Australia has officially announced its skilled migration planning levels for the 2026-27 financial year – and while the total intake stays nearly the same, the mix of visas has shifted significantly.
The Australian Government has officially announced the 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program, maintaining the total intake at 185,000 places, with an approximate 70:30 split between the Skilled and Family streams.
While the overall migration cap remains unchanged from 2025–26, the latest planning levels highlight Australia’s continued focus on attracting highly skilled workers already contributing to the Australian economy, while also supporting family reunification pathways.
Strong Focus on Onshore Migrants
A major highlight of the 2026–27 Migration Program is the government’s continued preference for onshore applicants.
Out of the total 185,000 places:
- 129,590 places will be allocated to migrants already living in Australia
- 55,110 places will be reserved for offshore applicants
- 300 places have been allocated to the Special Eligibility stream
This onshore-focused approach aims to support migrants already living, working, and contributing to Australia while reducing pressure on Net Overseas Migration (NOM).
Breakdown of the 2026–27 Migration Program
| Visa Category | 2024–25 Planning Level | 2025–26 Planning Level | 2026–27 Planning Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Migration Program | |||
| Commonwealth Program | |||
| Skilled Independent | 16,900 | 16,900 | 21,090 |
| Talent and Innovation | 5,300 | 5,300 | 3,500 |
| Employer Program | |||
| Employer-Sponsored | 44,000 | 44,000 | 58,040 |
| State and Territory Program | |||
| Regional | 33,000 | 33,000 | 14,110 |
| State/Territory Nominated | 33,000 | 33,000 | 35,500 |
| Total Skilled Program | 132,200 | 132,200 | 132,240 |
| Australian Family Program | |||
| Partner & Child | |||
| Partner | 40,500 | 40,500 | 41,500 |
| Child | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,500 |
| Parent & Other Family | |||
| Parent | 8,500 | 8,500 | 7,060 |
| Other Family | 500 | 500 | 400 |
| Total Family Program | 52,500 | 52,500 | 52,460 |
| Special Eligibility | 300 | 300 | 300 |
| TOTAL MIGRATION PROGRAM | 185,000 | 185,000 | 185,000 |
Skilled Migration Program – 132,240 Places
The Skilled Migration Program accounts for approximately 71% of the total migration intake and continues to address Australia’s labour shortages and economic priorities.
The program supports industries experiencing critical skill shortages, including:
- Healthcare
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
- Engineering
- Construction
- Education
- Science
The government also continues to prioritise regional development through regional migration pathways.
Australian Family Program – 52,460 Places
The Family stream remains an important component of Australia’s migration system, accounting for approximately 28% of the program.
The government continues prioritising family reunification, particularly:
- Partner visas – Increased to 41,500 places
- Child visas – Increased to 3,500 places
- Parent Visa – Reduced to 7,060 places
- Other Family Visa – Reduced to 400 places
The government confirmed that Partner and Child visas will continue operating as demand-driven programs.
Special Eligibility Stream – 300 Places
This category generally applies to applicants with unique or special circumstances, including some former permanent residents returning to Australia.
What this means for migrants
The 2026–27 Migration Program clearly signals that Australia is:
- Prioritising skilled workers already in Australia
- Expanding employer-sponsored migration pathways
- Increasing opportunities under the Skilled Independent and Subclass 190 programs
- Continuing support for family reunification
- Reducing reliance on provisional regional pathways
For temporary visa holders already living and working in Australia, particularly those with employer sponsorship opportunities, the latest planning levels may create stronger pathways toward permanent residency.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
With migration policies continuing to evolve, choosing the right pathway has become more important than ever.
Whether you are exploring:
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Skilled migration pathways
- State nomination options
- Partner or family visas
- Permanent residency pathways
Our Migration experts can help you understand your eligibility and develop a clear migration strategy tailored to your circumstances.
Book a Free Discovery Call today with Immigration Hotspot today to discuss your options.
Responses to “Australia’s 2026-27 Migration Program: What’s Changing? ”
What exactely is Skilled Migration Program and its planning levels?
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program allows skilled workers to migrate to Australia to fill labour shortages and support economic growth.
Its planning levels refer to the number of visa places the Australian Government allocates each year across skilled visa categories such as employer-sponsored, state-nominated, and independent skilled visas.
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