Australia: Migration Program Planning Levels 2025–26 Announced

The Australian government has confirmed that the 2025–26 Permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places, consistent with the 2024–25 program year. Following consultation with state and territory governments, it was agreed that both the overall size and the composition of the program would remain unchanged, with a continued emphasis on skilled migration. Within this allocation, 132,200 places are designated for the Skill stream, representing 71 percent of the program, while 52,500 places are allocated to the Family stream, making up 28 percent. A further 300 places are reserved for the Special Eligibility stream.      

A key change within the Skill stream is the introduction of the Talent and Innovation visa category, which will provide 4,300 places. This new category consolidates the previous Global Talent and Distinguished Talent programs and will encompass applications lodged under those visas, as well as the newly created National Innovation visa. The Family stream remains demand-driven in respect of Partner and Child visas, with indicative planning levels maintained in line with program expectations.      

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].