The Australian Government has officially announced the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program on 12 May 2026. The total number of migration places will stay at 185,000, the same as the previous two years.
The program will continue to focus mainly on skilled migrants, with around 71% of places allocated to skilled visas and 28% to family visas.
One main focus this year is to support migrants who are already living in Australia. More permanent visa places will be given to people already working, studying, and contributing to Australia.
| Migration Program Comparison by Financial Year
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| Visa Category | 2024 – 25 | 2025 – 26 | 2026 – 27 |
| Skilled Independent | 16,900 | 16,900 | 21,090 |
| Talent & Innovation | 5,300 | 5,300 | 3,500 |
| Employer-Sponsored | 44,000 | 44,000 | 58,040 |
| Regional (Subclass 491) | 33,000 | 33,000 | 14,110 |
| State/Territory Nominated (Subclass 190) | 33,000 | 33,000 | 35,500 |
| Total Skilled Program | 132,200 | 132,200 | 132,240 |
| Partner Visas | 40,500 | 40,500 | 41,500 |
| Child Visas | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,500 |
| Parent Visas | 8,500 | 8,500 | 7,060 |
| Other Family Visas | 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 |
Key Priority on Onshore Applicants
For 2026–27, around 129,590 places will be allocated to migrants already living in Australia.
This means international students, temporary workers, and skilled migrants already in Australia may have better opportunities to move to permanent residency.
The government says this approach also helps reduce pressure on Net Overseas Migration (NOM).
Employer-Sponsored Visas Receive Big Increase
One of the biggest changes is the increase in Employer-Sponsored visas.
The number of places rises from 44,000 to 58,040.
This is good news for workers already employed in Australia because it creates more opportunities for permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
Skilled Independent Visa Also Increased
The Skilled Independent visa category increases from 16,900 to 21,090 places.
This visa is popular because applicants do not need employer sponsorship or state nomination. It is aimed at highly skilled workers with strong qualifications and work experience.
State Nomination Increased, But Regional Reduced
The government increased the number of State Nominated visas (Subclass 190) to 35,500 places.
However, Regional visas (Subclass 491) were reduced significantly from 33,000 to 14,110 places.
Even so, Australia still encourages migration to regional areas through other pathways, including DAMA agreements and regional employer sponsorship.
Family Visas Continue to Be Important
The Family Program remains an important part of Australia’s migration system.
Partner visas increased slightly to 41,500 places, while Child visas also increased.
Parent and Other Family visa numbers were reduced slightly to balance the program.
What Does This Mean for Migrants?
The 2026–27 Migration Program shows that Australia continues to prioritise:
- Skilled workers
- Employer-sponsored migrants
- Migrants already living in Australia
- Family reunification
For international students and temporary visa holders already in Australia, this may create stronger pathways to permanent residency in the coming years.
If you are planning to study, work, or migrate to Australia, it is important to prepare early and understand your available visa options.
Our team can help you with:
- Course enrolment
- Student visas
- Skilled migration
- State nomination
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Permanent residency pathways
- Family / Partner visa
Contact us today for FREE CONSULTATION to get professional guidance on your Australian migration journey.
Date Created: 28 May 2026
Source: Permanent Migration Program planning levels
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