Australia Migration Program 2025–2026: Stability Despite Debate
- michelle0188
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 20
Australia migration program 2025-2026: Stability despite debate
With growing public protests and debates about immigration, many migrants are unsure whether now is the right time to move to Australia. Despite political pressure, the Australian Government has confirmed that the permanent Migration Program for 2025-2026 will remain at 185,000 places, the same as 2024-2025.
Of this total:
132,200 places (71%) are allocated to the Skilled stream
52,500 places go to the Family stream
300 places are reserved for Special Eligibility
This confirms the government’s long-term reliance on skilled migration to support Australia’s economy, regional growth and workforce needs.
Skilled migration stream 2025–2026 - Breakdown and key numbers
Visa Category | 2025-2026 Places |
Employer Sponsored (Subclass 186) | 44,000 |
Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) | 16,900 |
State/Territory Nominated (Subclass 190) | 33,000 |
Regional Visas (Subclass 491/494) | 33,000 |
Business Innovation & Investment Program (BIIP) | 1,000 |
Talent & Innovation (incl. new National Innovation Visa) | 4,300 |
Total Skilled Stream | 132,200 |
These numbers are unchanged from 2024–25 — signalling stability. However, competition remains high, particularly for Skilled Independent and State Nominated visas.
Have state nomination quotas been released yet?
This is one of the most common questions — and the answer is: not fully.
The Commonwealth has confirmed national visa allocations, but state and territory nomination quotas (Subclass 190 & 491) have not yet been fully announced.
Some states, like Tasmania and Western Australia, have only received interim allocations to process on-hand applications.
Most states are still closed or partially open for new registrations or invitations for 2025-2026.
What this means for visa applicants:
State/Territory | Status (as of now) |
Victoria | Awaiting full quota announcement |
New South Wales | Not yet open for 2025–26 nominations |
Queensland | Closed – reopening pending federal allocations |
Western Australia | Interim allocations only |
South Australia | Program paused, waiting for full quota |
Tasmania | Interim quota of 165 places |
ACT (Canberra) | Awaiting allocation |
Northern Territory | Yet to open 2025–26 program |
📌 Opportunities
Stable visa numbers = predictable strategy and planning
Employer-sponsored visas remain the strongest pathway to PR
Regional visas (491/494) are still a major focus - over 33,000 places available
National Innovation Visa opens a new pathway for highly skilled professionals and global talent
⚠️ Challenges
No increase in visa allocations = high competition
State nomination programs are delayed or not yet open
Skilled Independent (189 visa) numbers are low (16,900), making invitations more competitive
How you can improve your chances:
✔ Secure employer sponsorship (Subclass 186 or 482 → 186 PR pathway)
✔ Consider regional areas with higher visa allocations
✔ Prepare early for state nomination requirements (skills assessment, English, ROI/EOI)
✔ Monitor state migration websites for updates
✔ Improve points score - target 85+ for Subclass 189 and 190
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Has the Australian Government released state quotas for 2025–26?
Not fully. Only interim allocations have been released for some states like Tasmania and WA. Full quotas for each state are expected soon.
2. Will the Skilled Migration Program increase?
No. The Skilled stream remains at 132,200 for 2025–26, same as 2024–25.
3. Is it harder to get a Skilled Independent (189) visa now?
Yes. With only 16,900 places, competition is high. Most invitations go to candidates with high points (85–95+).
4. Is regional migration still a good pathway to PR?
Absolutely. With 33,000 places for Subclass 491/494, regional visas remain a strong pathway to permanent residency.
Final takeaway
Australia’s 2025–26 migration program is stable but competitive. While visa numbers remain unchanged, state nomination programs have not yet released full allocations, so applicants should prepare now — and act quickly when states open.
Contact us for a free consultation
Thinking about applying for an Australian visa under the 2025–2026 Migration Program? Get the right start with a free consultation for your Australian visa. Our Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1804986) provides expert advice on skilled, family, and employer-sponsored visas — helping you choose the best pathway to permanent residency.
At Fineberg Migration Services, you’ll always speak directly with a licensed migration agent - not unqualified staff. We provide clear, ethical guidance to help you reach your migration goals with confidence.
💻 Visit www.fmigration.com.au
✉️ Email: info@fmigration.com.au
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