Australia’s permanent Migration Program offers pathways to permanent residency through three main streams: Skill, Family or Special Eligibility. However, the Program acts as just one of many sections of the net overseas migration, which includes temporary visas such as the Working Holiday and Student visas.
Since 2022, the capacity of the Migration Program has decreased, and it no longer serves as a key driver of net overseas migration. Nevertheless, the Australian Government conducts annual reviews of the Programs composition, allowing for adjustments to be made based on previous years data.
In September 2025, the Australian Government announced the composition of the 2025-26 permanent Migration Program. It is expected to follow the 2024-25 composition, with very few adjustments to be made.
Skilled stream
The Skills stream represents the largest portion of the Migration Program, with it primarily consisting of employer sponsored and business investment visas. The aim of this stream is to boost Australia’s economy and address the skill shortages in the workforce, particularly those in regional areas. In the financial year of 2025-26, a maximum of 132,200 visas will be granted under this stream.
While the size and overall structure of this stream remains unchanged, the Global Talent visa will no longer be included within the stream. Existing applicants for this visa will still be considered and will not be affected by the change. In place of this change, there will be a transition to the new National Innovation visa, in which the Talent and Innovation visa will be granted for the first time since before 2023.
Family stream
The Family stream acts as a significant element of Australia’s migration system, allowing Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their family members whilst continuing to support social cohesion and contributing to the economy. This stream is mainly comprised of Partner visas, followed by Child visas, which allows Australian residents to sponsor their dependent, adopted child or orphaned relative.
There are no changes to the composition of this stream for 2025-26 as a maximum of 52,500 visas will be granted under this stream.
Special Eligibility stream
Only allotting for a maximum of 300 places, the Special Eligibility stream allows for individuals under special circumstances, such as those who have served in the Australian Defence Force or permanent residents returning to Australia after a long period overseas, to return to Australia permanently.
There are no changes to the composition of this stream for 2025-26.
What does this mean for visa applicants?
Overall, visa applicants under the above streams should anticipate a steady and consistent Migration Program in the financial year of 2025-26. However, those interested in the Skilled stream should note the removal of the Global Talent visa and the introduction of the new National Innovation visa.
Contact Us
Eligible to apply under one of the above streams? Contact Nevett Ford Lawyers today for a consultation start your journey to a future in Australian.
Nevett Ford Lawyers Melbourne
Telephone: +61 3 9614 7111
Email: melbourne@nevettford.com.au
Visit our website: www.nevettford.com.au
