New Application Portal—Live Now
On Thursday 30 July 2026 the ACT launched a new Application Portal for all Canberra Matrix submissions and nomination applications. The new portal has several new features:
- secure multi-factor authentication
- live status updates,
- improved mobile access
- features to edit/withdraw Matrix submissions
What you need to do, if you have a submission in the system: Existing submissions transfer automatically, but in order to access them, you must create a new account using the same email address as your original submission. If you use a different email, your history won’t link.
Key Changes to the Nomination Guidelines
There are important changes to the nomination guidelines.
Here is a brief overview of the changes:
- Total nomination cost is now $350 (excl. GST)
- Canberra Matrix submissions remain valid for six months and can be extended to 12 months, by updating before expiry. Edits are free—but edits are now treated as a new submission for ranking purposes. This means a casual refresh of your Matrix could push you down the queue. So, think before you edit.
- The ACT has introduced a framework to expedite nomination processing in specific circumstances, such as visa or document expiry and critical birthdays. Important: this applies only after an invitation has been issued. Personal circumstances do not affect Matrix ranking. If you’re hoping your urgent situation will boost your ranking position, it won’t.
- “Years of study at an ACT tertiary institution” explicitly requires tertiary-level study to claim points. If you were claiming points for non-tertiary study, verify your eligibility under the new wording.
For a complete list of all changes, it is recommended to review the complete guidelines for Canberra residents and for offshore applicants.
Not Yet Announced:
- 2026-27 Allocation: The 2026-27 nomination allocation has not yet been confirmed with the Australian Government. Once settled, it will be published alongside a tentative invitation schedule.
- Occupation List: the 2026/27 occupation list is still under review with an update expected in the coming weeks.
What This Means For You
If you have an active Canberra Matrix submission, here’s your action list:
- Create your new portal account using the same email as your original submission.
- Review your points claims against the clarified definitions—especially trade certificates and tertiary study.
- Think twice before editing your Matrix. An edit resets your ranking date. Only update if it genuinely improves your score.
- Monitor the allocation announcement and occupation list update.
And if you’re an offshore applicant wondering how the ACT’s program fits into your overall strategy—especially given the current onshore priority processing landscape—read our analysis here.
Before You Edit Anything, Know Your Position
Before you make any changes, book a pre-application assessment—I’ll review your points claims against the updated guidelines and tell you whether an edit helps or hurts your ranking.
Book Your Strategy Session here
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