Skilled Visa Update: Key Changes for the 2025–26 Migration Program

On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government confirmed the Permanent Migration Program planning levels for the 2025–26 financial year. The target levels maintain the status quo, balancing economic needs with moderate population growth.

This year’s announcement came months later than usual, possibly due to the federal election. With immigration a highly debated topic, the delay in announcing the migration planning levels may have been an attempt to avoid criticism during the election.

Nonetheless, the new planning levels reflect ongoing priorities. Several other developments affecting skilled visa applicants and sponsors are in motion. These include planning level allocations, a revised occupation list consultation, and a forthcoming review of the points-tested visa system. This article outlines the key updates and their potential implications for skilled migrants.

What Are Migration Program Planning Levels?

The Permanent Migration Program planning levels represent the number of visas the Australian Government intends to grant in a financial year across three streams: Skilled, Family, and a Special Eligibility stream. These levels are set annually and guide how the Department of Home Affairs manages visa processing and invitation quotas.

The Skilled stream is the largest component, designed to meet labour market needs and support economic productivity. It includes visa categories such as:

• Skilled Independent (subclass 189)

• State/Territory Nominated (subclass 190)

• Regional (subclass 491 and 494)

• Employer Sponsored (subclass 186)

• National Innovation (subclass 858)

  
  

Planning levels are not an obligation to invite or grant a specific number of visas, nor do they act as caps on every visa. Instead, they help manage visa processing across competing categories and inform state and territory nomination allocations.

Migration Program Planning Levels Maintained

The total size of the Permanent Migration Program remains at 185,000 places, continuing the settings from 2024–25.

The Skilled stream will comprise 132,200 places—approximately 71 per cent of the total program. This stream includes the following categories:

• Skilled Independent: 16,900 places

• State/Territory Nominated: 33,000 places

• Regional: 33,000 places

• Employer Sponsored: 44,000 places

• National Innovation: 4,300 places
  

The allocation for Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas remains significantly reduced. It was initially slashed in 2024 and the reduction appears to be a long-term trend. State and territory nominated places, as well as regional visas, continue to receive substantial allocations, reflecting an ongoing focus on regional migration and state-specific workforce needs.

SkillSelect Invitations and State Nomination Allocations

A SkillSelect invitation round was held on 21 August 2025, issuing approximately 7,000 invitations, with the most issued under the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa. The minimum points scores required continue to reflect strong competition across most skilled occupations.

In contrast, candidates in trade occupations are receiving invitations more readily. A significant number of trade candidates secured invitations for Expressions of Interest with a a point scores starting from 65 points - the minimum passable score.

While the overall state and territory nomination allocations have not yet been finalised, small interim allocations were issued to Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania to support ongoing nomination processing.

Final allocations for each jurisdiction are expected to be announced in the near future. With them, each state and territory will review its criteria and settings for subclass 190 and 491 visas nominations.

Points Test Review Underway

The Australian Government is reviewing the General Skilled Migration points test. This review forms part of the broader Migration Strategy reforms. It aims to improve the selection of skilled migrants based on long-term labour market needs. The points test is used to rank Expressions of Interest for skilled visas based on criteria such as age, English proficiency, qualifications, work experience, and other factors. It helps to determine which candidates may receive an invitation to apply for points-tested visas, including the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and State/Territory Nominated (subclass 190) visas.

No specific timeline has been announced for completion of the review. However, the outcome is expected to influence eligibility criteria for points-tested visas such as the subclass 189 and 190 in upcoming program years.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) Changes Ahead

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) determines which occupations can be nominated for employer-sponsored visas. A review of the CSOL is underway, and changes are likely. The CSOL facilitates access to the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa in the Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa. While the CSOL is administered by the Department of Home Affairs, the Department relies on Jobs and Skills Australia to advise on its composition. Jobs and Skills Australia develops recommended changes to the list using labour market data and stakeholder consultation.

Jobs and Skills Australia is currently consulting the public on the 2025 CSOL, which includes over 200 occupations under review. The list is intended to reflect Australia’s workforce needs by identifying roles experiencing genuine skill shortages.

Inclusion or removal of an occupation from the CSOL can determine whether a migrant and their employer, can apply for sponsorship under these employer-sponsored visas. This makes the review process significant for skilled overseas migrants and their employers.

Closing Thoughts

The 2025–26 Migration Program planing levels reflect Australia's continued focus on skills-based migration. The program may be stable for the time being, however upcoming reforms to the CSOL and points test may reshape the skilled visa landscape in the near future. Skilled migrants and their employers would be wise to remain informed as the remaining allocation announcements and consultation outcomes are released.

Stay tuned for further updates on Australia’s evolving skilled visa programs. Subscribe to the next ImmiUpdate below.

For more information please Contact Us or email elan@ryshermigration.com.au

Elan Rysher is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Student Counsellor. He is the main Writer for ImmiUpdates and the founder of Rysher Migration. Being a former migrant himself, Elan is passionate about helping others fulfil their Australian dream.

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