The Australian Government has confirmed that the permanent Migration Program for 2025–26 will remain at 185,000 places, the same as last year. The focus is still on skilled migration, which takes up the largest share of places. 

Breakdown of places:

  • Skill stream: 132,200 places  

  • Family stream: 52,500 places  

  • Special Eligibility: 300 places

  • Total program size: 185,000 permanent places

The strong focus on the skill stream highlights Australia’s need for workers who can fill key shortages. 

The Department of Home Affairs said they have already been processing visas at the 185,000 cap. This means nothing new will slow down or disrupt the system. For you as an international student, this is a good sign. Skilled migration is still the main focus, so visas like the 189, 190, and 491 will stay in demand. 

State/territory allocations are not yet announced

The 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program has not released its official allocations per state. 

State-specific updates

Western Australia and South Australia have only been given a small number of visa places to start the 2025–26 program year.

  • In WA, these places will go to finish processing applications left over from 2024–25.

  • In SA, the places will be used to invite strong applicants from last year’s Registrations of Interest who are already helping the state’s workforce.

When the Commonwealth gives both states their full number of places, WA and SA will share their full program details and rules for 2025–26.

For more state-specific Nominated Migration Program updates, you can access the following: 

What this means for you

If you’re an international student in Australia, this means you need to think carefully about your study-to-PR pathway. 

Choosing a PR-friendly course that matches Australia’s current skill shortages can give you a better chance when it’s time to apply for PR.   

For skilled migrants already working in Australia, the competition means you’ll need to be more strategic with your application. This could involve:

  • Selecting an occupation that’s in your state or territory’s demand list

  • Gaining extra work experience to increase your Expression of Interest (EOI) points

  • Improving your English scores to gain more points for PR

  • Keeping your EOI up to date so it stays competitive

Note: Lodging a competitive EOI can make the difference between getting invited for a state nomination or waiting years for one.

But lodging an EOI is more than just filling out a form in SkillSelect.

There are certain rules you have to follow before you can claim points for a work or study experience.

These, and more, are some of the things an expert can guide you with.

If you need help lodging a competitive EOI, don't hesitate to ask our MARA-registered agents at IDP for advice.

Need help planning your PR pathway?

Are you planning to lodge your EOI for the 2025-26 State Nominated Migration program?

Before you can do this, you have to make sure you meet the DHA and state-specific requirements. 

You also have to pass a skills assessment and an English proficiency test. 

At IDP, our migration experts can guide you through each step of the EOI process. Plus, we can offer guidance on how you can boost your EOI points and strengthen your chances of getting invited.

190 visa success story

“When we received an invitation from the NSW state for the subclass 190 visa, Chris made sure we successfully passed the second round—a stage we had previously failed.” - IDP client, Mica, on her 190 Visa approval 

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Get expert guidance on your EOI

Before the 2025–26 state-nominated migration allocations officially open, it’s important to make sure your EOI is accurate and as strong as possible. Even a small mistake can lower your points or slow down your chances of being invited.

At IDP, our migration experts can review your EOI, help you boost your points, and make sure you meet both DHA and state requirements. This way, when the next round opens, you’ll be ready with a stronger profile—and a better chance of getting nominated.

Book a consultation with an IDP migration expert today.