The Australian government has confirmed that the country’s permanent migration program for 2025–26 will remain at 1,85,000 places, the same as the 2024–25 intake. The decision comes after consultation with state and territory governments, with officials agreeing to maintain both the size and the structure of the program, keeping a strong focus on skilled migration.
Skill stream remains the core of the program
Of the total allocation, 1,32,200 places are reserved for the Skill stream, which represents about 71 percent of the intake. The Family stream has been set at 52,500 places, making up 28 percent, while 300 places are allocated to the Special Eligibility stream. This distribution reflects the government’s emphasis on strengthening Australia’s workforce while continuing to provide pathways for family reunification.
A notable change within the Skill stream is the introduction of the Talent and Innovation visa category, which will provide 4,300 places in the new program year. This visa consolidates the existing Global Talent and Distinguished Talent categories and brings in the newly created National Innovation visa. Applications already submitted under the previous visa programs will also be considered within this new category. The government says the aim is to streamline the process and make it easier for highly skilled professionals and innovators to contribute to Australia’s economy.
Family stream continues on demand-driven basis
The Family stream continues to be demand-driven, particularly for Partner and Child visas, with planning levels kept in line with the expected demand. Officials indicated that this approach helps balance the number of family reunification applications while ensuring consistency in processing.
Migration policy balances economy and society
The migration program is a central part of Australia’s economic and social policy. By prioritizing skilled migration, the government seeks to address workforce shortages and attract talent in high-demand industries such as technology, health care, and engineering. At the same time, maintaining the Family stream ensures that migration policies remain inclusive and socially responsive.
The confirmation of planning levels for 2025–26 provides certainty for applicants, state governments, and employers who rely on skilled migrants to fill gaps in the labour market. Immigration experts note that the introduction of the Talent and Innovation visa could become an important channel for Australia to stay competitive in attracting global talent.
With no change in the overall cap but an adjustment in the visa structure, the government has signalled stability in its migration approach while making targeted reforms to support innovation and growth. The 1,85,000 places will continue to be spread across skill, family, and special eligibility categories, forming a balanced framework for the upcoming program year.
Skill stream remains the core of the program
Of the total allocation, 1,32,200 places are reserved for the Skill stream, which represents about 71 percent of the intake. The Family stream has been set at 52,500 places, making up 28 percent, while 300 places are allocated to the Special Eligibility stream. This distribution reflects the government’s emphasis on strengthening Australia’s workforce while continuing to provide pathways for family reunification.
A notable change within the Skill stream is the introduction of the Talent and Innovation visa category, which will provide 4,300 places in the new program year. This visa consolidates the existing Global Talent and Distinguished Talent categories and brings in the newly created National Innovation visa. Applications already submitted under the previous visa programs will also be considered within this new category. The government says the aim is to streamline the process and make it easier for highly skilled professionals and innovators to contribute to Australia’s economy.
Family stream continues on demand-driven basis
The Family stream continues to be demand-driven, particularly for Partner and Child visas, with planning levels kept in line with the expected demand. Officials indicated that this approach helps balance the number of family reunification applications while ensuring consistency in processing.
Migration policy balances economy and society
The migration program is a central part of Australia’s economic and social policy. By prioritizing skilled migration, the government seeks to address workforce shortages and attract talent in high-demand industries such as technology, health care, and engineering. At the same time, maintaining the Family stream ensures that migration policies remain inclusive and socially responsive.
The confirmation of planning levels for 2025–26 provides certainty for applicants, state governments, and employers who rely on skilled migrants to fill gaps in the labour market. Immigration experts note that the introduction of the Talent and Innovation visa could become an important channel for Australia to stay competitive in attracting global talent.
With no change in the overall cap but an adjustment in the visa structure, the government has signalled stability in its migration approach while making targeted reforms to support innovation and growth. The 1,85,000 places will continue to be spread across skill, family, and special eligibility categories, forming a balanced framework for the upcoming program year.
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