ACT Migration Update for 2025-26
Are you considering a move to Canberra? The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Migration has shared several important updates for the 2025-26 migration year. These developments are set to impact visa applicants within the region.
What are the Key Changes to the ACT Migration Update for 2025-26?
The ACT Critical Skills List is expected to be updated before the first invitation round of the new program year. Nomination guidelines will focus on income thresholds and nomination pathways, with changes anticipated in early 2026.
There will be a new upgrade for the ACT Canberra Matrix and application portal. This upgrade aims to enhance the application experience for visa applicants seeking ACT nomination. The new system rollout is expected no later than the 2026-27 migration program year, and a review of the application fee schedule is underway.
The first invitation round for the 2025-26 migration year is still pending an allocation announcement from the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA). Monthly invitations will be issued until December 2025. Additionally, the Doctorate Streamlined Nomination Pathway continues to issue invitations within seven working days for eligible applicants.
ACT continues to process Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) (Subclass 888) permanent visa nominations, despite the closure of business visas in July 2024.
With the December 2024 immigration changes by the Australian Government, the National Innovation Visa (NIV) (Subclass 858) replaced the Global Talent Visa. ACT will provide further details for the NIV nominations in the forthcoming.
How does this ACT change affect you?
Continue to prioritise local employment in critical skills roles and improve your English language proficiency.
Gather and maintain updated documents, including skills assessments, English test results, work experience records, relationship status, and more.
Use the waiting period to refine your profile, so you can be ready to adjust to the mentioned changes when they come into effect.
If you are unsure, reach out to speak with one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance.
Related:
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you have any questions about meeting the ACT Migration requirement for your visa application, consider consulting with an immigration lawyer for professional advice. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
Client Testimonials
….we call it Support Network
Navigating the immigration law process may be difficult, and our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails, and in-person meetings.
These are their stories…
