Cities / Canberra

Regional area

Migrating to Australia through Canberra

Canberra is regional, and the ACT runs a distinctive matrix-based nomination system. It scores you on ACT-specific factors - local residence, employment, study - and invites the top-ranked candidates rather than everyone above a threshold. Canberra being regional means the 15-point 491 is available in the national capital.

Canberra is a designated regional areaWork out your ACT matrix score, not just your points score - the matrix is what decides your invitation.

ACT state nomination

The ACT runs a matrix-based system, scoring candidates on ACT-specific factors - length of residence in Canberra, local employment, study in the ACT, English, and partner factors - and invites the top-ranked candidates rather than everyone above a threshold.

Full ACT nomination guide →

Before you engage an agent

  • Confirm their MARN on the public register yourself - do not accept a screenshot.
  • Get a written agreement separating professional fees from government charges.
  • Walk away from anyone who guarantees an outcome. Nobody can.

How to choose an agent →

Registered migration agents

We are building a directory of MARN-registered agents and immigration lawyers. Listings are checked against the public register before they appear.

How the directory works

Placement shown on the Canberra agents page.

Check my pathways →ACT nomination
General information, not migration advice. myPRJourney summarises publicly available information about Australian visas so you can understand your options. It does not assess your case, and it is not a substitute for advice from a registered migration agent (MARN) or Australian legal practitioner. Migration rules, occupation lists, income thresholds and state nomination criteria change frequently and sometimes without notice. This page was last reviewed on 21 July 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.