Australia’s 2025-2026 Migration Program: Skill Stream Breakdown

We know many prospective migrants are currently feeling uncertain about moving to Australia, especially in light of recent protests and public debates around immigration. These concerns are real and worth recognising.

Despite these protests, the Australian Government has officially confirmed that the 2025–2026 permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places, identical to the previous year. Within this total, the Skill stream continues to dominate with 132,200 places, making up around 71% of the program. This decision signals stability and long-term confidence in migration’s role in Australia’s economy and society, despite the current political climate.

Stability in the Skill Stream

The Skill stream allocation has not changed between 2024–2025 and 2025–2026. This means:

• Skilled migrants will continue to be the largest contributor to the migration intake.

• Employers and states/territories retain consistent pathways for bringing in workers to address skill shortages.

  
  

Skill Stream Breakdown (2024–2025 vs 2025–2026)

Category	2024–25	2025–26	Change
Employer Sponsored	36,825	36,825	➡️ Same
Skilled Independent	30,375	30,375	➡️ Same
State/Territory Nominated (190)	30,400	30,400	➡️ Same
Regional (491/494)	32,300	32,300	➡️ Same
Business Innovation & Investment (BIIP)	1,900	1,900	➡️ Same
Global Talent (Distinguished Talent)	5,000	5,000	➡️ Same
Skilled Other	400	400	➡️ Same
Total Skill Stream	132,200	132,200	➡️ Same

Key Observations

• Employer Sponsored remains the largest category, with 36,825 places, reflecting the government’s emphasis on addressing workforce shortages.

• Regional visas (491/494) stay strong at 32,300, highlighting the ongoing priority of encouraging settlement outside major cities.

• State/Territory Nominated visas remain at 30,400, continuing to provide pathways for those supported by local governments.

• Skilled Independent visas hold steady at 30,375, giving opportunities for highly skilled migrants without sponsorship.

• Global Talent and BIIP allocations remain unchanged, with Global Talent at 5,000 and BIIP at 1,900, showing no further cuts despite ongoing debates.

  
  

What This Means for Applicants

• Consistency and predictability: The unchanged numbers mean applicants can plan with greater certainty, knowing the government has maintained its priorities.

• Competition remains high: With no increase in allocations, the demand for these places will continue to outstrip supply, especially in Skilled Independent and State Nominated pathways.

• Regional opportunities: With over 32,000 spots, regional pathways remain a critical option for many applicants seeking permanent residency.

  
  

The 2025–2026 Migration Program demonstrates the government’s decision to maintain stability in the Skill stream. With no changes from the previous year, Australia continues to focus on attracting skilled workers to fill labour shortages, support regional growth, and strengthen the economy.

For prospective migrants, this means planning strategies should align with the existing structure, with close attention to employer sponsorships, regional pathways, and state nomination opportunities.