Latest Invitation Round Update Canberra Matrix Australia

The latest Canberra Matrix invitation round was held on 19 September 2024, showcasing the highly competitive nature of the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) migration program. This round continues to emphasize the importance of ranking, demand for certain occupations, and priority sectors in determining invitations for skilled visas. The next invitation round is expected to occur before 8 November 2024.

Overview of the Canberra Matrix System

The Canberra Matrix is a points-based system that ranks applicants for ACT nomination under the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa categories. Applicants are scored based on various factors, including their occupation, work experience, English proficiency, and connection to Canberra. The ACT government uses this system to nominate the highest-ranked applicants each month.

Each invitation round offers a limited number of nomination places, allocated monthly from an annual quota. Due to the fixed number of places and the high demand, only the top-ranked applicants in specific occupations are invited to apply for ACT nomination.

Factors Influencing the Invitation Cut-Off

The selection cut-off is influenced by:

• Priority Sectors: Sectors deemed critical by the ACT government receive priority. Occupations in these sectors have a higher likelihood of receiving an invitation.
• Date and Time of Matrix Submission: Earlier submissions tend to be more competitive, especially in high-demand occupations.
• Occupation Cap: Certain occupations have a capped number of places, meaning only a limited number of invitations can be issued in these areas.
• Level of Demand: The greater the demand for an occupation, the higher the Matrix score required to receive an invitation.
• Monthly Allocation: Invitations are limited to the number of places available for that month, in line with the overall annual allocation.

Invitation Results for 19 September 2024

The breakdown of invitations for the 19 September 2024 round is as follows:

• 190 Visa Nominations:
  • Critical Skill Occupations: 43 invitations
  • 457 / 482 Visa Holders: 12 invitations
  • Overseas Applicants (Critical Skill Occupations): 13 invitations
• 491 Visa Nominations:
  • Critical Skill Occupations: 29 invitations
  • 457 / 482 Visa Holders: 1 invitation
  • Overseas Applicants (Critical Skill Occupations): 32 invitations

Matrix Nominations: Small Business Owners & Visa Holders

Applicants who nominate themselves as Small Business Owners were not considered for this round. Additionally, 457 / 482 visa holders received a limited number of invitations, with 12 for subclass 190 and just 1 for subclass 491.

Invitation Outcomes and Application Approvals

As of 19 September 2024, the ACT government has approved a total of 185 applications:

• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) Visa Approvals: 115
• Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) Visa Approvals: 70

There were also 13 refusals:

• 190 Nominations: 7 refusals (6% refusal rate)
• 491 Nominations: 6 refusals (8% refusal rate)

Residency-Based Approvals

The distribution of approvals by residency status shows that a significant majority of successful applicants are ACT residents:

• ACT Residents: 155 approvals (84%)
• Overseas Residents: 29 approvals (16%)

Remaining Allocation for 2024-2025

The ACT has been allocated a limited number of nomination places for the 2024-2025 migration program year. The remaining allocation as of 19 September 2024 is:

• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) Visa: 885 places remaining
• Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) Visa: 730 places remaining
• Total Remaining Allocation: 1,615 nomination places

Insights for Future Applicants

The Canberra Matrix system continues to operate under strict guidelines, with various factors determining who receives an invitation. Applicants in critical sectors or high-demand occupations should prioritize submitting their applications as early as possible to maximize their chances of success. However, an invitation is never guaranteed, as the cut-off scores can fluctuate based on monthly allocations and other variables.

The ACT government has made it clear that:

• Invitations will not be issued if applicants have an active application in the system or if they have previously received ACT nomination.
• Matrix submissions for certain groups (like small business owners in this round) may not always be considered.
• Requests for information on ranking or likelihood of receiving an invitation will not be entertained.

Priority for Critical Sectors

In line with the ACT’s focus on supporting critical industries, Matrix submissions in critical sectors are prioritized. These sectors often include health, engineering, education, and technology-related occupations, among others, depending on the local needs.

Understanding the Invitation Process

Applicants should be mindful that the minimum ranking score published is only an indication and does not guarantee an invitation. The actual score required to receive an invitation may vary depending on the number of available places, the demand for specific occupations, and the overall competitiveness of the applicant pool.

Next Steps for Applicants

• Overseas Applicants: If you are applying from overseas, make sure to submit your Matrix early and focus on sectors with high demand to increase your chances of success.
• Canberra Residents: ACT residents generally have a better chance of being invited, particularly those in critical occupations. It's important to monitor the invitation rounds closely and ensure all application documents are up to date.

The next invitation round will be held before 8 November 2024.

2023-2024 Allocation of ACT Nomination Places:

• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 1,000 places
• Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 800 places

Conclusion

The ACT government’s approach to nomination places under the Canberra Matrix system underscores the competitive nature of Australia’s skilled migration program. Applicants who wish to succeed should focus on improving their ranking scores by targeting critical sectors, submitting early, and ensuring that they meet all the eligibility criteria.

If you’re an aspiring skilled migrant, staying informed on the Matrix invitation rounds and understanding how the selection process works is crucial to navigating the pathway toward permanent residency.