The Migration Program planning levels are the Government’s annual targets for how many permanent visas will be issued in a program year. These planning levels are set to balance economic needs with social goals, ensuring a steady flow of skilled workers, family reunions, and special eligibility cases. The program’s levels are announced as part of Australia’s budget cycle and guide home affairs planning across the year From the 2023–26 program year, Australia has shifted toward a multi-year planning model. Instead of planning strictly one year at a time, the Government now outlines targets over a four-year horizon. This aims to give employers and applicants more predictability and certainty.
Migration Program planning levels
On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government announced that the 2025–26 permanent Migration Program (Migration Program) will be set at 185,000 places, maintaining 2024-25 program settings. A skills focussed permanent Migration Program supplements Australia’s working-age population by boosting participation rates and the size of the labour force. The 2025–26 permanent Migration Program has the following composition:
- Skill stream (132,200 places, approximately 71 per cent of the program) – We have designed this stream to improve the productive capacity of the economy and fill skill shortages in the labour market, particularly those in regional Australia.
- Family stream (52,500 places, approximately 28 per cent of the program) – This stream is predominantly made up of Partner visas. It enables Australians to reunite with family members from overseas and provide them with pathways to citizenship.
- Special Eligibility stream (300 places) – This stream covers visas for those in special circumstances. This includes permanent residents returning to Australia after a period overseas.
Skill Stream Breakdown 2025 -2026
| Visa Category | 2025–26 Planning Level |
| Employer Sponsored | 44,000 |
| Skilled Independent | 16,900 |
| Regional Visas | 33,000 |
| State/Territory Nominated | 33,000 |
| Business Innovation & Investment | 1,000 |
| Talent and Innovation | 4,300 |
This breakdown helps you choose the right pathway Employer Sponsored visas are often faster if you hold a job offer, while State/Territory Nominated options can add extra invitation opportunities through regional lists.
Migration Program planning levels by financial year 2023-2026
| Visa Stream | Visa Category | 2023–24 | 2024–25 | 2025–26 | |
| Skill | Employer Sponsored | 36,825 | 44,000 | 44,000 | |
| Skilled Independent | 30,375 | 16,900 | 16,900 | ||
| Regional | 32,300 | 33,000 | 33,000 | ||
| State/Territory Nominated | 30,400 | 33,000 | 33,000 | ||
| Business Innovation & Investment | 1,900 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||
| Talent and Innovation1 | – | – | 4,300 | ||
| Global Talent1 (Independent) | 5,000 | 4,000 | – | ||
| Distinguished Talent1 | 300 | 300 | – | ||
| Skill Total | 137,100 | 132,200 | 132,200 | ||
| Family | Partner2 | 40,500 | 40,500 | 40,500 | |
| Parent | 8,500 | 8,500 | 8,500 | ||
| Child2 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | ||
| Other Family | 500 | 500 | 500 | ||
| Family Total | 52,500 | 52,500 | 52,500 | ||
| Special Eligibility | 400 | 300 | 300 | ||
| Total Migration Program | 190,000 | 185,000 | 185,000 | ||
Understanding the Australia Migration Program Planning Levels for 2026 is the first step, but turning this information into a successful visa outcome requires the right strategy and expert support . With limited visa slots and increasing competition, professional guidance can make a real difference in choosing the correct visa pathway, preparing strong documentation, and avoiding costly delays or refusals.
If you’re looking for the best immigration consultants in Noida, Future Fly Services offers personalized migration planning, transparent processes, and up-to-date insights aligned with the latest Australian immigration policies. Whether you are applying under a skilled visa, employer-sponsored route, or family stream, our experts help you plan smartly and apply confidently.