The Australian government has provided certainty for aspiring migrants, announcing the planning levels for the 2025-26 Permanent Migration Program.

2025-26 Migration Program Levels Confirmed

The government has set the 2025-26 Permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places. This figure maintains the same level as the 2024-25 program, signalling a commitment to a stable and predictable migration system. This decision provides a clear planning horizon for individuals and families looking to make their move.

The allocation is thoughtfully balanced between the Skill and Family streams. This ensures Australia continues to meet its economic needs while supporting family reunions and welcoming those who want to build a new life here.

Skilled Migration Remains the Top Priority

The backbone of the migration program is its focus on attracting skilled individuals. A significant portion of the 185,000 places is dedicated to the Skill stream. This is great news if you have qualifications and experience in occupations that are in demand in Australia.

This continued emphasis means that pathways like employer sponsorship and state nomination remain viable and central to Australia’s migration strategy. To see where your skills might fit, it’s a good idea to Check the Skilled Occupation List.

Which Visa Pathway is Right for You?

With the program levels confirmed, now is the perfect time to assess your eligibility and plan your application strategy.

Key pathways include:

• Employer Sponsored Visas: Options like the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) and the new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) are excellent for those with a job offer from an Australian employer.
• State Nominated Visas: States and territories nominate candidates who meet their specific skill needs. These programs, like the SkillSelect Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491), can be a fantastic route to permanent residency. We are keeping a close eye on announcements from all states, including South Australia, which is yet to open its 2025-26 program.
• Independent Skilled Visas: For highly skilled individuals who can meet the points test, the SkillSelect Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) offers a direct path to permanent residency without needing a sponsor. You can Calculate Your Skilled Migration Points on our website.

Understanding which stream is right for you is the first step. Our team helps you navigate the entire process, ensuring your application is positioned for success.

Let Us Guide Your Australian Migration Journey

The Australian migration system can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The team of registered migration agents at This is Australia has the expertise to guide you through every stage of your application. We handle the complexities so you can focus on your future in Australia.

For a clear assessment of your options and professional assistance with your visa application, please get in touch with us. You can also give our Gold Coast office a call on +61 (0)7 5592 0755 to speak directly with one of our agents.