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Australia’s 2025–26 Migration Plan Focuses on Skilled Migration and Family Reunification
Australia’s 2025–26 Migration Plan Focuses on Skilled Migration and Family Reunification
Australia Migration Program Planning Levels 2025–26
On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government confirmed that the permanent Migration Program for 2025–26 will remain at 185,000 places, maintaining the same program settings as 2024–25.
This program continues to prioritise skilled migration, ensuring Australia can address workforce challenges, support regional development, and strengthen the economy, while also maintaining opportunities for family reunification and special circumstances.
Skill Stream:
The Skill stream makes up the largest share of the program, with 132,200 places, representing around 71% of the total allocation. This stream is designed to:
Enhance the productive capacity of the economy
Fill critical labour market shortages
Strengthen regional Australia by encouraging skilled migration beyond the major cities
Within this stream, visas cover categories such as Employer Sponsored, Skilled Independent, Regional, State and Territory Nominated, Business Innovation and Investment, and the new Talent and Innovation category.
As part of the transition, applicants previously in the Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visa programs will now be included under the new National Innovation visa pathway. Importantly, existing applications lodged under the earlier categories will continue to be assessed based on the criteria applicable at the time of application.
Regional and State/Territory Nominated Pathways:
Together, the Regional and State/Territory nominated categories account for over one-third of the overall Migration Program and about half of the Skill stream.
These programs allow Australian states and territories to attract skilled migrants who can address their unique workforce and economic needs. Each jurisdiction applies its own criteria, enabling flexibility to target priority occupations and regional requirements.
Family Stream:
The Family stream is allocated 52,500 places, which is approximately 28% of the program. This stream plays a vital role in ensuring family reunification and strengthening social cohesion within Australian communities.
The Partner visa program continues to be the largest component of this stream and operates on a demand-driven model. This approach ensures that the number of Partner visas granted reflects actual demand rather than being limited by strict quotas.
The Child visa program also operates as demand-driven, set at 3,000 places for planning purposes. This ensures that Australian citizens and residents can reunite with their children or dependent relatives, with the best interests of the child remaining the primary consideration.
Special Eligibility Stream:
A smaller component of the Migration Program, the Special Eligibility stream, provides 300 places. This stream is reserved for unique circumstances, such as permanent residents returning to Australia after a period overseas.
Relationship with Net Overseas Migration (NOM)
It is important to note that the permanent Migration Program is only one part of Australia’s overall migration picture. Net Overseas Migration (NOM) also includes temporary migration, such as international students and working holiday makers.
NOM is measured based on the number of people entering or leaving Australia for 12 months or more within a 16-month period. This includes Australian citizens, New Zealanders, and humanitarian migrants.
The Government has highlighted that the permanent Migration Program is not a major driver of post-COVID NOM fluctuations. In fact, in 2023–24:
61% of permanent skilled visas
47% of permanent family visas
were granted to applicants already living in Australia. This means the immediate impact on housing, infrastructure, and services remains limited, as many successful applicants were already part of established households in the community.
Why This Matters?
The 2025–26 Migration Program strikes a balance between economic needs and social priorities. By maintaining its planning level at 185,000 places, the Government is ensuring:
The workforce is supported with skilled migrants where needed most
Regional communities benefit from targeted settlement programs
Families remain connected through reunification pathways
Special circumstances continue to be recognised
This balanced approach keeps migration central to Australia’s economic resilience, population growth strategy, and social cohesion goals.
If you are considering migrating to Australia, this is an excellent opportunity to explore skilled migration pathways, family visas, or special eligibility options under the 2025–26 program.
