Australia’s 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program Planning Levels: What’s Changed

The Australian Government has confirmed the planning levels for the 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program. The headline number hasn’t moved, but the way places are divided between visa categories has shifted in ways that matter for anyone planning a skilled, employer-sponsored, regional, or family pathway to permanent residency.

Here’s a plain-language breakdown of what’s changed and what it could mean for your migration strategy.

The Big Picture: 185,000 Places, Same as Last Year

The total 2026–27 Migration Program remains steady at 185,000 permanent visa places — unchanged from 2025–26. The government has also maintained the long-standing roughly 70:30 split between the Skilled stream and the Family stream, reflecting a continued balance between economic migration and family reunification.

A small allocation of 300 places is set aside under Special Eligibility, covering circumstances such as former permanent residents returning to Australia.

While the total hasn’t changed, the internal allocation across visa categories has been reshuffled and those shifts tell a clearer story about where the government’s priorities sit this year.

Skilled Stream: 132,240 Places

The Skilled stream continues to be the cornerstone of the program, accounting for around 71% of total places. Within it, three changes stand out:

• Employer-Sponsored visas have seen the largest increase, rising from 44,000 to 58,040 places — now the single largest category within the Skilled stream. This points to sustained demand from businesses grappling with ongoing skill shortages, and offers a stronger pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers already employed in Australia.
• Skilled Independent visas have increased from 16,900 to 21,090 places, signalling continued government confidence in points-tested applicants who don’t require sponsorship or nomination.
• State and Territory Nominated visas have grown modestly, from 33,000 to 35,500 places, giving states and territories continued flexibility to address local labour market needs.

On the other side of the ledger, the Regional category has been reduced significantly, from 33,000 down to 14,110 place one of the sharpest cuts in the program. Applicants relying on a regional pathway, including the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa, should factor this reduced allocation into their planning and consider a backup strategy.

Family Stream: 52,460 Places

The Family stream retains its share of roughly 28% of the program. Partner visa planning levels have increased slightly to 41,500 places, keeping this among the more accessible pathways for eligible couples seeking permanent residency.

A Clear Priority: Onshore Applicants

Perhaps the most consistent theme across this year’s announcement is the government’s continued preference for applicants who are already living and working in Australia. Approximately 129,590 places the majority of the program are expected to go to onshore applicants, helping temporary visa holders transition to permanent residency.

Offshore places will remain focused on attracting highly skilled migrants who can contribute to long-term productivity and address persistent workforce shortages. This onshore-first approach is also designed to ease pressure on net overseas migration figures while supporting smoother pathways for temporary residents already contributing to the Australian economy.

What This Means for You

Planning levels are not a guarantee they don’t promise an invitation, nomination, or visa grant. What they do offer is a signal of where government priorities and opportunities are likely to sit over the coming financial year. Based on the 2026–27 numbers, a few strategic takeaways stand out:

• Employer sponsorship is increasingly central. If you’re a skilled worker with an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, or a business relying on overseas talent, this pathway has clearly been prioritised.
• Skilled Independent applicants have more room to move, though competition for points-tested places typically remains strong.
• Regional pathways face a tighter allocation. If your strategy depends on a subclass 491 or similar regional visa, it’s worth reviewing your timeline and having a contingency plan.
• Onshore status matters more than ever. Temporary visa holders already in Australia are positioned to benefit most from this year’s settings.

Plan Ahead with Confidence

Migration settings shift every year, and the details behind the headline numbers can significantly affect how competitive or accessible a particular pathway is. If you’re weighing your options for permanent residency in 2026–27, now is a good time to review your circumstances against the current settings and get tailored advice before you lodge.

This update is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Program settings can change, so we recommend checking the latest figures directly with the Department of Home Affairs and speaking with a registered migration agent about your individual circumstances.

Source: Department of Home Affairs – Permanent Migration Program planning levels