The Australian Capital Territory has quietly trimmed its coveted state-nomination places for the 2026-27 program year to 600 visas for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and just 200 for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) category—down from 800 each in 2025-26. The revised figures appeared on the territory’s migration website on 12-13 November 2026 and were confirmed in the Canberra Matrix invitation-round schedule. On the same day, the ACT ran an invitation round that issued only 70 subclass 190 approvals and one subclass 491 approval, underscoring the intense competition for nomination. Officials offered no public statement on the reduced allocation, but agents speculate the cut aligns with the Federal Government’s target to trim net overseas migration below 250,000. For global-mobility managers relocating staff to Canberra, the smaller quota means longer lead times and higher eligibility thresholds. The ACT already prioritises graduates of its universities and critical-skill occupations; with fewer slots, points scores are expected to rise, and marginal profiles may need to consider other states. Businesses in defence, cybersecurity and space—sectors the ACT courts—say the decision could constrain hiring at a time when national-security projects are ramping up. Some lobby groups plan to press both Territory and Federal ministers to review the cap mid-year if skill shortages worsen. Candidates who miss out may pivot to employer-sponsored visas, which have separate quotas but higher salary floors. The episode highlights how state-nomination programs can shift rapidly, and why mobility teams must monitor allocation updates in real time.
Source: Roundwatch
