The Australian Government announced on September 2, 2025, that the Permanent Migration Program for 2025-26 will maintain its planning level at 185,000 places, unchanged from the previous year. This decision, following consultations with states and territories, underscores a commitment to stability and a skilled migration focus amid ongoing economic recovery and labor market needs. While the overall cap remains steady, subtle adjustments in composition and thresholds aim to enhance program integrity and address skill shortages.
At Worldbridge, we advise clients on these updates to optimize applications for visas like Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or 482 (Skills in Demand). Here’s a concise overview of the changes and what they mean for prospective migrants.
Program Composition: Skilled Focus Sustained
The 185,000 places are distributed as follows, preserving the 2024-25 structure:
- Skill Stream: 132,200 places (71% of total), emphasizing employer-sponsored, state-nominated, and independent skilled visas to fill critical gaps in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and IT.
- Family Stream: 52,500 places (28%), primarily for partner and child visas, with minor allocations for parents.
- Special Eligibility Stream: 300 places for unique humanitarian or administrative cases.
No major reallocations occurred, but the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) rises to AUD 76,515 from July 1, 2025 (up from AUD 73,150), impacting Subclass 482 nominations. Specialist roles now require AUD 141,210, ensuring high-caliber talent.
Notable Changes: Innovation and Regional Priorities
- National Innovation Visa Launch: Replacing the Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas, this new pathway fast-tracks PR for exceptional innovators in tech, AI, and green energy. No points test required; applicants need evidence of impact (e.g., patents, AUD 500,000+ investment).
- Employer-Sponsored Boost: Allocations for Subclass 186/494 visas increase slightly to 44,000, supporting regional development and addressing shortages in construction and aged care.
- State/Territory Nominations: Up to 33,000 places, with interim allocations already issued (e.g., South Australia focusing on 2024-25 EOIs due to limited numbers). States like NSW and Victoria prioritize regional applicants.
- Processing Continuity: No disruptions expected, as 2025-26 processing has aligned with this cap since mid-2025.
These tweaks build on the Migration Strategy, promoting regional settlement (at least 30% of skilled visas) and reducing low-wage entries.
Implications for Applicants
For skilled professionals, the steady cap offers predictability—target high-demand occupations for invitations (points threshold ~65-80). Families benefit from unchanged partner visas, while innovators gain a streamlined route. However, rising TSMIT may challenge mid-level earners; focus on market-rate offers.
Australia’s system remains competitive yet accessible, with PR pathways like the Skilled Independent Visa favoring strong English scores and Australian qualifications.
Let Worldbridge Immigration Services be your guide to a successful future in Australia
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Website: www.theworldbridge.ca
Email: info@theworldbridge.ca
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