3 September 2025 Update

The allocation remains exactly same for across all stream with the exemption to Talent and Innovation stream which has 4,300 places and a newly introduced stream which a straight swap with Global Talent (Independent) and Distinguished Talent stream. Here's the 2025-26 allocation for major visa categories:

• Employer Sponsored 44,000

• Skilled Independent 16,900

• Regional 33,000

• State/Territory Nominated 33,000

• Business Innovation and Investment 1,000

• Talent and Innovation 4,300

Skill Total 132,200

• Partner 40,500

• Parent 8,500

• Child 3,000

• Other Family 500

Family Total 300

Total Migration Program 185,000

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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

Australian Capital Territory: Likely to have increased quota, huge incentive for ACT graduates and applicants with skilled partner

Western Australia: Continued demand for occupations in key sectors

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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:

• More migration points (up to 5 extra for regional graduates)

• Longer post-study work rights (up to 3-4 years)

• Easier access to state/territory nomination programs​​

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2 September 2025 Update
Australia will maintain the 2025-26 Permanent Migration Program at the same level and settings as the 2024-2025 Program, 185,000. It follows consultation with the states and territories, which recommended maintaining the size and composition of the Program, with a focus on skilled migration.

The Department of Home Affairs has been processing visas based on last year’s level, so there has been no disruption to the delivery of the Program.
 

​​​2025-26 Australian Migration Program

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.

The migration quota and state specific allocations are likely to be announced within this month. If you are seeking to lodge your Expression of Interest and Registration of Interest for specific states, it is important that you have an up to date EOI with valid passport, English Test score and other documents up to date. Some of the states require certain documents to be valid for a specific number of months.

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Guided by policy signals from key leaders; Bill Shorten in Canberra and Peter Malinauskas in South Australia, these two states are emerging as pivotal regions to watch, with South Australia, in particular, showing a comparatively favourable increase in state nomination allocations compared to the previous financial year. A higher state nomination quota does not necessarily indicate the right pathway for every applicant. It is essential to carefully assess your individual goals, professional background, and long-term migration priorities, and align them with the strategic focus and eligibility criteria of each state before deciding to relocate or lodge a nomination application.

Among all jurisdictions, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania remain relatively stable, showing minimal fluctuations in migration policies over time. With the rollout of new construction subsidy programs across various states, the construction sector continues to present a robust pathway for skilled migration. Meanwhile, despite recent scrutiny surrounding the childcare sector, it remains a high-priority occupation for many state nomination programs.​​