The Australian Government has announced that the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places, maintaining the existing 70:30 split between the Skill and Family streams. The announcement was made as part of the Federal Budget on 12 May 2026.
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that, of the 185,000 places allocated to the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program, 129,590 have been directed to migrants already residing onshore in Australia. The remaining 55,110 places are allocated to offshore applicants, with a focus on high-skilled migrants who can address long-term workforce needs and contribute to productivity growth. The Department of Home Affairs has since updated its website with the detailed planning levels for each stream, with key changes for 2026–27 outlined below:
Program Composition
| Stream | Places |
| Skill stream | 132,240 (approximately 71% of the program) |
| Family stream | 52,460 (approximately 28% of the program) |
| Special Eligibility stream | 300 |
Key Changes — Skill Stream
| Visa Category | 2025–26 | 2026–27 |
| Skilled Independent | 16,900 | 21,090 |
| Employer Sponsored | 44,000 | 58,040 |
| State/Territory Nominated | 33,000 | 35,500 |
| Regional State/Territory Nominated | 33,000 | 14,010 |
| Talent and Innovation | 5,300 | 3,500 |
Key Changes — Family Stream
| Visa Category | 2025–26 | 2026–27 |
| Child visas | 3,000 | 3,500 |
| Parent visas | 8,500 | 7,060 |
| Other Family visas | 500 | 400 |
Click here: Permanent Migration Program planning levels
