Australia Permanent Migration Program 2025-26: Planning Levels Update

The Australian Government has announced the Permanent Migration Program 2025-26 maintains 185,000 places, the same as the 2024-25 program. This decision follows consultations with states and territories, focusing on skilled migration to strengthen the workforce and support regional development.

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that visa processing has continued smoothly under last year’s levels, ensuring no disruption to program delivery.

Composition of the 2025-26 Permanent Migration Program

Visa Stream	Visa Category	2023–24 Planning Levels	2024–25 Planning Levels	2025–26 Planning Levels
Skill	Employer Sponsored	36,825	44,000	44,000
	Skilled Independent	30,375	16,900	16,900
	Regional	32,300	33,000	33,000
	State/Territory Nominated	30,400	33,000	33,000
	Business Innovation & Investment	1,900	1,000	1,000
	Talent and Innovation	-	-	4,300
	Global Talent (Independent)	5,000	4,000	-
	Distinguished Talent (Subclass 124)	300	300	-
	Skill Total	137,100	132,200	132,200
Family	Partner (Subclass 820/801/309/100)	40,500	40,500	40,500
	Parent (Subclass 804/884/864/173/143/103/870)	8,500	8,500	8,500
	Child (Subclass 101/102/802/445/117/837)	3,000	3,000	3,000
	Other Family (Subclass 114/838/836/461/115/835/151)	500	500	500
	Family Total	52,500	52,500	52,500
	Special Eligibility	400	300	300
	Total Migration Program	190,000	185,000	185,000

Why This Matters for Employers

Australia’s 2025–26 Migration Program brings stability for businesses that rely on skilled talent. With migration levels holding steady, employers can feel confident about filling workforce gaps in healthcare, construction, technology, and the trades. Employer-sponsored visas remain a vital option, but navigating sponsorship rules can be complex. That’s why working with a registered migration agent is key — the right advice can save time, avoid compliance risks, and make sure your business brings in the skills it really needs.

Opportunities for Skilled Professionals

If you’re a skilled professional overseas, the message is clear: Australia still wants global talent. Whether you’re applying through the points-tested system, state or territory nominations, or employer sponsorship, there are pathways available across high-demand industries. The best way to stand out?

Lodge a complete, decision-ready application that showcases your skills and experience — and proves you’re ready to contribute from day one.

Skilled Stream Updates

The Skilled Stream remains at the heart of Australia’s migration program. While the size and structure haven’t changed, priorities are clear: visas will continue to focus on filling the roles Australia needs most.

Talent and Innovation

The government is moving towards a new National Innovation Visa. If you’ve applied under the Global Talent or Distinguished Talent visas, don’t worry — your application will still be assessed under the rules that applied when you submitted it. This shift is about strengthening Australia’s ability to attract innovators and leaders in their fields.

Regional and State/Territory Nominations

Over one-third of the entire Migration Program is allocated to regional and state/territory nominated visas. These categories let each state shape its intake, targeting the skills that support their local economies. For applicants, it means more opportunities — especially if you’re open to living and working outside Australia’s biggest cities.

Family Stream: Reuniting Loved Ones

The Family Stream continues to play a central role in the program, helping Australians reunite with their partners and children.

• Partner visas remain demand-driven, ensuring couples aren’t limited by strict caps.

• Child visas are capped at 3,000 places but prioritised, so children can be reunited with their parents in Australia as quickly as possible.

For many families, this stream provides not just a visa outcome, but the chance to start a new chapter together in Australia.

Understanding Net Overseas Migration (NOM)

It’s worth remembering that Net Overseas Migration (NOM) is broader than just permanent visas — it also includes students, Working Holiday Makers, and others staying in Australia for 12 months or more.

Interestingly, most permanent visas last year were granted to people already in Australia. This means the program strengthens the existing community, with less immediate pressure on housing and infrastructure than many people assume.

What This Means for You

The 2025–26 Migration Program brings clarity and stability. For skilled workers, it means pathways remain open through skilled and employer-sponsored visas. For families and couples, it reinforces ongoing support for reunification. And for employers, it provides the confidence to plan ahead with certainty.

At RACC, we know every migration journey is different. Whether you’re applying for a skilled visa, considering state nomination, or looking to reunite with loved ones, our specialists can guide you step by step. Planning early makes all the difference — and our team is here to help you map out your best pathway forward.

👉 Book a consultation today to see how the 2025–26 Migration Program planning levels impact your options — and how we can help you plan your PR journey!

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