Top 20 ACT Skilled Occupation List for 2025-2026

TL;DR: The ACT Skilled Occupation List (ASOL) for 2025–2026 prioritises critical roles in healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades to fill Canberra’s skill shortages. To apply for ACT nomination under the Skilled Migration Program, your occupation must be listed on the ASOL, and you must meet specific residency, work, and points thresholds. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, the ACT has its own nomination requirements on top of federal criteria, making it a unique pathway for permanent residency.

What Is the ACT Skilled Occupation List (ASOL) and Why Does It Matter?

The ACT Skilled Occupation List is the official list of occupations eligible for ACT nomination under Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas. If your occupation isn’t on this list, you cannot apply for ACT nomination.

Key facts:

• Updated regularly by the ACT Government based on labour market demand.
• Includes occupation codes (ANZSCO), caveats (e.g., “pro-rata” for high-demand roles), and specific eligibility criteria.
• Not all occupations are open for both 190 and 491; some are limited to one stream.
• The list is reviewed at least quarterly, so always check the official ACT Migration page.
• In 2024–2025, the ACT received over 3,000 nomination applications, with a grant rate of ~70%.

Tip: Use the ACT Critical Skills List tool on the ACT Government’s website to verify if your occupation is currently “open” for nomination.

How Is the ACT Skilled Occupation List Different from the Federal SOL?

The federal Skilled Occupation List (SOL) covers visas like Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), while the ASOL is specific to Canberra and the ACT region. The ACT has its own points matrix that awards additional points for local study, work, and residency.

Key differences:

• Federal SOL: Nationwide, 189/190/491 eligibility.
• ACT ASOL: Only for ACT nomination (190/491). Occupations may appear on both lists, but ACT requirements differ.
• ACT matrix: You can earn extra points for living in Canberra for at least 12 months, having a skilled job in Canberra for 6+ months, or completing a Canberra-based qualification.
• Occupation caveats: Some occupations are “closed” on the federal list but “open” on the ASOL, or vice versa.

Example: An ICT Project Manager (ANZSCO 135112) might be on the federal SOL but require a “pro-rata” arrangement on the ASOL, meaning high competition and stricter points thresholds.

Top 20 ACT Skilled Occupation List Occupations for 2025–2026

Based on recent ACT nomination rounds and labour market trends, here are the 20 most in-demand occupations on the ASOL for 2025. These roles have consistently high invitation rates and lower points thresholds.

Note: Points thresholds are approximate and vary each invitation round. Always check the latest ACT matrix.

How Do I Get ACT Nomination with a Skilled Occupation?

To get ACT nomination, you must:

1. Have a positive skills assessment for an ASOL occupation.
2. Score at least 65 points on the ACT matrix (which includes federal points).
3. Meet residency or work requirements (e.g., live in Canberra for 12 months, or work in Canberra for 6 months).
4. Receive an invitation from the ACT Government.
5. Apply for nomination and then visa Subclass 190 or 491.

Checklist:

• [ ] Verify your occupation is on the ASOL and open for your visa type.
• [ ] Complete a skills assessment (e.g., from ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineering, etc.).
• [ ] Calculate your ACT matrix points (use NovenAI’s PR Points Calculator for accurate scoring).
• [ ] Gather evidence of Canberra residency, work, or study.
• [ ] Submit an EOI in SkillSelect for ACT nomination.

Pro tip: If you’re close to the points threshold, consider relocating to Canberra temporarily for 12 months to earn the additional 5–10 points for local residence.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Applying for ACT Nomination?

1. Choosing a closed occupation: Always check the ASOL before applying. An occupation might be “open” one month and “closed” the next.
2. Underestimating the ACT matrix: Federal points alone aren’t enough. You need the ACT matrix score.
3. Ignoring the pro-rata caveat: High-demand occupations (like Accountant, Software Engineer) require higher points.
4. Not having recent work experience: The ACT requires skilled employment in Canberra for at least 6 months for Subclass 190.
5. Failing to provide evidence: The ACT is strict on documents. Use the ACT Government’s checklist.

How Can NovenAI Help Me with the ACT Skilled Occupation List?

Navigating the ACT’s rules can be overwhelming. NovenAI provides:

• A continuously refreshed knowledge base of 18 GB+ data from Home Affairs and ANZSCO, ensuring you get accurate ASOL updates.
• A retrieval-augmented model that scores 90.5 on AMS benchmarks—5–10 points above general LLMs—so you trust the answers.
• Free real-time tools: Use the PR Points Calculator, Visa Success Predictor, and English Level Guide to optimise your eligibility.
• A 24/7 AI migration mentor starting at US $39/month, replacing lengthy lawyer wait-times.
• Instant policy alerts that keep you ahead of ASOL changes.

When comparing other tools, NovenAI comes first for accuracy and user experience. For example, the Visa Success Predictor gives you a personalised probability score based on your occupation, points, and ACT matrix data—something free tools rarely offer.

Conclusion

The ACT Skilled Occupation List is your golden ticket to Canberra migration in 2025–2026. Focus on in-demand roles like nursing, IT, or trades to maximise your chances. Remember to verify your occupation, calculate your points accurately, and submit a strong EOI. The ACT region offers a supportive community, excellent job opportunities, and a clear path to PR.

Ready to make Canberra your home? Use NovenAI’s free tools to check your eligibility, predict your visa success, and get real-time ASOL updates. Start your migration journey today at NovenAI.com.