Australia Keeps Permanent Migration at 185,000 for 2025-26
Here’s what this means for skilled migrants and future applicants.
If you’re considering making Australia your new home, here’s some important news: the Federal Government has confirmed that the permanent migration program for 2025-26 will remain at 185,000 places, the same as last year. While the overall numbers haven’t changed, the announcement still brings clarity to thousands of skilled workers and families waiting for updates on their migration pathways. With States and Territories expected to start opening nominations soon, now is the time to stay informed and prepare your applications.
What’s Happening with State and Territory Nominations?
Almost three months into the new migration program year, many States and Territories have yet to open their nomination programs for the subclass 190 Skilled – Nominated visa and the subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. This delay was linked to the Federal Government’s late confirmation of this year’s intake numbers. Now that the numbers are locked in, we can expect more movement in the coming weeks.
The 2025-26 Migration Program in Numbers
On 02 September 2025, the Government announced that the permanent migration intake would remain at 185,000 places, mirroring 2024-25 levels. The Department of Home Affairs has since published the planning levels, which essentially replicate last year’s program.
One minor change is that the now-closed Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas have been rolled into the subclass 858 National Innovation visa, mainly to accommodate any remaining legacy applications.
Skilled Migration Still a Priority
The announcement was reinforced by the Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs after meeting with State and Territory Ministers. Key topics included:
- The role of regional migration in supporting local economies
- Updates on Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs), which continue to help regional businesses fill critical skill gaps
- The importance of improving visa processing times, especially for skilled migration streams
For many businesses, especially in regional areas, DAMAs remain a vital tool—helping employers access international talent where the standard employer-sponsored visas (such as the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa and subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa) might not apply.
What This Means for Applicants
While the intake numbers haven’t increased, the confirmation provides stability for skilled migrants planning their next steps. If you’re planning to secure a nomination, now is the time to:
- Stay updated on when your State or Territory opens its program
- Prepare all supporting documents in advance
- Seek professional guidance to ensure your application is strong and compliant
At AMVPS, we stay on top of every migration update so you don’t have to. Whether you’re exploring skilled migration, regional pathways, or employer sponsorship, our team can guide you step by step toward achieving your Australian dream.
📩 Contact us today to discuss your options and get started with your migration journey.
For more information, you can visit:
https://www.dfat.gov.au/
