Key facts (updated October 2026)
- The main permanent residence streams are skilled, employer sponsored, family and talent visas.
- The Business Innovation and Investment program (188, 888 and 132) closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. The National Innovation visa (858) replaced the Global Talent visa in December 2024.
- The 482 Skills in Demand visa replaced the TSS visa on 7 December 2024. After 2 years with your sponsor you may qualify for the 186 Transition stream.
- The 2026 to 27 Migration Program is set at 185,000 places, with about 132,240 in the skill stream and 52,460 in the family stream.
There are 3 types of pathways to live in Australia permanently:
SKILLED |
BUSINESS |
PARTNER/PARENT |
|---|---|---|
| · Client has qualifications and/or work experience for an occupation on the occupations list | · Client has minimum 4 years of business ownership experience
· Client has directly managed and operated the business |
· Client is sponsored by a partner who is an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident
· Client is sponsored by their child because the child is an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident |
| TYPE OF PERMANENT VISAS:
· Subclass 189 (Independent Skilled) · Subclass 190 (State/ Territory Sponsor) |
TYPE OF PERMANENT VISAS:
· Subclass 188 (Business Owner): closed to new applications since 31 July 2024. Business owners and investors may now consider the National Innovation visa (858) or the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa. |
TYPE OF PERMANENT VISAS
· Partner Visas · Parent Visas |
If you do not fit any of the above categories yet, a common step by step pathway is:
| STUDENT VISA | GRADUATE VISA OR 482 Skills in Demand visa | SKILLED OR EMPLOYER SPONSORED | |
| Option 1 | · Client migrates to Australia on a Student Visa and studies a course that leads to an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL list) | · Client applies for a graduate visa to gain work experience in occupation | · Client applies for subclass 189 or subclass 190 |
| Option 2 | · Client migrates to Australia on a Student Visa to study a course that leads to an occupation on the occupations list | · Client finds an Australian Business to sponsor them on a subclass 482
· Works for the Australian sponsor for a minimum of 2 years |
· Client applies for subclass 186 visa
There are pathways to for DAMA visa holders |
Permanent visa pathways in 2026
Australia’s permanent visas fall into a few main groups. Use the tabs below to compare them, then check the planning levels to see where most places go.
Skilled visas
- Subclass 189: points tested, no sponsor needed. You need an invitation through SkillSelect.
- Subclass 190: points tested and nominated by a state or territory.
- Subclass 491: a 5 year regional provisional visa, nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative, leading to the 191 permanent visa after 3 years of regional living and taxable income.
You need an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, a positive skills assessment, competent English and at least 65 points on the points test.
2026 to 27 Migration Program planning levels
| Stream (2026 to 27 Migration Program) | Planned places |
|---|---|
| Employer sponsored | 58,040 |
| State and territory nominated | 35,500 |
| Skilled independent | 21,090 |
| Regional | 14,110 |
| Talent and innovation | 3,500 |
| Partner | 41,500 |
| Parent | 7,060 |
| Child | 3,500 |
| Other family | 400 |
| Total program | 185,000 |
About 300 further places are set aside for special eligibility visas. Planning levels are a ceiling, not a target, and can change during the year.
Permanent visa pathways: common questions
What is the easiest way to get PR in Australia?
There is no single easiest pathway. It depends on your occupation, age, English, work history, whether you have an employer or partner, and where you are willing to live. A registered migration agent can compare your options.
Can I still apply for the 188 business visa?
No. The 188, 888 and 132 business visas closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. Existing 188 holders may still be able to apply for the 888 permanent visa.
How long do I need to work for my employer before the 186 visa?
Under the Transition stream you generally need 2 years with your sponsor while holding a 482 (or 457) visa. Direct Entry applicants need a skills assessment and 3 years of relevant experience instead.
Is a student visa a pathway to PR?
A student visa is temporary, but study in Australia can lead to a 485 graduate visa, work experience and then a skilled or employer sponsored visa. Choose a course linked to an occupation in demand.
Do regional visas lead to PR?
Yes. The 491 and 494 regional provisional visas lead to the 191 permanent visa after 3 years in regional Australia.
Book a meeting for a commitment free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find more about your visa options.
