The ACT Government has announced significant updates to its migration program, including changes to the Critical Skills List and ACT Nomination Guidelines for the 2025–26 financial year.
To better reflect its purpose, the list has also been renamed the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (or ACT Migration Occupation List) — serving as the key reference point for determining eligibility for ACT nomination.
Key Updates to the ACT Migration Occupation List
The number of occupations on the list has been reduced from 152 to 105 ANZSCO 4-digit Unit Groups.
To view the full occupation list – CLICK HERE.
This streamlining ensures the program continues to target critical skills that align with the ACT’s economic and labour market priorities.
Important note:
- Applications submitted in response to an invitation from the September 2025 invitation round will not be affected, even if the nominated occupation is no longer on the updated list.
- However, future invitation rounds will only issue invitations for occupations included in the updated list.
- The revised list applies to all Canberra Matrix submissions, regardless of when they were lodged.
Minor Updates to the ACT Nomination Guidelines
Alongside the occupation list update, the ACT Nomination Guidelines have been refined to provide clarity and improve processes. Some key changes include:
- PhD Applicants
- Previously, PhD applicants were invited every 7 business days, regardless of available nomination places.
- Moving forward, PhD invitations will be issued as part of each invitation round.
- Priority processing remains in place, but the frequency of invitations will be less frequent.
- 457/482 Pathway Clarification
- The guidelines now clearly state that applicants must have been employed for at least six months with their sponsoring employer on their employer-sponsored visa.
- This aligns with the original intention of the program and addresses previous confusion.
- Invitation Order
- The guidelines now clearly note that 491 invitations are issued before 190 invitations, which may influence the timing and likelihood of receiving an invitation.
When will this come into action?
These updates will apply to future invitation rounds only. Applications from the September 2025 round will remain unaffected.
While the ACT Government awaits confirmation of its final allocation for the 2025–26 program year, it will continue processing applications already in the queue. In cases where the interim allocation is reached, applications will still be assessed — but nominations will only occur once the final allocation is announced.
Tentative invitation round dates for the financial year will also be published once allocations are finalised.
These updates reflect the ACT’s ongoing effort to ensure its migration program remains responsive to the territory’s workforce needs and provides clarity for both migrants and agents.
If you’re considering ACT nomination or already have an application in process, now is the time to review your occupation’s status on the new ACT Migration Occupation List and understand how these guideline changes may affect your pathway.
📞 Need guidance on your next steps?
Get in touch with IME Advisors for personalised assistance on your migration journey. Our registered agents can help you navigate the new ACT settings and ensure your application is well-positioned for success.
