The Australian Government has officially announced that the 2025–26 Permanent Migration Program will remain capped at 185,000 places, continuing the 2024–25 program settings. The aim is to maintain a balanced and sustainable approach to migration that supports economic growth, fills critical skill shortages, and strengthens family reunification.

🔹 Skill-Focused Program

A skills-focused migration strategy continues to underpin the program, ensuring Australia’s working-age population remains strong and productive. The Skill stream, which makes up approximately 71% of the total program (132,200 places), is designed to improve the nation’s economic capacity and address labour shortages—particularly in regional Australia.

Key allocations within the Skill Stream include:

• Employer Sponsored: 44,000 places
• Skilled Independent: 16,900 places
• Regional (Provisional): 33,000 places
• State/Territory Nominated: 33,000 places
• Business Innovation & Investment: 1,000 places
• Talent & Innovation (National Innovation Visa): 4,300 places

Together, the Regional and State/Territory Nominated categories represent 36% of the overall program and 50% of the Skill stream, empowering local governments to attract skilled migrants tailored to their workforce needs.

🔹 Introduction of the National Innovation Visa

The new Talent and Innovation category marks a transition from the now-closed Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas to the National Innovation Visa. Existing applicants under the previous visa types will continue to be assessed based on the eligibility criteria at the time of their application, ensuring no disadvantage during the transition period.

🔹 Family Stream – Keeping Loved Ones Together

The Family stream remains a key part of Australia’s migration framework, providing 52,500 places (28% of the total) to help families reunite and strengthen community ties.

This includes:

• Partner visas: 40,500 places (demand-driven)
• Parent visas: 8,500 places
• Child visas: 3,000 places (demand-driven)
• Other Family visas: 500 places

The Partner visa remains the largest component within this stream, allowing Australians to bring their spouses or partners to the country. The Child visa program also continues to prioritise the reunification of dependent or adopted children with their Australian families—aligning with the government’s commitment to the best interests of the child.

🔹 Special Eligibility Stream

A small allocation of 300 places is reserved for the Special Eligibility stream, covering visas for individuals in unique circumstances—such as permanent residents returning to Australia after living overseas.

🔹 Net Overseas Migration (NOM) Context

The government clarified that the Permanent Migration Program is only one component of Net Overseas Migration (NOM), which also includes temporary migrants such as students and working holiday makers.

Interestingly, in 2023–24, 61% of skilled permanent visas and 47% of family permanent visas were granted to applicants already living in Australia, meaning the permanent program is not a major contributor to post-COVID population surges or housing pressures.

In Summary

Australia’s 2025–26 Migration Program continues the country’s steady approach to migration planning, balancing economic, social, and regional needs.

• Total cap: 185,000 places
• 71% Skill Stream, 28% Family Stream, and 300 Special Eligibility places
• Ongoing focus on regional development, family reunification, and innovation-led migration

The program reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to attracting the right skills, supporting communities, and maintaining sustainable population growth.

Source:

Department of Home Affairs, Australia