Permanent Migration Program planning levels
The Australian Government has announced 185,000 permanent migration places for the 2026–27 financial year, maintaining the same overall planning level as 2025–26.
However, significant adjustments have been made across several visa categories, with greater emphasis on employer sponsorship, skilled migration and applicants already living in Australia.
📊 2026–27 MIGRATION PROGRAM ALLOCATION
🔹 Skilled Migration – 132,240 places
- Employer Sponsored: 58,040
- Skilled Independent: 21,090
- State/Territory Nominated: 35,500
- Regional: 14,110
- Talent and Innovation: 3,500
🔹 Family Migration – 52,460 places
- Partner: 41,500
- Child: 3,500
- Parent: 7,060
- Other Family: 400
🔹 Special Eligibility – 300 places
📈 KEY CHANGES COMPARED TO 2025–26
✅ Employer Sponsored: 44,000 → 58,040 (+14,040)
✅ Skilled Independent: 16,900 → 21,090 (+4,190)
✅ State/Territory Nominated: 33,000 → 35,500 (+2,500)
⬇️ Regional: 33,000 → 14,110 (−18,890)
⬇️ Talent and Innovation: 5,300 → 3,500 (−1,800)
🏡 GREATER FOCUS ON ONSHORE APPLICANTS
The Government has allocated 129,590 places to migrants already living in Australia, supporting their transition to permanent residency.
💡 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR VISA APPLICANTS?
The increased allocation for employer-sponsored visas highlights the importance of employer sponsorship as a potential pathway to Australian Permanent Residency.
However, applicants should carefully assess their eligibility, occupation, qualifications and individual circumstances before choosing a visa pathway.
📩 Planning your pathway to Australian PR?
Contact Bridge Blue Global Migration to discuss your visa options and explore suitable migration pathways.
📌 Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels
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