Australia’s migration program for 2025-2026 provides for 185,000 places for new migrants. The main emphasis is on attracting skilled workers, developing regions and supporting family reunification. Find out, a detailed overview of visa quotas, key trends and the forecast for applicants

Order a consultation with a migration specialist to avoid unpleasant situations during the move

Buy

On 2 September 2025, the Australian government announced the planned levels of the permanent migration program for the 2025–26 financial year. The total number of places will be 185,000, which is in line with the previous year's rules. The main emphasis is on attracting skilled workers to support the economy and fill labor shortages, especially in regional areas.

We will tell you about the visa quotas in Australia for the coming year and the main trends in this article.

Australia has updated the rules for English language testing for visas from 7 August 2025. We have already talked about the new tests, minimum scores and changes for IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CELPIP, LanguageCert and MET.

How will visa quotas in Australia be distributed next year?

Australia’s permanent migration program for 2025–2026 will consist of:

- Skills Stream – 132,200 places (71%)

Aimed to boost economic productivity and fill talent gaps.

- Family Stream – 52,500 places (28%)

Allows citizens and permanent residents to reunite with family and create pathways to citizenship.

- Special Category – 300 places

For applicants in exceptional circumstances, including those returning to Australia after a period abroad.

Detailed quotas for different visa categories in Australia

- Employer Sponsorship – 44,000 places.

- Skilled Independent (independent applicants) – 16,900 places.

- Regional Visas – 33,000 places.

- State and Territory Nomination – 33,000 places.

- Innovation and Talent (new National Innovation visa category) – 4,300 places.

- Business Innovation and Investment – ​​1,000 places.

- Family visas – 52,000 places (including partner visas – 40,500 permits, parent visas – 8,500 visas and child visas – 3,000 visas).

- Other categories – 500 permits.

Total – 185,000 permits.

In 2025, Australia launched the National Innovation Visa (NIV), which paves the way for scientists, entrepreneurs, artists and athletes from around the world, rules and requirements here.

Analytics and trends of Australia's migration policy for the coming year

1. Focus on skilled personnel

The preservation of 71% of the program in the "Skills" direction indicates the government's long-term strategy: Australia seeks not only to fill temporary vacancies, but also to increase the productivity of the economy. This is especially relevant against the backdrop of an aging population and a declining birth rate.

2. Regional development as a strategic priority

Together, regional and state programs occupy 36% of the total planning level. This means that the government is actively encouraging migrants to choose less developed regions where there is a shortage of personnel. For potential applicants, this is a chance to get a visa faster than through general programs, but with a condition of residence in a specific region.

3. Innovation visa as a signal for highly qualified specialists

The launch of the National Innovation visa with 4,300 places is an attempt to attract top talents and entrepreneurs after the closure of the Global Talent and Distinguished Talent programs. Australia is effectively creating its own analogue of the “startup visa”, focusing on attracting new technologies and investments.

4. Stability of family migration

Maintaining quotas in the family stream indicates a balance between economic and social goals. Partner and child visas remain demand-driven – this is flexibility for the government, but also some unpredictability for applicants.

5. Limited impact on the housing market

More than half of permanent visas in 2023–24 were received by people who had already been to Australia. This allows minimizing pressure on the housing market, which is important against the background of rising prices and a shortage of rental apartments in large cities.

Forecast for applicants in Australia for 2025-2026

- Skilled workers with experience in healthcare, construction, engineering and IT will have the highest chances.

- Those who are ready to move to the regions or receive a nomination from the state will be able to take advantage of accelerated processing of applications.

- Innovators and entrepreneurs will receive new opportunities through the National Innovation visa.

- Family programs remain at a stable level, but competition among applicants is high.

Australia does not change the overall volume of the migration program, but clearly places emphasis on qualified personnel, regional development and talent attraction. For potential migrants, this means that the chances of success increase significantly if they focus on demanded professions and are ready for mobility within the country.

Australian migration legislation is complex, and even a small error in the application can lead to a refusal. To increase your chances of success, you should contact experienced migration lawyers who will help you choose the right visa, prepare documents and accompany you at all stages.

Recall! Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a permit that opens the easiest path to permanent residence in Australia for skilled workers, as the visa offers flexibility and independence, as it does not require sponsorship from an employer or state government. We have already told you what the conditions for obtaining a visa are and who can apply for PR in Australia.