AU Permanent Migration Program 2025–26 Confirmed: 185,000 Australia PR Places
The Australian Government has confirmed that the Permanent Migration Program for 2025–26 will remain at 185,000 places, with no changes to the structure or balance between streams.
This decision follows consultations with states and territories, all of which supported maintaining the current size and composition, ensuring stability for both employers and migrants.
📊 Migration Program Planning Levels
The program continues with the same allocations first set in 2024–25, which now extend into 2025–26.
Total Program
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 185,000 permanent places | 185,000 permanent places |
| Skill stream | 132,200 (≈71%) |
| Family stream | 52,500 (≈28%) |
| Special Eligibility | 300 (<1%) |
| Source | (Department of Home Affairs – Migration Program Levels) |
🛠️ Skill Stream Breakdown (132,200 places)
| Category | Places / Notes |
|---|---|
| Employer-Sponsored visas | 44,000 → Learn more about Employer-Sponsored Visas |
| Regional visas | 33,000 → See details on the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa |
| State/Territory nominated visas | 33,000 → Explore the State Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa |
| Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) | 16,900 (reduced from 30,375) → Read about the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa |
| Global Talent (Independent) | 4,000 (reduced from 5,000) |
| Business Innovation & Investment | 1,000 (reduced from 1,900) |
| Distinguished Talent | 300 (unchanged) |
📦 Family Stream Breakdown (52,500 places)
| Category | Places / Notes |
|---|---|
| Partner visas | ~40,500 (demand-driven) → Learn more about Partner and Family Visas |
| Child visas | ~3,000 (demand-driven) Learn More Child Visa |
| Other family visas (e.g., Parent, Other Family) | balance of places |
🧾 Special Eligibility (300 places)
Reserved for unique cases such as permanent residents returning to Australia.
🎯 Minister’s Statement
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Tony Burke confirmed the program stability, noting that:
“The Department has been processing visas at this level since last year, so there has been no disruption to the delivery of the program.”
🌏 Why This Matters for Migrants
Stability: No surprises — applicants can plan confidently knowing intake levels are fixed.
Skill Priority: Over 70% of places continue to be reserved for skilled migration, favouring occupations in demand such as healthcare, engineering, and IT.
Family Reunification: Strong allocation for partner visas, ensuring families can reunite without long delays.
✅ Next Steps for Applicants
If you’re preparing to apply under the 2025–26 Migration Program, now is the time to:
Secure your skills assessment and English test results.
Explore pathways such as Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (190), or Regional (491).
Consider employer sponsorship through Subclass 482, 494, or 186 if eligible.
👉 Check Your Visa Eligibility Today
👉 Book a Consultation with a Registered MARA Agent
📌 Sources
Minister for Home Affairs – Media Release, 2 September 2025
Department of Home Affairs – Migration Program Planning Levels 2024–25
