Many people planning their future in Australia are asking the same question:
Will I ever get permanent residency in Australia?
If you are studying, working, or living in Australia on a temporary visa, you may be wondering whether permanent residency is still realistic in 2026 — or whether the system has moved out of reach.
This article looks at the real migration opportunities for 2026, using current data and practical strategies. We also address difficult but important topics, including:
- Visa cancellations and stricter checks
- How major events, such as the Bondi Beach attack, may influence immigration processing
Our goal is to help you make smarter, more realistic decisions about your migration pathway.
How the Recent Bondi Beach Attack Is Affecting Australian Immigration Processing
We would like to begin by expressing our sincere condolences to the victims and families affected by the tragic Bondi Beach attack in December.
For people living in Australia on temporary visas, this event may have broader implications. We expect to see:
- Stricter background and character checks
- Increased visa cancellations
- Greater scrutiny across visa applications
We will address this topic in more detail in a separate article, as it deserves careful and sensitive discussion.
Are 189, 190 and 491 Visas Still Realistic in 2026?
The reduction in places for the 190 and 491 visas has caused many people to ask whether Australia is still achievable.
The answer is yes — for some people. However, the strategy has changed.
For many years, points-tested visas such as the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa were the primary goal for skilled migrants, with employer sponsorship seen as a second option. That is no longer the case.
Employer-Sponsored Visas: The Strongest Pathway in 2026
If your goal is Australian permanent residency, employer-sponsored visas are now the strongest and most realistic options in 2026.
These include:
Australian businesses are facing genuine skills shortages across multiple sectors and are actively seeking reliable workers. As a result, we have seen:
- A significant increase in employer-sponsored visas
Visas such as the 482 visa provide a pathway from temporary work to permanent residency through the 186 visa and many migrants are using this pathway as the first option.
Why State Nomination Is More Competitive Than Ever
Many people ask whether they should target states like Western Australia or Tasmania, which often appear to have more flexible criteria.
However, the reality is this:
- Tasmania has 1,850 nomination places in 2025-26 financial year
- Western Australia has 3,400 places — with 3,355 already issued
- Combined, that is only 5,250 nominations
You are not competing against hundreds of applicants — you are competing against hundreds of thousands of skilled migrants who already have:
- Skills assessments
- English test results
- Work experience
- Active EOIs
Most applicants, no matter how qualified, will never receive an invitation.
This does not mean the General Skills Migration (GSM) program is dead — but it is highly competitive.
Which Occupations Are Still Receiving Invitations?
Looking at invitation results from 2025, one thing is clear: Australia is inviting only where there is genuine demand.
If you are under 45 and your occupation is clearly in shortage, it may still be worth:
- Obtaining a skills assessment
- Improving your English score
- Positioning your EOI strategically
High-Demand Jobs in Australia for Skilled Migration
Occupations currently receiving invitations include:
- Construction trades (bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers)
- Construction managers
- Healthcare professionals
- Secondary school teachers
When GSM Is Not the Best Migration Pathway
Some occupations remain on the skilled lists but are not receiving invitations, including:
- Marketing specialists
- Accountants
- Cooks
- Enrolled nurses
- Software engineers
- Contract administrators
- Niche roles such as artistic directors, copywriters, and dog handlers
In these cases, GSM visas may not be your strongest pathway.
Alternative Visa Options to Consider
Instead, you should consider:
- Alternative pathways, such as partner visas if you have an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident partner
We understand that employer sponsorship is not easy — especially if you are offshore — but thousands of applicants succeed each year, and you may be one of them.
Check our blog, “How to Find a Sponsor,” for helpful tips on how to find an Australian business to sponsor you.
Queensland National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) – 2026 Update
Queensland has now opened nominations for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858).
This visa offers direct permanent residency and targets exceptionally talented individuals, including:
- Entrepreneurs
- Innovative investors
- Researchers
- Athletes
- Creatives
Permanent Residency Pathway for Individuals:
• Up to the age of 55, or higher in exceptional cases
• High-value entrepreneurs who commit AUD $1 million to new ventures in Queensland
• Innovative investors who invest AUD $5 million in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem
This is one of the strongest permanent residency pathways currently available.
We have published a detailed guide explaining the Queensland NIV nomination process.
We also offer a free NIV assessment, where our team can check your eligibility.
Adelaide University Opens: What This Means for Students
Following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, Adelaide University has officially opened enrolments, becoming the largest university in Australia.
This will bring:
- More international students
- Increased investment in South Australia
However, students must have a clear migration strategy before enrolling and applying for a student visa, especially if permanent residency is part of the long-term plan.
Check our blog “Best 8 courses to study in Australia to get PR”.
Student Visa Changes for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan
Applicants from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan may face increased scrutiny, as Australia has updated student visa assessment levels to strengthen integrity measures.
These changes may have been triggered by reports of widespread fraudulent degree practices. As a result, it is more important than ever for students to submit strong, well-documented applications.
Student Visa Expiry Reminder: Avoid Becoming Unlawful
We are seeing a large number of student visas expiring in March, many around the 15th.
Every year, people make the same mistake — waiting too long.
If your visa is expiring soon:
- Do not wait until the last minute
- Understand your next visa options early
- Lodge a valid application before expiry
Options may include course extensions, graduate visas, or transitions to skilled visas — but timing is critical.
How We Can Help You Plan Your Migration Strategy for Australia in 2026
Migration to Australia in 2026 is still possible — but it requires realistic expectations, the right strategy, and early planning.
At Work Visa Lawyers, we are widely regarded as one of the best migration lawyers and one of the best registered migration agents in Adelaide, with extensive experience across skilled, employer-sponsored, and permanent residency pathways.
If you would like tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, please book an appointment and talk to our team.
