2026–27 Australia Migration Program: Key Visa Planning Levels

The Australian Government has confirmed the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places.

Although the total number has not changed from the previous program year, the Government has adjusted several visa categories. These changes may affect skilled visa applicants, employer-sponsored applicants and family visa applicants.

Overall program breakdown

For 2026–27, the Migration Program includes:

• Skill stream: 132,240 places
• Family stream: 52,460 places
• Special Eligibility stream: 300 places

This means Australia will continue to give most permanent visa places to skilled migration.

Onshore applicants remain a priority

The Government will continue to prioritise applicants who already live in Australia.

Across the Skill and Family streams, the program allocates 129,590 places to onshore migrants. The remaining 55,110 places will mainly focus on offshore high-skilled migrants who can support Australia’s long-term workforce needs.

Therefore, applicants already in Australia may continue to benefit from this policy direction.

Skilled Independent visas

The Skilled Independent category has increased from 16,900 places to 21,090 places.

This category is relevant to independent skilled migration pathways, including the subclass 189 visa.

As a result, some skilled applicants may see improved opportunities through the independent skilled migration pathway. However, competition will still depend on occupation, points score and invitation rounds.

Employer Sponsored visas

The Employer Sponsored category has increased significantly, from 44,000 places to 58,040 places.

This is one of the most important changes in the 2026–27 program. It shows that the Government continues to place strong emphasis on employer-sponsored migration.

This category is relevant to permanent employer-sponsored pathways, including the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.

Therefore, applicants with an eligible Australian employer may have a stronger pathway to permanent residence.

State/Territory Nominated visas

The State/Territory Nominated category has increased from 33,000 places to 35,500 places.

This category generally includes skilled visas where a state or territory nominates the applicant, such as the subclass 190 visa.

Therefore, applicants should still pay close attention to state and territory nomination criteria, as each state and territory may target different occupations and applicants.

Regional state/territory nominated visas

The Regional state/territory nominated category has decreased sharply, from 33,000 places to 14,010 places.

This category is relevant to regional nominated skilled pathways, including the subclass 491 visa.

As a result, regional skilled nomination may become more competitive in 2026–27. Applicants considering a regional pathway should check the relevant state or territory requirements carefully.

Talent and Innovation

The Talent and Innovation category (which includes the National Innovation visa) has decreased from 5,300 places to 3,500 places.

Therefore, applicants in this category may face a more selective program setting.

Family visa changes

The Family stream has only minor changes overall. However, some categories have changed.

Child visas

Child visa places have increased from 3,000 to 3,500.

Parent visas

Parent visa places have decreased from 8,500 to 7,060.

This reduction may matter for families considering parent visa options. Parent visas already involve long processing times in many cases, and a lower planning level may continue to limit available places.

Other Family visas

Other Family visa places have decreased from 500 to 400.

What does this mean for visa applicants?

The 2026–27 program shows several clear priorities.

First, Australia continues to focus strongly on skilled migration. Secondly, the Government has increased employer-sponsored places by a large amount. Thirdly, onshore applicants remain a major priority across the program.

However, not every category has improved. Regional nominated places have dropped significantly, and parent visa places have also decreased.

Therefore, applicants should choose their pathway carefully rather than assuming that all skilled or family visa categories have become easier.