Shortly after Victoria issued invitations, the ACT government has just emailed the latest news on the 2025-26 financial year state nomination program. This update involves the occupation list, nomination guidelines, and the invitation process.

1. Major Adjustment to the Occupation List

The original Critical Skills List will be replaced by the ACT Migration Occupation List (AMOL).

The number of eligible occupations has been reduced from 152 4-digit ANZSCO codes to 105. This new list will determine an applicant's eligibility for ACT state nomination.

The following are some occupational groups that have unfortunately been removed (scan the QR code to contact our consultants for the complete list):

[Image: QR code with text "ACT 被删职业全清单 · 立即领取 | Complete List of Removed ACT Occupations"]

Applications already submitted in the September invitation round are unaffected, but all future invitations will only target occupations on the new list.

2. Refinements and Changes to Nominations

The guidelines on the ACT state nomination website have undergone some detailed adjustments aimed at clarifying application requirements:

PhD Applicants:

Before: Fixed invitations every 7 business days.

Now: Changed to being invited alongside regular invitation rounds (reduced frequency, but priority processing is retained).

457/482 Visa Holders:

The requirement is now clearly stated: Must have worked for the sponsoring employer for at least 6 months (previously not explicitly written, now clarified).

491 Priority Order:

Clearly written into the guidelines: "The updated nomination guidelines state more clearly that 491 invitations are issued before 190 invitations and how this may impact an applicant’s chances of receiving an invitation." This means some applicants who have applied for both 491 and 190 might receive the 491 invitation first.

These changes only affect future invitation rounds; applications submitted in the September round are unaffected.

3. Invitations and Quota Situation

Until the final quota is announced, the ACT will continue to process applications, even if the interim allocation cap is reached mid-process.

If the number of applications exceeds the interim cap, assessments will be completed first, but formal nominations will only be issued after the final quota is confirmed.

Once the final quota is received, the ACT will publish a projected schedule of invitation rounds for the remainder of the financial year.

4. What Signals Do These Changes Send?

This adjustment represents a minor tightening of policies, not a comprehensive one. The ACT may continue to adjust nomination rules later in the financial year to align with local economic needs, and more significant changes are anticipated!

It appears that state nomination rules are undergoing substantial changes this year. We will continue to closely monitor the ACT state nomination program and provide timely updates for everyone!

Updated Summary & Key Takeaways (NEWPOINT)

List Shrinks, Eligibility Narrows: The new AMOL list is significantly smaller. Applicants must immediately check if their occupation remains eligible.

PhD Invitations Slow Down: The dedicated frequent invitation channel for PhDs is gone; they now join the general rounds.

482 Holder Requirement Clarified: The 6-month work requirement with the sponsor is now explicitly stated.

491 Gets Clear Priority: The guideline now officially prioritizes 491 invitations over 190, which may affect strategy for applicants eligible for both.

Stay Alert for More Changes: This is likely not the last change for this financial year. Further adjustments are expected later on.