The Canberra Matrix is weighted to ensure that applicants who will make/have made a positive economic contribution to the Territory and/or have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the ACT are more likely to invited to apply for ACT nomination.
Read the eligibility criteria for ACT nomination carefully. Once you are satisfied that you meet all the criteria, you can submit the Canberra Matrix. We will rank your Canberra Matrix based on points you have claimed. Those who rank high enough in their occupation will receive an invitation to apply for ACT nomination. The cut-off will depend on demand, the available places, and the number of invitations being issued
Unless otherwise indicated in the eligibility criteria or Canberra Matrix, your supporting documents must prove that your claims for Matrix points are true and accurate at the date you submitted - or last updated - the Canberra Matrix. While you wait for an invitation, you must continue to meet Department of Home Affairs visa criteria.
If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination and your supporting documents do not demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria for ACT nomination or substantiate all your Canberra Matrix claims, the application will be refused.
There is no guarantee that your Matrix score will be ranked, even if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Before you submit the Canberra Matrix, you can check your score:
Submitting a Canberra Matrix
Once you are satisfied that you are eligible to apply for ACT nomination, you can submit a Canberra Matrix using the ACT Migration Application Portal. You can use this portal to lodge and manage Canberra Matrix submissions and ACT Nomination applications as well as pay relevant application fees.
Migration agents acting on behalf of a client must register and create dedicated agent’s account. You cannot submit an application on behalf of your client without an account.
Supporting documentation must evidence any Canberra Matrix points you have claimed at the time you submit your Canberra Matrix.
After submitting your Canberra Matrix, you must pay the service fee within 7 days of submission. If payment is not received in this time, your Canberra Matrix submission will lapse automatically. Canberra Matrix submissions will not be ranked until the payment has been received and confirmed.
Once you submit the Canberra Matrix, you will receive an email with a summary of the Matrix score claimed. You can also view your Canberra Matrix submission at any time in your account.
Update or withdraw your Canberra Matrix
You can update or withdraw your Canberra Matrix at any time before an invitation is issued. There is no charge to update or withdraw a Canberra Matrix.
If you update your Canberra Matrix:
- the updated submission will replace the previous submission;
- the updated submission will be treated as a new Canberra Matrix for ranking purposes; and,
- you must be able to demonstrate that you are eligible to apply for your visa, meet ACT nomination eligibility criteria, and demonstrate your Canberra Matrix claims on the date of the update, even if the points claim is unaffected.
Canberra Matrix validity
Canberra Matrix submissions will automatically lapse after six months if an invitation is not issued and no updates are made to the Canberra Matrix in that time. Canberra Matrix validity will be extended by six months if you update your Canberra Matrix with a maximum validity of 12 months from original Canberra Matrix submission.
Requests for ranking information
Invitations are not guaranteed. We will not respond to requests for information on ranking or the likelihood of receiving an invitation. Canberra Matrix submissions will not be prioritised nor will invitations be issued based on personal circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, visa expiry dates or a change in circumstances including critical birthdays.