Australian Government Announces 2025–26 Migration Program Planning Levels
On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government confirmed that the 2025–26 permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places, the same level as 2024–25. This decision reflects the Government’s focus on maintaining a skills-based migration system that supports Australia’s economy while also providing pathways for family reunification.
Program Overview:
The Migration Program is structured into three main streams:
Skill stream – 132,200 places (about 71 per cent of the program)
Family stream – 52,500 places (about 28 per cent of the program)
Special Eligibility stream – 300 places
This balance ensures that Australia continues to attract highly skilled workers while enabling citizens and permanent residents to reunite with loved ones overseas.
Skill Stream:
The Skill stream remains the largest part of the program. It is designed to strengthen Australia’s productive capacity and address skill shortages, particularly in regional areas. The 2025–26 Skill stream will include:
Employer Sponsored – 44,000 places
Skilled Independent – 16,900 places
Regional – 33,000 places
State/Territory Nominated – 33,000 places
Business Innovation & Investment – 1,000 places
Talent and Innovation – 4,300 places
This year, the new Talent and Innovation category replaces the Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas. Existing applicants in those visa categories will continue to be processed under the eligibility rules in place at the time of application.
Family Stream:
The Family stream is maintained at 52,500 places, with the majority allocated to Partner visas. This reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting family reunification and social cohesion. The Family stream includes:
Partner – 40,500 places
Parent – 8,500 places
Child – 3,000 places
Other Family – 500 places
Both the Partner and Child categories are demand driven, meaning actual visa grants will reflect application numbers rather than strict caps. The Australian Government continues to prioritise child reunification, ensuring the best interests of children remain a primary consideration.
Special Eligibility:
A small allocation of 300 places is reserved for applicants in special circumstances, such as permanent residents returning to Australia after time overseas.
Net Overseas Migration and the Migration Program:
It is important to understand that the permanent Migration Program is only one element of Net Overseas Migration (NOM). NOM also includes temporary migration, such as international students and working holiday makers, as well as returning Australians and New Zealanders.
Most recent permanent visas were granted to applicants already onshore. In
2023–24, 61 per cent of skilled visas and 47 per cent of family visas went to people already living in Australia. This approach reduces immediate pressure on housing and infrastructure
What This Means for Applicants:
Skilled applicants can expect continuity in the major visa categories, with strong opportunities in regional and state-nominated programs.
Families benefit from stability in Partner and Child categories, with demand-driven processing continuing.
Innovators and entrepreneurs should take note of the new Talent and Innovation category, which replaces previous Global Talent programs.
How Visamigo Lawyers Can Help:
The 2025–26 Migration Program continues to provide opportunities for skilled professionals, families, and innovators. At Visamigo Lawyers, we can guide you through your options, prepare strong applications, and help you navigate state and territory nomination processes.
