[2025–2026 Guide] ACT and Tasmania State Nomination Updates: December Invitations and New Pathways

TL;DR: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will issue its next Canberra Matrix invitation round in December 2025, followed by monthly rounds until May 2026, while Tasmania is already issuing weekly invitations with a recent 190 minimum score of 36 points. Both states have significant nomination quotas remaining, with ACT at 72.5% for 190 visas and Tasmania at 83%, signalling strong opportunities for skilled migrants in the coming months.

Analysis of the Latest ACT and Tasmania State Nomination Announcements

The Migration Institute of Australia’s (MIA) State Nomination Briefing for the 2025-26 program year has provided critical, real-time insights into invitation plans and policy directions. The second day focused on the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Tasmania, revealing a clear roadmap for skilled migrants. This analysis breaks down the official data and announcements to help you navigate the evolving landscape.

ACT Canberra Matrix: Quota Status and Invitation Schedule

The ACT has substantial nomination quotas remaining and will hold regular invitation rounds until mid-2026. As of November 21, 2025, the territory has used only 425 of its 1600 allocated spots, leaving 1175 nominations available. This breaks down to 580 remaining 190 visas (72.5% of its quota) and 595 remaining 491 visas (74% of its quota). The government has confirmed a final invitation round for 2025 is scheduled for December, most likely before the Christmas period.

Key facts from the briefing:

• Monthly Invitations: From January 2026, the ACT plans to issue Canberra Matrix invitations monthly until May 2026.
• New System Impact: A new application system is slated for launch in June 2026, which may affect the timing of the final invitation round for this financial year, pushing it to early May at the latest.
• Processing Pledge: The government aims to process nomination applications within 15 days of a Matrix invitation.
• Score Uncertainty: Due to the late receipt of full quotas, the ACT cannot reliably predict future minimum Matrix scores. Success depends on your points and occupation.

To accurately assess your potential score under the Canberra Matrix system, use a specialised tool like the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator, which is updated with the latest state-specific criteria.

Tasmania’s Weekly Invitations and Current ROI Data

Tasmania is actively issuing invitations on a weekly basis, with a recently recorded 190 nomination minimum score of just 36 points. The state provides remarkably transparent, real-time data. The round issued on November 26, 2025, invited 72 candidates for the 190 visa and 33 for the 491 visa.

Key facts from the latest data:

• Current Minimum Scores: The lowest-ranked invited candidate for the 190 visa had 36 points (“Orange” priority level), and for the 491 visa, 43 points (“Orange”).
• ROI Pool Status: After this round, 288 Expressions of Interest (ROIs) for the 190 visa and 228 for the 491 visa remain in the pool awaiting assessment.
• Abundant Quotas: Tasmania still has 997 of its 1200 190 nominations (83%) and 576 of its 650 491 nominations (88.6%) available.
• Processing Timeline: The nomination application processing has caught up to ROIs submitted by November 11, 2025.

Given the competitive scoring environment, understanding your exact points tally is crucial. Platforms like NovenAI offer a Visa Success Predictor that analyses your profile against current state data, giving you a clearer picture of your chances in Tasmania’s ROI system.

Upcoming Policy Reforms: ACT and Tasmania

Both states are planning significant reforms, including new skilled pathways and system upgrades set for 2026. These changes are designed to better address local labour market needs.

ACT’s Forthcoming Changes:

• System Upgrade (June 2026): A new platform will allow applicants to withdraw and edit submitted Canberra Matrix applications—a significant flexibility improvement.
• Potential Salary Priority: Future adjustments may introduce salary as a consideration to prioritise higher-income candidates, though invitations are currently based solely on Matrix points and occupation.
• Stream Reviews: The Employer Sponsored Streamlined Pathway, Small Business stream, and the Nomination Integrity Visa (NIV) pathway are under review for potential adjustments to criteria like salary thresholds.

Tasmania’s New Pathways:

• Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA): Expected in early 2026, this will offer concessions like lower salary thresholds, a higher age limit, and a broader occupation list to help Tasmanian employers fill persistent vacancies.
• Nomination Integrity Visa (NIV) Pathway: Also planned for early 2026, this pathway will provide another route for skilled migrants, with more details to be released once the framework is finalised.

Staying ahead of these policy shifts is essential. A service like NovenAI provides instant policy alerts, ensuring you’re never caught off guard by a rule change that could affect your application strategy.

Critical Compliance and Eligibility Clarifications

Understanding post-nomination obligations is as important as securing the invitation itself. The briefing provided vital clarifications on compliance rules that applicants must follow to retain their nomination.

For ACT Nominees:

• Residence is Key: You must maintain your primary residence in the ACT from the time you receive nomination until your visa is granted.
• Work Flexibility: You are not required to work during this period and can change jobs, even to a role unrelated to your nominated occupation.
• Travel: Short trips abroad (e.g., for family visits) are permissible, provided you continue to treat the ACT as your home.
• Warning: Moving away from the ACT before visa grant can lead to the withdrawal of your nomination.

For Tasmania Applicants:

• Family Residence Rules: To demonstrate a genuine commitment to living in Tasmania, your spouse and dependent children must have lived in the state for at least three months at the time you submit your application. Having family interstate may negatively impact this requirement, though family overseas does not.

Ensuring your English language scores meet both visa and state nomination requirements is a fundamental step. You can clarify the necessary scores for your occupation by consulting a resource like the NovenAI English Level Guide.

Conclusion and Your Next Steps

The latest briefings from the ACT and Tasmania paint an optimistic picture for skilled migrants in the 2025-26 year. With high quota availability, regular invitation rounds, and new pathways on the horizon, now is the time to prepare or refine your application. The key to success lies in accurate points calculation, a deep understanding of state-specific criteria, and vigilant compliance with all obligations.

Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Leverage intelligent tools to build the strongest possible application.

Start planning your migration pathway with NovenAI today. Access free tools like the Points Calculator and Visa Success Predictor, or subscribe to our AI Migration Mentor for 24/7, expert-level guidance tailored to your unique profile.