How to apply ROI in ACT
For ACT skilled visa nomination, the Registration of Interest process is called the Canberra Matrix. This is the score-based system used by ACT Migration to select candidates for ACT nomination for subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.
Before you submit a Canberra Matrix, you must first submit a valid SkillSelect Expression of Interest, commonly called an EOI. Your SkillSelect EOI, Canberra Matrix and supporting documents should all be accurate and consistent.
Important ACT difference
ACT does not usually use a simple ROI form like some other states. Instead, applicants complete the Canberra Matrix through the ACT Migration Application Portal.
The Canberra Matrix is completed for both ACT subclass 190 nomination and ACT subclass 491 nomination. It is a merit-based assessment tool where points can be claimed for factors such as residence, occupation, employment, English, study, investment, business activity and close family ties.
Who can use the Canberra Matrix?
The Canberra Matrix may be relevant for applicants seeking ACT nomination for:
- Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190.
- Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa subclass 491.
Applicants should read the ACT nomination criteria for their own pathway before submitting. Criteria can differ depending on whether the applicant is a Canberra resident or an overseas applicant, and whether they are seeking 190 or 491 nomination.
Step 1: Submit a valid SkillSelect EOI
The first step is to create or update your SkillSelect Expression of Interest.
Your EOI should include the correct visa subclass, nominated occupation, skills assessment, English result, employment history, partner points if relevant and all points claims.
Do not submit a Canberra Matrix if your SkillSelect EOI is not accurate. If ACT later nominates you, the nomination can trigger an invitation from Home Affairs through SkillSelect.
Step 2: Check ACT nomination eligibility
Before submitting the Canberra Matrix, check the ACT nomination pathway that applies to you.
- Check whether your occupation is on the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List if your pathway requires it.
- Check whether you meet Canberra resident or overseas applicant rules.
- Check whether you are applying for subclass 190 or subclass 491.
- Check whether you can prove every Matrix points claim.
- Check whether you still meet Home Affairs visa criteria.
ACT says applicants cannot express interest by submitting a Canberra Matrix if they do not meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 3: Check your Canberra Matrix score
Before lodging the Matrix, use the ACT Matrix scoring information or calculator to estimate your score.
Only claim points that you can genuinely prove with documents at the time you submit or update the Matrix. If you are invited later and your documents do not support your claims, the nomination application may be refused.
Your score alone does not guarantee an invitation. Selection depends on ranking, occupation demand, available places and the number of invitations being issued.
Step 4: Submit the Canberra Matrix in the ACT Migration Application Portal
Once you are satisfied that you meet the eligibility criteria and can prove your claims, submit your Canberra Matrix through the ACT Migration Application Portal.
You can use the portal to lodge and manage Canberra Matrix submissions, ACT nomination applications and related fees.
After submitting the Matrix, you should receive a summary of the score you claimed. Keep this record with your EOI and supporting documents.
Step 5: Pay the Canberra Matrix service fee
ACT Migration charges a non-refundable service fee for Canberra Matrix submissions and nomination applications.
As of the ACT fee schedule last updated 27 July 2026, the Canberra Matrix submission fee is AUD 25 excluding GST, or AUD 27.50 including GST.
Payment must be made within the required timeframe. If the fee is not paid, the Canberra Matrix submission can lapse and may not be ranked.
Step 6: Wait for ACT invitation rounds
ACT Migration ranks Canberra Matrix submissions and issues invitations during invitation rounds.
- Canberra residents and overseas applicants may be ranked separately.
- Different nomination pathways may be assessed separately.
- The highest ranked Matrix submissions may be invited.
- Subclass 491 Matrix submissions may be selected first in some pathways.
- Critical sector occupations may be prioritised.
Invitations are not guaranteed. ACT says it will not respond to requests asking about ranking position or likelihood of invitation.
Step 7: If invited, apply for ACT nomination
If your Canberra Matrix is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for ACT nomination. An ACT nomination application will be created in your ACT Migration Application Portal account.
You must submit the ACT nomination application and pay the nomination application fee within the required timeframe. ACT states the nomination application is active for 14 days.
Before accepting the invitation and submitting the nomination application, check that your SkillSelect EOI is correct because ACT nomination can confirm the EOI and trigger the visa invitation if approved.
Step 8: Wait for assessment
ACT will assess the nomination application using the SkillSelect EOI and supporting documents.
Your documents must show that you meet ACT nomination eligibility, prove the Canberra Matrix points you claimed and continue to meet Home Affairs visa criteria.
ACT says applications are generally finalised within around three weeks, although timelines can change and depend on the application.
Step 9: If nominated, apply for your visa
If ACT nomination is approved, ACT confirms nomination in SkillSelect. This triggers an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the relevant skilled visa.
- You generally have 60 days to apply for the ACT-nominated visa after invitation.
- For subclass 190, the pathway is permanent residency.
- For subclass 491, the pathway is a regional provisional visa that can lead to PR later if requirements are met.
ACT nomination does not guarantee that Home Affairs will grant the visa.
Can you update or withdraw the Canberra Matrix?
You can update or withdraw your Canberra Matrix before an invitation is issued. ACT says there is no charge to update or withdraw the Matrix.
If you update your Canberra Matrix, the updated submission replaces the previous submission and is treated as a new Matrix for ranking purposes.
This means you should only update when needed and when you can prove your eligibility and claims as at the update date.
How long is the Canberra Matrix valid?
ACT says Canberra Matrix submissions automatically lapse after six months if no invitation is issued and no update is made.
If you update the Matrix, validity can be extended by six months, with a maximum validity of 12 months from the original submission.
Documents to prepare before submitting
Prepare evidence before lodging your Canberra Matrix. Common documents may include:
- Passport.
- SkillSelect EOI record.
- Skills assessment.
- English test result.
- Employment evidence.
- Payslips or income evidence if claiming employment or income points.
- ACT residence evidence if relevant.
- ACT study documents if relevant.
- Business documents if using a small business pathway.
- Family documents if claiming close family ties.
- Partner documents if claiming partner points.
Common mistakes applicants make
Avoid these common ACT Matrix mistakes:
- Submitting a Matrix before confirming eligibility.
- Claiming Matrix points without supporting documents.
- Using an outdated SkillSelect EOI.
- Forgetting to pay the Matrix service fee within the required timeframe.
- Updating the Matrix without checking evidence at the update date.
- Assuming a high Matrix score guarantees invitation.
- Not checking the latest ACT occupation list and guidelines.
- Accepting an invitation while the SkillSelect EOI contains errors.
- Waiting until visa expiry is close before planning.
Eazy Path takeaway
To apply for ROI in ACT, you generally submit a valid SkillSelect EOI first, check ACT nomination eligibility, complete the Canberra Matrix through the ACT Migration Application Portal, pay the Matrix fee and wait for invitation rounds.
If invited, you submit the ACT nomination application. If ACT nomination is approved, SkillSelect can trigger a Home Affairs visa invitation.
The key rule is simple: only claim what you can prove, keep your EOI accurate and check the official ACT guidelines before taking action.
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