Permanent Migration Program 2026-27
The Australian Government has announced the 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program, maintaining the overall program size at 185,000 places, with a continued focus on skilled migration and supporting migrants already living in Australia.
The program will continue with an approximate 70:30 split between Skilled and Family visas, reflecting the government’s priority to address workforce shortages while supporting family reunification.
Key Highlights of the 2026–27 Migration Program
- Total Migration Program: 185,000 places
- Skilled Migration Program: 132,240 places (71%)
- Family Migration Program: 52,460 places (28%)
- Special Eligibility Stream: 300 places
- Strong emphasis on onshore applicants already living and working in Australia
- Increased places for:
- Reduced allocation for:
The government has confirmed that approximately 129,590 places will be allocated to migrants already in Australia, helping temporary visa holders transition to permanent residency while reducing pressure on net overseas migration.
Skilled Migration Program 2026–27
The Skilled Migration Program remains the largest component of Australia’s migration system and is designed to address critical skill shortages across sectors such as:
- Healthcare
- Information Technology (ICT)
- Engineering
- Construction
- Education
- Science
Skilled migration also continues to support workforce growth in regional Australia.
Skilled Visa Allocations
| Visa Category | 2026–27 Planning Level |
|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) | 21,090 |
| Employer Sponsored | 58,040 |
| State/Territory Nominated (Subclass 190) | 35,500 |
| Regional (Subclass 491) | 14,110 |
| Talent and Innovation | 3,500 |
| Total Skilled Program | 132,240 |
States and Territories each assess eligible applicants against criteria unique to their jurisdiction.
Skilled Independent Visa Increase
The increase in the Skilled Independent visa allocation reflects strong employment outcomes and positive economic contributions from highly skilled migrants.
Employer Sponsored Visa Expansion
The significant increase in Employer Sponsored visa places supports employers facing ongoing skills shortages and provides clearer pathways to permanent residency for temporary skilled workers already contributing to the Australian economy.
Changes to Regional Migration
While the government continues to support regional migration, the allocation for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa has been reduced. Regional migration pathways will still remain important through:
- State and Territory nomination programs
- Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)
- Regional employer sponsorship pathways
Related:
State and Territory Nomination Programs
The 2026–27 program includes increased allocations for State and Territory Nominated visas (Subclass 190), allowing Australian states and territories to continue addressing their unique labour market needs.
Each state and territory maintains its own eligibility criteria and occupation priorities.
Further information on State and Territory nomination requirements can be found at:
- ACT – Skilled Visa – ACT nomination and Business Migration Guidelines
- NSW – Visas and Immigration
- VIC – Live in Melbourne
- QLD – Business & Skilled Migration Queensland
- NT – Northern Territory Visa nomination eligibility
- WA – Business Migration Western Australia (BIIP) or Skilled Migration Western Australia (190 and 491 visas)
- SA – Move to South Australia
- TAS – Migration Tasmania
Business Innovation and Investment visa program (BIIP) 188 has ceased
The Business Innovation and Investment visa program (BIIP) 188 visa has ceased, with refunds of the visa application charge provided from September 2024 for those who wish to withdraw their BIIP application.
Related: Federal Budget – Australia Immigration
Talent and Innovation Visa Changes
The Talent and Innovation category has been reduced to 3,500 places, with the government focusing on applicants who demonstrate internationally recognised achievements.
This category now includes the new National Innovation Visa, along with remaining applications under:
- Global Talent Visa
- Distinguished Talent Visa
- Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)
Existing applicants will continue to be assessed under the criteria in place at the time they applied.
| VISA STREAM | VISA CATEGORY | 2024–25 PLANNING LEVELS | 2025-26 PLANNING LEVELS | 2026-27 PLANNING LEVELS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Migration Program | ||||
| Commonwealth Program | Skilled Independent | 16,900 | 16,900 | 21,090 |
| Talent and Innovation1 | 5,300 | 5,300 | 3,500 | |
| Employer Program | Employer-Sponsored | 44,000 | 44,000 | 58,040 |
| State and Territory Program | Regional | 33,000 | 33,000 | 14,110 |
| State/Territory Nominated | 33,000 | 33,000 | 35,500 | |
| Total Skilled Program | 132,200 | 132,200 | 132,240 | |
| Australian Family Program | ||||
| Partner & Child2 | Partner | 40,500 | 40,500 | 41,500 |
| Child | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,500 | |
| Parent & Other Family | Parent | 8,500 | 8,500 | 7,060 |
| Other Family | 500 | 500 | 400 | |
| Total Family Program | 52,500 | 52,500 | 52,460 | |
| Special Eligibility | 300 | 300 | 300 | |
| Total Migration Program | 185,000 | 185,000 | 185,000 | |
| 1 The Talent and Innovation category includes the National Innovation Visa, as well as the Global Talent, Distinguished Talent and Business Innovation & Investment visas, which are closed to new applications. The 2025-26 planning level has been adjusted to reflect this. | ||||
| 2 Delivery of the Partner and Child visa categories are demand driven, with indicative planning levels only. | ||||
Family Migration Program 2026–27
Family migration remains a key part of Australia’s migration system, supporting family reunification and social cohesion.
Family Visa Allocations
| Visa Category | 2026–27 Planning Level |
|---|---|
| Partner Visas | 41,500 |
| Child Visas | 3,500 |
| Parent Visas | 7,060 |
| Other Family Visas | 400 |
| Total Family Program | 52,460 |
Partner and Child Visas
Partner and Child visas remain demand-driven categories, meaning eligible applicants can continue lodging applications regardless of annual planning levels.
The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising child reunification cases.
Focus on Onshore Permanent Residency Pathways
A major theme of the 2026–27 Migration Program is the continued prioritisation of migrants already in Australia.
The government confirmed that:
- 61% of permanent skilled visas in 2024–25 were granted to onshore applicants
- 39% of family visas were granted to onshore applicants
- Future permanent residency pathways will continue to favour temporary migrants already contributing to the Australian workforce and economy
This creates stronger opportunities for:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS / Skills in Demand) visa holders
- Graduate visa holders
- Employer-sponsored workers
- State nominated applicants already in Australia
What This Means for Migrants
The 2026–27 Migration Program signals that Australia remains committed to skilled migration while increasingly favouring applicants already living and working in Australia.
Key trends include:
- Greater focus on employer-sponsored migration
- More competitive offshore skilled migration
- Stronger pathways for onshore temporary residents
- Continued demand for highly skilled professionals
- Ongoing support for family reunification
Need Help Applying for Australian Permanent Residency?
VisaEnvoy’s registered migration agents can help you assess your eligibility and prepare applications for:
- Skilled Independent visas (Subclass 189)
- State Nominated visas (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional visas (Subclass 491)
- Employer Sponsored visas
- Partner visas
- Parent visas
- National Innovation visas
Contact VisaEnvoy today for expert migration advice tailored to your circumstances.
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