Australia’s 2026-27 Migration Program: What Changed
On 12 May 2026, the Australian Government confirmed the 2026-27 permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places, holding the total steady while shifting more places toward employer sponsorship and the Skilled Independent visa.
The headline number is unchanged from 2025-26, but the mix underneath it matters more for most applicants than the total, and this year’s changes favour both onshore applicants and points-tested skilled migration.
The headline numbers
| Category | 2026-27 places |
| Total permanent Migration Program | 185,000 |
| Skilled stream | 132,240, approximately 71 percent |
| Employer Sponsored category | 58,040 |
| Skilled Independent (189) | 21,090, up from 16,900 |
| Onshore allocation | 129,590 |
| Offshore allocation | 55,110 |
| Special Eligibility | 300 |
Employer sponsorship is now the largest skilled category
The permanent Employer Sponsored category rose to 58,040 places, making it the single largest category within the skilled stream. This reflects continued government priority on converting temporary Skills in Demand (482) visa holders into permanent residents through the Employer Nomination Scheme (186).
Skilled Independent applicants benefit from a larger allocation
The Skilled Independent (189) visa, the main points-tested, no-job-offer pathway, increased from 16,900 to 21,090 places. A larger allocation generally supports more invitation rounds and can ease pressure on the points score needed to receive an invitation, though this depends on how many Expressions of Interest are submitted across each occupation.
Onshore applicants remain the priority
The government continues to prioritise applicants already living in Australia, allocating 129,590 places onshore against 55,110 offshore. If you are currently in Australia on a temporary visa working toward permanent residence, this remains the more favourable side of the program to be on.
What this means for the Family stream
With the Skilled stream holding at roughly 71 percent of the total program, the Family stream, including Partner and Parent visas, continues to represent close to 30 percent of the 185,000 places, broadly consistent with recent program years.
How Australian Shores helps you plan around the 2026-27 program
Program settings shift every year. We track exactly what changed and what it means for your specific visa strategy.
- Points test and category advice reflecting the current program mix
- Guidance on whether an onshore or offshore strategy suits your situation
- Employer sponsorship pathway planning given the larger 186 allocation
- Ongoing monitoring of invitation rounds and occupation ceilings
| Plan your application around the current program
Get a free eligibility assessment that reflects the 2026-27 Migration Program settings. Call +61 2 7251 5333 Email [email protected] |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many permanent visas will Australia grant in 2026-27?
The Australian Government has set the 2026-27 permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places, unchanged from 2025-26.
Did the Skilled Independent visa allocation increase for 2026-27?
Yes. The Skilled Independent (189) allocation rose from 16,900 to 21,090 places.
Is Employer Sponsored migration now the largest category?
Yes. The permanent Employer Sponsored category increased to 58,040 places, the largest single category within the skilled stream.
Are onshore or offshore applicants prioritised in 2026-27?
Onshore applicants, with 129,590 places allocated onshore compared with 55,110 offshore.
What percentage of the program goes to skilled migration versus family visas?
The Skilled stream represents approximately 71 percent of the 185,000 total, with the Family stream, including Partner and Parent visas, making up most of the remainder.
When was the 2026-27 Migration Program announced?
The Australian Government confirmed the 2026-27 planning levels on 12 May 2026.