Migration Planning Level 2025-26
​​​2025-26 Australia Migration Forecast: Skill Stream Planning Levels & Regional Insights
Australia’s 2025-26 Migration Program introduces a multi-year planning model, marking a significant shift in immigration strategy. This model provides a longer-term view to align migration with national priorities such as infrastructure planning, workforce shortages, and housing supply. Based on the latest Federal Budget 2025-26 and updates from the Department of Home Affairs, this article presents a forecast for the Skill stream visa allocations, regional state insights, and the strategic value of studying in regional Australia.
Note: This is an independent predictive analysis by Newsted Global based on current trends and government data as of June 2025. Official 2025-26 figures will be confirmed later in the year.​
Forecast Table: 2025-26 Skills Visa Allocation Predictions

Key Insights: Visa Category Trends and Projections
Employer Sponsored Visa
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Continued growth driven by demand in construction, healthcare, and energy sectors
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Supportive policies for sponsored skilled workers
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Prediction: Up to 45,000 placements
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Skilled Independent Visa
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Reduced intake aligned with housing and infrastructure constraints in major cities
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Competitive points threshold likely to remain
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Prediction: Stabilising around 15,000
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Regional Migration Visa
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Regional migration remains a federal and state priority
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Demand-led occupations in Tasmania, South Australia, and Northern Territory
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Prediction: Growth to 35,000 allocations
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State and Territory Nominated Visas
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South Australia expected to receive a boost (construction, early childhood, net zero roles)
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Victoria remains focused on early childhood and aged care
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Prediction: Increase to 34,000
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BIIP and Global Talent Program
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Business visa reforms continue; intake likely to reduce further
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Global Talent to remain targeted but smaller in scale
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Prediction: BIIP: 800 | GTI: 3,500
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Regional State Migration Focus: 2025-26 Outlook
State/Territory 2025-26 Focus
Queensland: Limited intake; regional Queensland prioritised
Tasmania: Regional growth; focus on education and healthcare
South Australia: Major increase anticipated; key sectors: construction, early childhood, renewables
Victoria: Continued emphasis on early childhood education
Western Australia: Continued demand for occupations in key sectors including government incentive for employees. key sectors: construction, teaching, social work.
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Why Study in Regional Australia?
Studying in regional Australia remains a strategic pathway for skilled migration, especially under the new multi-year framework.
✅ Key Benefits:
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More migration points (up to 5 extra for regional graduates)
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Longer post-study work rights (up to 3-4 years)
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Easier access to state/territory nomination programs
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Lower cost of living
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Greater community support and visa pathways
Popular regional study hubs: Adelaide, Perth, Geelong, Woolongong, Darwin, Canberra, Hobart etc.
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📉 NOM Reduction & Long-Term Planning
Australia’s Net Overseas Migration (NOM) will decline over the next few years:
Year Projected NOM
2023-24: 446,000
2024-25: 335,000
2025-26: 260,000
2026-29: 225,000 (annual avg)
This underscores a shift from volume-driven migration to value and outcome-based migration policy.
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📌 Conclusion
The 2025-26 Australia migration program is set to become more strategic, regionalised, and skills-focused. States like South Australia and Tasmania are poised for stronger allocations, while national attention shifts to green economy jobs, early childhood education, and construction.
Working right for Student visa holders is 48 hrs per fortnight in study period and unlimited hours during non-study period. Dependent of a Student visa holder (Master course); have full-time working right. Research and PhD students also, have full-time working right.
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