Canberra, 2025 — Úc.
The Australian Government confirmed it is holding the Permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places for the 2025-2026 financial year, unchanged from 2024-2025. Following consultation with states and territories, both the program’s size and structure remain stable, with continued focus on skilled migration.
Allocation Across Three Streams
Of the 185,000 places, the Skill stream is allocated 132,200 places, or 71% of the program. The Family stream receives 52,500 places, or 28%. The Special Eligibility stream receives 300 places for special cases.
The Skill stream includes the main categories: Employer Sponsored, Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Regional (subclass 491), State/Territory Nominated (subclass 190), and others. A notable change is the introduction of the Talent and Innovation category with 4,300 places, merging the former Global Talent and Distinguished Talent programs while also including the new National Innovation visa.
Long-Term Strategy
Keeping the level stable at 185,000 places reflects a strategy of balancing priorities: labour market needs, family reunification, an aging population, and sustainable migration. Under the Migration Strategy published in December 2023, Australia shifted to a four-year planning framework for the permanent migration program.
At the state level, allocations for Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) have dropped significantly in NSW, VIC, SA, WA and TAS, increasing competition for state-nominated candidates.
2026-2027
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ announcement on May 12, 2026, the total Migration Program for 2026-2027 remains at 185,000 places. However, internal allocations have shifted: the Talent and Innovation category has decreased from 4,300 to 3,500 places.
Planning levels may change each financial year, reflecting policy priorities and consultation with the states. Interested applicants should check the Migration Program planning levels page on the Department of Home Affairs website for current allocations and requirements.
References
This article is compiled from government sources. Immigration regulations and figures may change over time; you should check current information on the official website before making a decision.
