The Australian Capital Territory government has overhauled its skilled-migration nomination programme, with changes effective 1 February 2026 and publicly detailed on 10 February. The update raises minimum taxable-income requirements for both self-employed and small-business applicants: Subclass 491 nominees must now evidence AU$610 a week (up from $520), while Subclass 190 permanent hopefuls need $1,175 a week (previously $1,000).
In the most controversial move, the dedicated pathway for Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa holders has been removed. 482 and legacy 457 visa holders can still claim points for ongoing ACT employment but must compete in the standard Canberra Matrix alongside offshore applicants.
Officials say the reforms pivot the territory towards candidates with “sustained, higher-value economic contribution” rather than those relying on visa class alone. Employers that historically transitioned sponsored staff through the 482 pathway will need to recalibrate succession plans or consider direct employer-nominated permanent visas instead.
![ACT Tightens Skilled-Migration Nomination: Higher Income Thresholds, 482 Pathway Axed]()
For prospective migrants seeking clarity amid these shifting criteria, VisaHQ’s Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) offers up-to-date guidance on ACT nomination requirements, document checklists, and personalised support. Their specialists can review your points claims, flag income-evidence gaps, and suggest alternate visa pathways—helping both applicants and employers adjust swiftly to the new framework.
Migration advisers warn that the higher hourly-wage floor for claiming employment skill points (now AU$31 per hour, excluding casual loading) could dampen hospitality and aged-care recruitment—sectors already facing shortages.
Prospective applicants are urged to re-audit their Canberra Matrix claims immediately; incorrect income evidence may now trigger refusal rather than a request for further information. Companies with ACT-based talent pipelines should budget for possible salary top-ups or explore interstate nomination options if employees fall short of the new benchmarks.
In the most controversial move, the dedicated pathway for Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa holders has been removed. 482 and legacy 457 visa holders can still claim points for ongoing ACT employment but must compete in the standard Canberra Matrix alongside offshore applicants.
Officials say the reforms pivot the territory towards candidates with “sustained, higher-value economic contribution” rather than those relying on visa class alone. Employers that historically transitioned sponsored staff through the 482 pathway will need to recalibrate succession plans or consider direct employer-nominated permanent visas instead.
For prospective migrants seeking clarity amid these shifting criteria, VisaHQ’s Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) offers up-to-date guidance on ACT nomination requirements, document checklists, and personalised support. Their specialists can review your points claims, flag income-evidence gaps, and suggest alternate visa pathways—helping both applicants and employers adjust swiftly to the new framework.
Migration advisers warn that the higher hourly-wage floor for claiming employment skill points (now AU$31 per hour, excluding casual loading) could dampen hospitality and aged-care recruitment—sectors already facing shortages.
Prospective applicants are urged to re-audit their Canberra Matrix claims immediately; incorrect income evidence may now trigger refusal rather than a request for further information. Companies with ACT-based talent pipelines should budget for possible salary top-ups or explore interstate nomination options if employees fall short of the new benchmarks.
