On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government confirmed the 2025–26 permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places, maintaining the same settings as the 2024–25 program.

This decision reflects Australia’s commitment to a skills-focused migration system — one that addresses labour shortages, strengthens the economy, and supports social cohesion by reuniting families.

Program Composition

Skill Stream – 132,200 places (71%)

The largest component of the program, the Skill stream is designed to attract workers with the skills, qualifications, and entrepreneurship needed to support Australia’s economy.

Breakdown:

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

Together, Regional and State/Territory nominated visas account for 36% of the overall program and 50% of the Skill stream — highlighting the government’s focus on supporting regional growth.

Family Stream – 52,500 places (28%)

The Family stream is primarily made up of Partner visas, helping Australians reunite with loved ones and create pathways to citizenship.

Breakdown:

Partner: 40,500
Parent: 8,500
Child: 3,000
Other Family: 500

The Family stream plays an important role in strengthening communities and ensuring Australians can remain connected with their families.

Special Eligibility Stream – 300 places

This small but important stream covers visas for individuals in unique circumstances, such as permanent residents returning to Australia after time overseas.

Key Highlights for 2025–26

The program remains skills-driven, with more than 70% of places allocated to the Skill stream.
The new Talent & Innovation visa consolidates previous Global Talent and Distinguished Talent categories, with 4,300 places allocated.
Family visas remain steady, reflecting the government’s commitment to reunification and social cohesion.
The permanent Migration Program is only one part of Australia’s broader migration picture — temporary migration and net overseas migration (NOM) also contribute significantly.

What This Means for Migrants

For skilled workers, the program provides strong opportunities, particularly in regional and state-nominated categories. For families, planning levels remain steady, offering continued pathways for partners, parents, and children.

With competition for places and strict eligibility requirements, it’s more important than ever to have the right guidance when preparing your application.

Stay Informed

Migration policies and planning levels can change over time, and program demand often exceeds available places. To give yourself the best chance of success, it’s essential to stay updated and seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances.

👉 At IME Advisors, we help clients navigate Australia’s migration system with confidence. Whether you’re applying through the Skill stream or reuniting with loved ones through the Family stream, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.