Australia’s 2025–26 Migration Program Ceiling Remains at 185,000

On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government confirmed that the permanent Migration Program planning level for 2025–26 will remain at 185,000 places.

This decision continues the approach from the previous financial year and signals that the Federal Government is prioritising policy stability and a skills-focused intake, avoiding the economic and social uncertainty that may arise from sudden changes to migration numbers.

Source: Internet

Program Structure Remains Largely Unchanged

According to the government’s announcement, the total number of permanent residency (PR) places in 2025–26 is unchanged from the previous financial year, with the distribution across the two major streams staying the same:

• Skill stream: around 132,000 places
• Family stream: around 52,500 places

The Department of Home Affairs has not yet released updated figures for the individual subclasses (such as 189, 190, 491 and 186 visas). However, based on practice in previous years, applicants may reasonably assume that the allocation will follow a similar structure to the last financial year.

Source: Department of Home Affairs data, please contact for removal if infringed.

Legal and Policy Considerations

From a migration law and policy perspective, this decision carries three important implications:

1.Continuity of planning levels

The Migration Program sits within the legal framework of administrative decision-making. By keeping the ceiling at 185,000, the Government is signalling continuity and policy stability, thereby reducing the risk of adverse impacts on applicants, employers and state governments.

2.Skills remain the core focus

Of the total allocation, approximately 132,000 places are reserved for skilled migration, while around 52,500 places are for family reunion. This long-standing ratio reflects the interpretation of the Migration Act 1958, which prioritises the economic contribution of migration.

3.Review rights and applicants’ interests

When program caps are reduced, applicants facing excessive wait times may consider seeking merits review or judicial review. However, once the annual planning level is set, the scope for challenge is limited. Stability in the planning level helps reduce such disputes.

Practical Implications for Applicants

It is important to emphasise that a stable program ceiling does not equate to easier visa outcomes. Applicants should remain mindful of the following:

• Competition remains intense: Despite the unchanged ceiling, high-demand occupations (such as ICT, healthcare and engineering) continue to attract high points cut-offs in the SkillSelect system.
• Tighter scrutiny: The Department has placed stronger emphasis on genuineness and skills alignment in recent years. Full, consistent and accurate documentation is critical.
• Strategic planning required: Relying on a single pathway is risky. Many applicants will need to consider a combination of state/territory nomination (190/491), employer sponsorship (482/186) and independent skilled migration (189), sometimes alongside education pathways.

Professional Recommendations

1.Assess occupation lists early

Confirm whether your nominated occupation is on the MLTSSL or STSOL, as this determines eligibility for independent skilled visas or reliance on state nomination/employer sponsorship.

2.Plan timelines strategically

The Migration Program operates on an annual cycle. Once quotas are filled, applicants must wait until the following financial year. Timely preparation and lodgement are therefore essential.

3.Ensure compliance in documentation

Skills assessments, English test results, financial evidence and police clearances must be prepared in advance. Any gaps may lead to delays or missed opportunities within the program year.

4.Mitigate risks

Where competition is high, applicants should concurrently explore alternative options such as the 491 regional visa or employer-sponsored pathways to diversify their prospects.

Australia’s decision to maintain 185,000 permanent migration places in 2025–26 signals policy stability but also highlights the continuing emphasis on skilled migration. While the overall ceiling is unchanged, competition within occupational groups and visa categories will remain strong.

For prospective migrants, this financial year represents a crucial period requiring careful planning and professional guidance.

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.