2025–26 Australia Permanent Migration Cap Maintained: Positive Signals for Skilled and Family Streams

The Australian Government has officially confirmed that the permanent migration program for the 2025–26 financial year will remain capped at 185,000 places. This announcement delivers a strong, positive signal to prospective migrants and employers alike.

Skilled Migration Quota Unchanged: Boosting Employer Confidence

According to Peter van Vliet, President of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA):

“In the face of ongoing skill shortages, the government’s decision not to drastically cut migration numbers is a measured and rational response.”

For applicants under employer-sponsored visas (such as Subclass 482, 186, and 494) and state-nominated skilled migration programs, this means:

• No sudden surge in competition for places in the short term
• Employers retain access to international talent pipelines
• A smoother transition toward the upcoming Skills in Demand visa and updated occupational frameworks

Family Migration Unaffected: Partner Visa Wait Times May Improve

Family reunion streams, including Partner Visas, will also benefit from the continuation of the current migration cap. MIA emphasised that keeping the cap steady will help prevent further blowouts in processing times.

For Australian citizens and permanent residents intending to sponsor their partner:

• Processing timelines are unlikely to worsen due to quota constraints
• Both onshore and offshore application pathways remain viable
• A stable family migration stream reinforces a broader message of support for migrant families

No Sudden “Brakes”: Net Overseas Migration Expected to Stabilise Naturally

Over the past year, the reopening of borders and the return of international students led to a spike in temporary migration, drawing media and public scrutiny. However, the government’s decision not to slash the permanent migration intake reflects what MIA calls a “sustainable policy choice.”

Government projections indicate that net overseas migration (NOM) will gradually return to normal levels in the coming years. In the long term, permanent migration remains a key strategy to support Australia’s economy and tax base, particularly amid a rapidly ageing population.

Looking Ahead: Policy May Shift, So Act Proactively

While the 2025–26 cap remains unchanged, future adjustments may occur in response to political, economic, or demographic pressures. For those planning to migrate through study pathways, skilled migration, or family reunion, consider the following:

• Move quickly while current systems remain in place — new visa structures are coming
• Leverage state and regional nomination programs to boost success rates and priority access
• Submit Partner Visa applications early to avoid potential delays or future quota tightening

If you have any questions or would like professional assistance, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: [email protected]). We are committed to providing transparent, expert migration services to help you achieve your dream of moving to Australia.