ACT Migration

The ACT Migration portal update 2026 brings important changes for skilled migrants and migration agents. The ACT Government has launched its new ACT Migration Application Portal, bringing important changes for skilled migrants and migration agents who use the Canberra Matrix and apply for ACT nomination. The portal is now open for Canberra Matrix submissions and Regional Certifying Body support applications.

The upgraded system is designed to make the process more secure, transparent and easier to manage. However, applicants should understand the new fees, payment timeframes and Matrix update rules before lodging or changing a submission.

At a glance: A new Canberra Matrix costs AUD $27.50 including GST, payment is due within seven days, and a Matrix can now be updated or withdrawn through the portal before an invitation is issued.

What Has Changed in the ACT Migration Portal?

The new portal introduces several practical improvements for applicants and authorised migration agents:

• Multi-factor authentication for stronger account security.
• The ability to manage Canberra Matrix submissions online.
• The ability to update or withdraw eligible Matrix submissions before an invitation is issued.
• Live application status information.
• Improved usability, including better access on mobile devices.
• Online payment options for relevant fees.
• Program integrity measures intended to reduce non-genuine expressions of interest.

New Canberra Matrix Submission Fee

A non-refundable service fee now applies to each new Canberra Matrix submission. The fee is AUD $25 excluding GST, or AUD $27.50 including GST.

This fee is an administrative charge only. Paying the fee does not guarantee that the Matrix will receive an invitation or that an ACT nomination application will be approved.

Payment Must Be Made Within Seven Days

After submitting a Canberra Matrix, the service fee must be paid within seven days. Applicants may pay immediately or use the “pay now” option in the portal during the payment period.

Important: A Canberra Matrix will not be ranked until payment has been received and confirmed. If payment is not made within seven days, the submission will automatically lapse.

You Can Update or Withdraw a Canberra Matrix

The new portal allows applicants to update or withdraw a Canberra Matrix at any time before an invitation is issued. There is no additional fee to update or withdraw the Matrix.

Applicants should be careful when making an update because:

• The updated Matrix replaces the previous submission.
• The update is treated as a new submission for ranking purposes.
• The last updated date is used when applicants with the same score need to be ranked.
• All eligibility requirements and points claims must be valid and supported on the date of the update, even when the claimed score does not change.

Canberra Matrix Validity Is Still Six Months

A Canberra Matrix normally remains valid for six months. If no invitation is issued and no update is made during that period, the Matrix will automatically lapse.

Updating the Matrix before it expires can extend its validity by another six months, up to a maximum total validity of 12 months from the original submission date. Because an update changes the ranking date, applicants should consider the timing and consequences carefully.

What Happens to Canberra Matrix Submissions from the Old Portal?

Existing Canberra Matrix submissions were scheduled to be transferred automatically to the new portal. Applicants and migration agents do not need to lodge a replacement Matrix simply because the portal changed.

To access a transferred submission, users should create their new portal account using the same email address used for the original Matrix. Transferred submissions may take up to one week after launch to appear.

A key restriction applies: Canberra Matrix submissions transferred from the previous portal cannot be edited in the new portal. They remain valid and can be withdrawn if required.

Steps Applicants Should Take Now

1. Create the correct account: Use the same email address connected to any existing Canberra Matrix. Migration agents should use a dedicated agent account.

2. Check the transferred submission: Allow time for an older Matrix to appear and confirm its details and validity.

3. Review eligibility before submitting or updating: Make sure every claim meets the current ACT nomination criteria and can be supported by documents on the relevant date.

4. Pay the fee on time: Complete payment within seven days so the Matrix does not lapse and can be ranked.

5. Save confirmation records: Keep portal receipts, submission summaries and confirmation emails.

6. Monitor official announcements: The ACT had not yet received its 2026-27 nomination allocation as at 31 July 2026, so Canberra Matrix invitation round information may change once the allocation is confirmed.

What the Portal Update Means for ACT 190 and 491 Applicants

The ACT Migration portal update 2026 changes how applicants lodge, pay for and manage the Canberra Matrix, but it does not create a guarantee of nomination. The Canberra Matrix remains a merit-based ranking process, and invitations depend on factors such as the applicant’s score, occupation, demand and the number of nomination places available.

Applicants seeking ACT nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) should continue to check both ACT eligibility requirements and Department of Home Affairs visa requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions