Australia Announces 2025-26 Migration Program Planning Levels: What You Need to Know

03 September 2025 On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government confirmed that the 2025-26 permanent Migration Program will be maintained at 185,000 places, consistent with the 2024-25 planning levels. This decision reflects the Government’s commitment to a skilled, sustainable, and socially cohesive migration system that supports Australia’s long-term economic and demographic goals. Program Composition for 2025-26 The Migration Program is made up of three streams: • Skill Stream - 132,200 places (approx. 71%) • Family Stream - 52,500 places (approx. 28%) • Special Eligibility Stream - 300 places Key Stream Highlights 1. Skill Stream (132,200 places - 71% of the program) The Skill stream continues to be the backbone of Australia’s migration intake. It is focused on attracting workers with the skills, qualifications, and entrepreneurial capacity required to meet national and regional labour shortages, especially in key industries and less populated areas. Notable Subcategories: • Employer Sponsored: 44,000 places • Skilled Independent: 16,900 places • Regional: 33,000 places • State/Territory Nominated: 33,000 places • Business Innovation & Investment: 1,000 places • Talent and Innovation: 4,300 places New in 2025-26: The Talent and Innovation category replaces the former Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas, aligning with the rollout of the National Innovation visa. Existing applicants under the previous categories will not be disadvantaged. Regional and State/Territory Nominations These visa pathways make up 50% of the Skill stream, reinforcing the importance of regional migration to Australia’s economic strategy. Each state and territory has its own nomination criteria tailored to local workforce demands. 2. Family Stream (52,500 places - 28% of the program) Family migration allows Australians to reunite with their loved ones and strengthen social cohesion. This stream remains unchanged for 2025-26. Subcategories: • Partner Visas: 40,500 places (Demand-driven) • Parent Visas: 8,500 places • Child Visas: 3,000 places (Demand-driven) • Other Family: 500 places Partner and Child visas are not capped and are processed based on demand, with planning levels used for indicative purposes only. 3. Special Eligibility Stream (300 places) This small but important stream supports unique circumstances, such as permanent residents returning to Australia after time overseas. Understanding the Migration Program’s Broader Impact The permanent Migration Program is just one part of Australia’s total Net Overseas Migration (NOM). NOM includes a broader range of migrants, such as international students, working holiday makers, and humanitarian entrants. Importantly: • Over 60% of skilled and 47% of family visa grants in 2023-24 were made to onshore applicants, already living in the community. • This reduces pressure on housing, infrastructure, and essential services, mitigating the impact of migration in the short term. Need Help Navigating Your Migration Options? At IR Legal, we specialise in Australian immigration law and provide clear, effective legal guidance on all aspects of the Migration Program, including: • Employer and skilled migration • Regional and state-nominated visas • Partner, parent, and child visas • Business innovation pathways • National Innovation visa transitions Whether you're planning to sponsor a family member or apply under the Skill stream, our experienced team is here to help. Book a consultation today at www.irlegal.lawyer or contact us directly to explore your options. 📞 Australia: 1800 720 720 📞 New Zealand: +64 27 566 1155 Email: admin@irlegal.lawyer 🌐 www.irlegal.lawyer