Australia’s 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program Planning Levels: Understanding the Australian visa numbers and permanent residency

The Australian Government has released the 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program planning levels.

The total number of places remains at 185,000, the same as the 2025–26 planning level. However, the way these places are divided has changed.

The biggest changes are:

• Employer Sponsored visas increased strongly
• Skilled Independent visa places increased
• Regional visa places decreased significantly
• State/Territory Nominated visa places increased a bit
• Family visa places stayed almost the same
• Talent and Innovation places decreased, but the National Innovation Visa remains

These planning levels are important because they show which permanent visa pathways the Government may prioritise in the 2026–27 financial year.

The Department of Home Affairs states that Australia’s permanent Migration Program includes the Skill stream, Family stream and Special Eligibility visas, and that permanent migration is one of the main pathways to permanent residence in Australia.

What are Migration Program planning levels?

Migration Program planning levels are the number of permanent visa places the Australian Government plans to make available in a financial year.

They do not guarantee that a person will receive a visa.

Instead, they help show:

• which visa categories may have more opportunities
• where the Government may focus processing
• which pathways may become more competitive
• how applicants should plan their permanent residency strategy

For 2026–27, the Department of Home Affairs confirms the program remains at 185,000 places, with 132,240 places for the Skilled Migration Program, 52,460 places for the Australian Family Program, and 300 places for Special Eligibility.

Employer Sponsored 186 visa is the biggest winner

The biggest increase is in the Employer Sponsored category.

This category increased from 44,000 places in 2025–26 to 58,040 places in 2026–27.

That is an increase of 14,040 places.

This means Employer Sponsored visas now make up about 31.37% of the total Permanent Migration Program and about 43.89% of the Skilled Migration Program.

For many skilled workers, the most important permanent employer sponsored pathway is the Employer Nomination Scheme visa, subclass 186. The Department of Home Affairs describes the subclass 186 visa as a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by their employer.

482 Temporary Visa to 186 Permanent Residency 

For many applicants, a common pathway to the subclass 186 visa is first obtaining a temporary employer sponsored visa, such as the Skills in Demand visa, subclass 482, and later moving to permanent residency through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream if eligible.

There is also the Direct Entry 186 visa that only makes up a small percentage of the overall 186. 

The main way to get access to the 186 is actually to do the skills in demand 482 Visa. 

This does not mean every 482 visa holder will qualify for a 186 visa. The applicant, employer, occupation, salary and visa stream still need to meet the legal requirements.

DAMAs in terms of Visa applications have over doubled in the last year and this would also be feeding this rise in the 186.

If you are looking to get permanent residency in Australia you show to focus to get a 482 Visa and then a 186 Visa. 

Check our 482 visa page to understand more. 

If you still do not have an employer to sponsor you, check out our blog “How to find a sponsor”. 

What this means for applicants

If you want Australian permanent residency, employer sponsorship may be one of the strongest pathways to consider in 2026–27.

This may be especially important if:

• you already have an Australian employer
• your occupation is in demand
• you are working in Australia on a temporary skilled visa
• your employer may be willing to support a permanent visa pathway
• you are looking for a pathway from a 482 visa to a 186 visa

Skilled Independent subclass 189 increased

The Skilled Independent visa category increased from 16,900 places to 21,090 places.

This is good news for applicants who do not have an employer sponsor or state nomination.

The Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189, is a points-tested visa. The Department of Home Affairs describes it as a visa for invited workers with skills Australia needs, allowing them to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

What this means for applicants

The increase in subclass 189 places may help some skilled workers, especially those in occupations that receive invitations.

However, the 189 visa is still competitive. You generally need:

• an eligible occupation
• a suitable skills assessment
• enough points
• an invitation to apply
• strong English and supporting documents, depending on your situation

This pathway may be relevant for workers in areas such as construction, health and education, but results depend on invitation rounds, occupation demand and points scores.

For example, in the most recent published SkillSelect invitation round available at the time of writing, held on 13 November 2025, some invited subclass 189 occupations included construction trades, health occupations and teachers.

In construction trades, examples included Carpenter, Carpenter and Joiner, Plumber (General) and Solid Plasterer, each reported at a minimum of 65 points for subclass 189.

In health, examples included General Practitioner, Registered Nurse (Medical), Registered Nurse (Mental Health) and Registered Nurses nec, each reported at a minimum of 75 points. Nurse Practitioner was reported at a minimum of 80 points.

In education, examples included Secondary School Teacher and Special Needs Teacher, each reported at a minimum of 75 points.

These examples show why construction trades, health occupations and teaching occupations may be important to watch for the 189 visa. However, invitation points can change from round to round. A low invited score in one round does not guarantee the same result in a future round.

Regional visa places decreased significantly

The Regional category decreased from 33,000 places to 14,110 places.

This is one of the biggest changes in the 2026–27 planning levels.

Regional migration can include different pathways, including the Skilled Work Regional visa, subclass 491, and the Permanent Residence Skilled Regional visa, subclass 191, for eligible regional provisional visa holders.

The subclass 494 visa is slightly different because it is both employer sponsored and regional. It is officially called the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa. This means it may benefit from the Government’s stronger focus on employer sponsorship, but it is still connected to regional migration settings.

What this means for applicants

If you are planning for a 491 visa you should be careful.

A lower planning level may mean:

• fewer invitations
• more competition
• stricter state or territory requirements
• more pressure to have a strong occupation, points score or employer sponsor

If you are relying on a 491 pathway, it may be important to have a Plan B.

Possible Plan B options may include:

• Employer Sponsored visas such as the 482, 186 and DAMAs 
• Partner visa, if you have an eligible Australian partner
• improving points, English, skills assessment or work experience for some priority occupations
• checking whether your employer can support sponsorship applying for a 482, 186 or DAMA visa

State/Territory Nominated subclass 190 increased

The State/Territory Nominated category increased from 33,000 places to 35,500 places, it is not much, but at least went a bit up

This category is strongly connected to the Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190.

This is the total number for the whole of Australia. When the government publishes the state nomination allocation for each state and territory, we will know exactly how many visas will be available.

What this means for applicants

The increase is positive, but it is not huge.

State and territory nomination can still be competitive because each state and territory may have its own:

• occupation lists
• points requirements
• work experience requirements
• residence requirements
• job offer requirements
• invitation processes

A 190 visa may be a strong option for skilled workers who can meet the requirements of a particular state or territory and for some specific occupations. 

For most of the occupations including accountants, marketing and chefs for example, applicants should look other visa options including employer sponsored visas or partner visa if they have an Australian partner.  

Family visas stayed almost the same

The Family Program changed only slightly, from 52,500 places to 52,460 places.

The largest part of the Family Program remains the Partner visa category.

Partner visa places increased from 40,500 to 41,500.

The Department of Home Affairs describes partner visas as visas for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Other family visa categories also changed. Child visa places increased from 3,000 to 3,500, while Parent visa places decreased from 8,500 to 7,060. Other Family visa places also decreased from 500 to 400.

The decrease in Parent visa places is important because Parent visas are already affected by very long queues. The Department of Home Affairs states that Parent visa applications are subject to capping and queueing, meaning there is a maximum number of visas that can be granted each migration program year and remaining applications stay in the queue until a place becomes available in a future year.

At the time of writing, the Department estimates processing timeframes of around 15 years for Contributory Parent visas and around 33 years for Parent and Aged Parent visas. With Parent visa places decreasing from 8,500 to 7,060, families may need to prepare for even longer waiting times. In practical terms, this could mean Contributory Parent visas moving closer to the 15–20 year range, and non-contributory Parent visas potentially taking several decades. If places remain low and demand stays high, some non-contributory Parent visa applicants could face waiting periods that approach 50 years.

What this means for applicants

Partner visas remain one of the main permanent residency pathways in Australia.

If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, a Partner visa may be an option.

However, Partner visa applications require strong evidence of the relationship, including evidence about:

• financial aspects
• household arrangements
• social recognition of the relationship
• commitment to each other
• the history of the relationship

Book an appointment today if you have an Australian partner and are thinking about to apply for a partner visa.

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National Innovation Visa remains

The Talent and Innovation category decreased from 5,300 places in 2025–26 to 3,500 places in 2026–27.

This category includes the National Innovation Visa, subclass 858, as well as some older closed categories such as the Global Talent Visa

The important point is that the National Innovation Visa remains available. This is good news for highly talented applicants who may have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.

The NIV may be suitable for some:

• entrepreneurs
• innovative investors
• researchers
• athletes
• creatives
• internationally recognised professionals

However, the lower planning level may mean this pathway becomes more selective. The NIV is not suitable for everyone, and applicants usually need strong evidence of their achievements, recognition, and potential benefit to Australia.

If you are considering the National Innovation Visa subclass 858, Work Visa Lawyers offers a free NIV assessment to help you understand whether this pathway may be suitable for your profile.

Complete our free National Innovation Visa assessment.

Which Australian PR pathways look strongest in 2026–27?

Based on the 2026–27 planning levels, the strongest practical PR pathways may include:

1. Employer Sponsored PR — subclass 186

The 186 visa is the clear winner in the 2026–27 planning levels.

If you have an Australian employer, this pathway should be considered carefully.

For many people, the pathway may be:

Skills in Demand subclass 482 visa → Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa

2. Partner visa

Partner visas remain a major part of the Family Program.

If you have an eligible Australian partner, this may be one of the most important PR pathways to consider.

3. Skilled Independent subclass 189

The 189 visa has increased places in 2026–27.

This may help some skilled workers, especially those with strong points, strong English, an eligible occupation and a suitable skills assessment.

4. Skilled Nominated subclass 190

The 190 visa also increased slightly.

This may be useful for skilled workers who can meet state or territory requirements, but will still remain very competitive

5. Regional pathways — subclass 491, subclass 494 and subclass 191

Regional places have decreased significantly.

These pathways may still be useful, but applicants should prepare carefully and consider backup options.

A total of 185,000  planning levels mean you will get a permanent residency visa in Australia?

No. A planning level does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation, nomination or visa grant.

You still need to meet the visa requirements. For skilled visas, this may include:

• occupation eligibility
• skills assessment
• English level
• work experience
• points score
• age requirements
• health and character requirements
• state nomination or employer sponsorship, if required

For employer sponsored visas, the employer must also meet nomination and sponsorship requirements.

What should migrants do now?

If you want Australian permanent residency in the 2026–27 financial year, now is the time to review your strategy.

You should consider:

• whether your occupation is suitable for skilled migration
• whether you can increase your points
• whether you have an employer sponsor
• whether your employer may support a 482 or 186 visa
• whether you are eligible for state nomination
• whether you should prepare a Plan B if you are relying on a 491 visa or another regional pathway
• whether your relationship may support a Partner visa application
• whether your achievements may support a National Innovation Visa application

The key message is simple:

The Government appears to be prioritising employer sponsored visas, Skilled Independent visas and Partner visas in the 2026–27 Migration Program.

Frequently asked questions

What is the total Migration Program planning level for 2026–27?

The total 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program planning level is 185,000 places.

Did the total Migration Program increase?

No. The total program remains the same as 2025–26 at 185,000 places.

Which visa category increased the most?

The Employer Sponsored category increased the most, from 44,000 places to 58,040 places.

Is the 186 visa the best PR pathway for 2026–27?

The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa appears to be one of the strongest permanent residency pathways based on the increased Employer Sponsored allocation. However, it depends on your employer, occupation, work experience and eligibility.

Did the 189 visa increase?

Yes. The Skilled Independent category, which includes the subclass 189 visa, increased from 16,900 to 21,090 places.

Did regional visa places decrease?

Yes. The Regional category decreased from 33,000 to 14,110 places.

Did the 190 visa increase?

Yes. The State/Territory Nominated category, linked to subclass 190, increased from 33,000 to 35,500 places, but will still remain very competitive.

Did Partner visa places change?

Yes. Partner visa places increased from 40,500 to 41,500.

Is the National Innovation Visa still available?

Yes. The National Innovation Visa subclass 858 remains available for high talented individuals.

Need help planning your Australian permanent residency pathway?

The 2026–27 Migration Program planning levels show a major shift toward employer sponsored permanent residency, especially the subclass 186 visa.

If you are planning your Australian PR pathway, Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand your options, including:

• 482 Skills in Demand visa
• 186 Employer Sponsored PR visa
• 189 Skilled Independent visa
• 190 Skilled Nominated visa
• 491 and 494 regional pathways
• Partner visas
• National Innovation Visa subclass 858

Book a consultation with Work Visa Lawyers to discuss your situation and your best pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

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Federal Budget 2026–27: What It Means for Australian Immigration

Official Source: https://budget.gov.au/content/documents.htm

The 2026–27 Federal Budget includes several important announcements about Australian immigration, skilled migration, overseas workers, students, working holiday makers and housing.

The Budget was delivered on 12 May 2026, and the main immigration details are in Budget Paper No. 1 and Budget Paper No. 2.

For migrants and visa applicants, the biggest message is clear: Australia is not stopping migration, but the Government is trying to make migration more targeted.

The focus is on skilled workers, people already in Australia, faster recognition of trade skills, and stronger checks in some visa areas.

In this blog, we are going to discuss the main Federal Budget announcements related to Australian migration.

The permanent Migration Program will stay at 185,000 places

The Government has kept the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program planning level at 185,000 places, the same as the 2025–26 financial year.

Of these places, 132,240 will be allocated to the Skill stream. This is more than 70% of the program. The Budget also confirms that the Government will keep an approximate 70% Skilled / 30% Family split.

This means skilled migration remains the main focus of Australia’s permanent migration system.

For skilled visa applicants, this includes visas such as the Skilled Independent 189 visa, State Nominated 190 visa, regional skilled 491 and 494 visas, and some employer sponsored permanent pathways, such as the 186 visa.

More places will be prioritised for people already in Australia

A major point in the Budget is the focus on onshore migrants.

The Government says it will prioritise applications from migrants already living in Australia. Across the Skill and Family streams, 129,590 places will be allocated to migrants already in Australia. The remaining 55,110 offshore places will mainly be allocated to high-skilled migrants who can help with Australia’s long-term skill needs.

This could be positive for people already in Australia on temporary visas, such as student visas, graduate visas, skilled temporary visas, partner visas or bridging visas.

However, this does not mean every onshore applicant will get a visa. Applicants still need to meet the legal requirements for their visa pathway.

Net overseas migration (NOM) is expected to fall

The Budget forecasts that Net Overseas Migration (NOM) is expected to fall over the next few years.

NOM is forecast to be:

Budget Paper No. 1 also says NOM is forecast to remain at 225,000 in 2028–29 and 2029–30.

The Budget says NOM has already declined by around 45% from its peak in 2022–23. However, it is still expected to be higher than previously forecast in 2025–26 and 2026–27. One reason given is that temporary visa holders are leaving Australia at lower rates than in the past. The Budget also says arrivals of New Zealand citizens are expected to remain strong because of Australia’s relatively favourable labour market conditions.

In simple terms, the Government expects migration numbers to fall, but not as quickly as previously expected.

The points test for 189, 190 and 491 visas will be changed

The Government says it will reform the permanent migration points test.

The Budget says the points test will be changed to better identify migrants who drive productivity and Australia’s long-term prosperity. It also says almost two-thirds of permanent skilled migrants are currently selected through points-tested visas.

The points test will be optimised to select migrants who are better educated, higher-skilled and younger overall.

This is very important for people interested in points-tested visas, including:

• Skilled Independent visa subclass 189
• Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190
• Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491

At this stage, the Budget does not give full details of how or when the points test will change. This means we do not yet know exactly how many points may be given for age, English, education, work experience, Australian study, partner skills, salary or other factors.

For applicants, this means it may be important to review your skilled visa strategy early, especially if you are close to a birthday, finishing a course, waiting for a skills assessment, or deciding whether to lodge an Expression of Interest.

Faster skills recognition and skills assessments for migrant trades workers

The Budget includes $85.2 million over four years to improve the recognition of migrant trade skills.

This funding is intended to deliver faster and more flexible skills assessments and to help accelerate occupational licensing. The Budget says these changes could reduce the time taken to enter the workforce by up to six months and help bring up to 4,000 additional skilled trades workers into the workforce each year.

The funding includes:

• $75.1 million for a new modern skills assessment system for Trades Recognition Australia.
• $5.6 million for a new skills assessment program for onshore visa holders.
• $4.5 million to improve oversight, transparency and accountability of assessing authorities.

The Budget specifically mentions priority trades such as electricians and plumbers.

This could be very important for migrant trades workers who already have overseas qualifications and practical experience but struggle to have those skills recognised in Australia.

Working Holiday Maker visas will be reformed

The Budget also includes changes to the Working Holiday Maker program, which includes the 417 and 462 visas.

The Government says it will reform the program to:

• better control numbers
• reduce barriers to work
• provide a fairer allocation of Working Holiday Maker visas
• support Australia’s national interests

The Budget says this will include expanding the use of ballots or lottery systems in the Working Holiday Maker program. At the moment, only India, China and Vietnam use ballots for the Working Holiday visa, but with the changes, we expect more countries to use ballots as well.

A ballot system usually means applicants register for a chance to apply, rather than everyone being able to apply immediately.

At this stage, the Budget does not provide full details about which countries will be affected.

More funding for migration system integrity

The Government will provide $167.4 million over four years to strengthen the integrity of Australia’s migration system.

This includes funding for courts, system capability, migrant worker education and stronger student visa scrutiny.

The Budget includes:

• $74.2 million to address misuse of the protection visa system by increasing the efficiency of merits and judicial review processes.
• $46.4 million to strengthen systems capability across the migration system.
• $27.0 million for education activities to improve migrant workers’ awareness of workplace safeguards, protections and migration law compliance.
• $19.8 million for enhanced scrutiny of onshore and offshore student visa applications.

This suggests the Government is continuing to focus on visa compliance, student visa integrity, protection visa misuse and workplace exploitation.

For applicants, this means strong evidence and accurate applications are likely to remain very important.

Student visa applications may face more scrutiny

The Budget specifically includes funding for enhanced scrutiny of both onshore and offshore student visa applications.

This is intended to protect the integrity of the international student visa system.

For student visa applicants, this may mean the Department of Home Affairs continues to look closely at:

• genuine study intentions
• course choice
• financial capacity
• previous immigration history
• links to the home country
• whether the applicant is using a student visa mainly to work or remain in Australia

This means applications should be well prepared and supported by strong documents.

Temporary Graduate visa application charges increased

The Budget confirms that the Government increased the visa application charge for Temporary Graduate visa applicants by 100%, excluding eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste applicants, from 1 March 2026.

This is important for international graduates who are planning to apply for the subclass 485 visa.

The Temporary Graduate visa is often used by international students after they complete their studies in Australia. It can provide time to gain work experience, improve English, complete a skills assessment, seek employer sponsorship or prepare for a skilled visa pathway.

Higher visa application charges make planning more important.

Housing, migration and foreign buyers

Housing is a major issue in the Budget, and it is closely linked to the migration debate.

The Government is extending the ban on foreign purchases of established dwellings by two years and three months, until 30 June 2029.

The Budget says this is intended to help more Australians buy homes that would otherwise be bought by foreign investors. Current limited exceptions that support housing supply will continue. General exemptions will also continue for purchases of established dwellings, including for permanent residents and New Zealand citizens.

This is relevant for migrants because many temporary visa holders are treated as foreign persons under Australia’s foreign investment rules. Anyone on a temporary visa should get specific advice before trying to buy property in Australia.

The Government is also reforming negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions. Budget Paper No. 1 says these tax changes are estimated to support an additional 75,000 first home buyers over the decade, and that new builds will be exempt from the changes to support housing supply.

The official Budget tax explainer says that from 1 July 2027, losses related to existing residential investment properties purchased from 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026 will generally only be deductible against residential property income, including capital gains.

Negative gearing will be restricted so that only losses from newly built investment properties can be deducted from a person’s income tax. The capital gains tax discount will also change.

National Credit Recognition Framework

The Budget also includes work on a National Credit Recognition Framework.

This will be developed by the Australian Tertiary Education Commission. The aim is to improve the recognition of vocational education and training qualifications, also known as VET qualifications.

In simple terms, this could help some students avoid repeating study they have already completed. University students with relevant VET qualifications may have the length and cost of their study reduced.

This could be useful for migrants and international students who have already completed practical or vocational training.

Pilot program for protection visa matters

The Government will fund a pilot program called Addressing Misuse of the Protection Visa System.

The pilot will provide funding for migration duty lawyers to give pre-filing legal assistance in migration matters before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

The aim is to help people make informed and merit-based decisions before filing judicial review applications in protection visa matters.

This is important because protection visa applications and review pathways can be complex. Getting legal advice early may help people better understand whether they have a genuine legal basis to continue their case.

More funding for Australian Border Force and national security

The Budget also includes additional funding for the Australian Border Force.

The Australian Border Force will receive supplementary funding of $270 million in 2026–27.

There is also funding connected to national security, hate-related conduct and migration law. This includes funding for the Department of Home Affairs to implement migration-related parts of new laws dealing with antisemitism, violent extremism and hate in Australian communities.

These measures include new visa refusal and cancellation grounds, as well as character test provisions under the Migration Act.

For migrants and visa holders, this shows that character, conduct and national security considerations remain very important in the Australian visa system.

Protecting migrant workers

The Government will provide $27 million over two years from 2026–27 to extend the Protecting Migrant Workers – Information and Education grants program.

These grants support information and education activities for migrant workers.

The aim is to help migrant workers better understand workplace rights, protections, safeguards and migration law compliance.

This is important because many migrant workers may not fully understand their rights in Australia, especially if they are new to the country, have limited English, or are worried about their visa status.

Community Safety Order Scheme

The Budget also includes funding to help states implement the Commonwealth Community Safety Order Scheme.

This scheme allows the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to apply to the Supreme Court in the relevant state or territory for supervision or detention orders for certain non-citizens who may pose a risk of harm to the community.

This is a specific and serious area of migration law. It is not relevant to most visa applicants, but it shows the Government is continuing to focus on risk management, detention and community safety in the migration system.

Work Visa Lawyers final thoughts

The 2026–27 Federal Budget shows that immigration remains central to Australia’s economy, workforce and housing debate.

The Government is not simply reducing migration. Instead, it is trying to reshape migration so that it is more focused on skilled workers, productivity, trade shortages, onshore applicants and system integrity.

More details are still needed, especially about the new points test and Working Holiday Maker reforms.

You can also check Chris Johnston’s article, “Is Australia Facing a Mass Migration?”

Work Visa Lawyers will continue to monitor these changes and provide updates as more information becomes available.

If you need any assistance with your migration matter, please book an appointment with one of our immigration lawyers or registered migration agents. Work Visa Lawyers is one of the best migration firms in Australia, assisting visa applicants and businesses for 15 years.

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Is There Uncontrolled Mass Migration in Australia?

Australia’s migration system is often described as “out of control”, but does that reflect reality?

In this article, we unpack how the migration system actually works, the current discussions around skilled migration, and what the potential impacts could be if major changes are introduced.

Is Australia’s Migration System Controlled?

Australia’s migration program is a structured and planned system, with set annual allocations determined by the Government. The current immigration system is highly controlled, with exact quotas announced and published each year on the Department of Home Affairs website.

For the 2025–2026 financial year, the permanent migration program is set at 185,000 places, a figure that is broadly consistent throughout each financial year in the past decade. The Government selects migrants based on skills and occupation shortages, experience, English proficiency, and their overall ability to contribute to the economy.

Below you can see a detailed breakdown of the 2025-2026 Migration Planning Level and the number of allocations for each category: 

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

What can be seen from reviewing the migration planning levels is that Australia’s Migration Program has remained relatively stable over the past 10 years. The current annual planning level for 2025–2026 is 185,000 places, which is very similar to the 190,000 places set in 2015–2016.

In 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, the migration planning levels were also set at 190,000 places. However, the final number of permanent residency visas granted was lower, with 162,417 places granted in 2017–2018 and 160,323 places granted in 2018–2019.

The biggest reduction occurred during the COVID-19 period. In 2021–2022, the planning level was reduced to 160,000 places, and only 143,556 permanent residency places were granted, as shown in the table below:

Source: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/visa-statistics/live/migration-program

It becomes even more detailed than this because, within the skilled migration quota, there are separate allocation levels for each state, and the total number also includes permanent visas in the family stream, including partner visas. Overall, the planning levels show a migration system that has remained fairly consistent over the past decade.

It is very important for the states to have influence and specific allocation levels because the needs of each state are different, depending on their economy and industry demands.

The Federal Government usually relies on data, particularly from Jobs and Skills Australia, to identify where workers are needed and which occupations should be prioritised. Meanwhile, the state governments use their own data to identify the occupations needed in their areas.

For example, Queensland might need a large number of chefs because of its large tourism industry while Western Australia might need more workers in mining-related roles to meet the demands of its resources sector.

Other states may have varying needs for different occupations, depending on their local industries and workforce shortages.

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/state-and-territory-nomination-allocations

Another important part of the program is employer-sponsored migration. Under this pathway, an employer can sponsor someone for an occupation on a skilled list. They must advertise the role and demonstrate the genuine need for the position within their business.

This can be a more efficient pathway because every migrant who comes through this process is going into a paid job that is paid above a minimum amount, which is currently the Core Skills Income Threshold of $76,515. This is expected to increase from 1 July 2026.

Is There Really “Mass Immigration” in Australia?

Based on the planning levels from the last decade, the narrative that the migration program is unplanned and unmanaged doesn’t reflect reality. The program has many requirements, and it is often very difficult to obtain a visa to study or work in Australia.

The Federal Government and the states carefully select applicants by occupation and points to address known industry skills shortages. At a federal level, the government uses Jobs and Skills Australia while the state government departments use their own data to make decisions on who is granted a visa.

In the 2025–2026 financial year, there are 185,000 permanent residency places. When you look at the data from the planning levels in the last 10 years (see table above), this number is not very different from previous years.

For example, in 2015–2016, the Australian Government granted 189,770 permanent visas. The year with the lowest number of permanent visas granted was in 2021–22, when 143,556 permanent visas were granted out of 160,000 places. This was during COVID-19 when migration to Australia was limited due to border closures and overall effects of the pandemic.

During the pandemic, Australia experienced major skills shortages across many sectors, from hospitals to restaurants. If migration levels were reduced to a level lower than during COVID, as proposed by One Nation, Australia could face even greater skills shortages than it did at that time.

Skill shortages can then impact the economy and simple things like the price you pay for your food. For example, people in cities want avocado on toast, but they don’t want to pick the avocados. If there are no temporary workers, such as working holiday makers or regional workers, how much will that avocado on toast cost — or will it get picked at all?

Another important point is that New Zealand citizens or permanent residents are not counted in the 185,000-visa cap. In the five years prior to the pandemic, the average number of New Zealand migrants arriving in Australia each year was around 32,000, and in 2024–25 this number has increased to around 53,000. This represents a significant increase and is not included in the migration planning level.

Humanitarian visas are also not counted in the 185,000 migration planning level for 2025–2026, and this represents about 20,000 permanent residency places.

We have created the following table to show the planned number of visas and migration places for 2025–2026, including Skilled, Family visas, Humanitarian visas and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents migrating to Australia, not only the 185,000 places from the Migration Planning Levels.

For New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, the figure used is from 2024–2025, as the 2025–2026 data is not yet available. We expect a similar number in 2025–2026.

As shown in the table, more than half of the permanent residency visas planned to be granted in the 2025–2026 financial year are Skilled visas. This is followed by Family visas, which represent 20.4%, and Humanitarian visas, which represent only 7.8% of the total.

However, one important point that is often not discussed is the number of New Zealand citizens or permanent residents migrating to Australia and the impact this can have on the country. This is not included in the Migration Program planning levels, but it still represents a significant number, equivalent to around 20.6% of the total figures shown above.

As an immigration lawyer who has worked in the migration industry for over 20 years, my view is that Australia’s migration system is not uncontrolled. There is always room for improvement, particularly in refining the points test and strengthening regional migration pathways. However, significant cuts to migration levels could create serious challenges across multiple sectors of the Australian economy.

The key is finding the right balance to ensure the system continues to support economic growth, address skill shortages, and deliver long-term benefits for Australia.

It is also important to note that Net Overseas Migration, or NOM, is a separate issue and will be discussed in a separate article, as it involves different data and a broader discussion than the permanent migration program.

What Happens If Migration Is Drastically Cut?

There have been proposals by One Nation to reduce migration levels to 130,000 places, which is significantly lower than current planning levels and even lower than the reduced levels during COVID-19.

To put this into context, during COVID (2020–2021), when migration dropped to around 143,000, Australia experienced widespread skills shortages across multiple industries, from healthcare to hospitality and agriculture.

Source: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/restaurant-industry-facing-critical-shortage-of-chefs-managers-and-sommeliers-20210513-p57rn1.html

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59093560

If migration were reduced further, those shortages could return at an even greater scale. Australia could struggle to complete major infrastructure projects, meet healthcare demand, and support key industries that rely on overseas workers.

Even everyday services and costs would be affected. People often overlook how migration supports the daily life of each Australian and the positive contribution from migrant workers, from the workers who harvest food to those preparing meals in cafés and restaurants.

The drastic cuts now being called for by One Nation would take migration levels closer to the slump seen during COVID. That period led to major skill shortages and serious problems across the economy.

We also seem to have forgotten very quickly just how severe the skill shortages were during COVID.

At that time, there were a range of harsh immigration policies. The Government of the day told international students to go home, and many did.

With the borders closed, and with no new skilled migrants, working holiday makers or international students arriving, Australia experienced an extreme shortage of workers across almost every industry.

In an unprecedented move, the Australian Government created the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa, which allowed many people to stay and work in different industries during a period of clear national labour shortage and urgency.

If migration cuts were made to the level of 130,000, as proposed, Australia could return to the kind of ongoing labour shortages and pressure that existed during COVID and in the period immediately after it, which many people already seem to have forgotten.

Another major problem that very few people talk about is that, even if there were enough homes for everyone to buy, many people still would not be able to purchase one. The problem is not only housing supply, many people do not have the money for a deposit, or they would not qualify for a home loan because the bank would not approve the finance. I will talk more about migration and house crises later in this article.

Migration and the Economic Effects

Migration is closely tied to Australia’s economy and workforce.

Sectors like education and tourism are among the largest employers in the country, and both rely heavily on migration. Reducing migration in these areas could have flow-on effects, including job losses for Australians.

By comparison, industries often highlighted in economic discussions, such as mining, employ a much smaller proportion of the workforce.

According to Job and Skills Australia:

• Education and Training is the 5th largest employing sector in Australia, with 8.9% of the workforce
• Accommodation and Food Services is the 6th largest, with 6.7% of the workforce

By comparison:

• Mining is the 14th largest sector, employing only 2.0% of the workforce

So, cutting migration could potentially slow down the Australian economy and affect many sectors.

Migration and Housing: What Is the Real Impact?

Migration is often blamed for the housing pressure in Australia, but the reality is far more complex.

Reducing migration may have some effect at the margins, but it is unlikely to solve the housing problem on its own. Housing shortages are also driven by other major issues, including slow and expensive council processes, planning restrictions, limited subdivision opportunities, and barriers to building more homes on available land.

Another important issue is access to finance. This can be an uncomfortable point to raise, but not everyone has the same ability to borrow money or secure finance to build or buy a home. Many Australian citizens and permanent residents simply cannot get a loan.

I will be writing another article soon looking more closely at the relationship between housing shortages and immigration.

Final Thoughts

Often, when there is a difficult conversation to be had, it is easier to avoid it. That is why many people working in the immigration industry may not want to engage with the term “mass migration”.

But when a term becomes very common and is used repeatedly, it is worth asking how accurate it really is.

Is there really something new happening that should be called “mass migration”?

The view I am putting forward is that there has not been a dramatic shift of the kind this term suggests. Migration numbers have gone up and down over time, but before COVID they were at levels similar to those we are seeing now. Over the last 10 years, migration numbers have generally been between 160,000 and 190,000.

There was an outlier during COVID, when migration numbers dropped to 143,000. The result of that one major drop was severe skills shortages across many sectors.

A prolonged migration policy of around 130,000 places, as proposed by One Nation, would lead to drastic skills shortages in Australia. This would translate into a lack of healthcare and other basic services for Australians.

Another important point is that it has not been proven that migration numbers are the primary cause of the housing shortage, as One Nation has implied.

It is possible that keeping migration numbers at around 130,000 over time could have a double negative economic effect for Australia: an economic downturn, a lack of services in healthcare and other areas, and still ongoing housing shortages.

The housing shortage needs to be addressed by building more houses.

Author: Chris Johnston – Immigration Lawyer

Sources:

2025–2026 Migration Program planning levels – Department of Home Affairs: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

Migration Program data since 2015–2016 – Department of Home Affairs: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/visa-statistics/live/migration-program

ABC News – Australia’s skills shortages: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-06/national-skills-commission-report-occupation-shortages-soar/101505668

Sydney Morning Herald – Hospitality skills shortages: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/restaurant-industry-facing-critical-shortage-of-chefs-managers-and-sommeliers-20210513-p57rn1.html

BBC News – Australia jobs and staffing shortages: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59093560

ATO – Types of property a foreign person can buy in Australia: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/investments-and-assets/foreign-resident-investments/foreign-investment-in-australia/types-of-property-a-foreign-person-can-buy

The Guardian – New Zealanders moving to Australia: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/03/new-zealand-economy-record-numbers-leave-why-people-choosing-australia#:~:text=Of%20those%2C%2058%25%20moved%20to%20Australia.%20Some,experience**%20*%20**Remote%20geography**%20*%20**Small%20scale**

ABS – Overseas Migration, 2024–2025: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/overseas-migration/latest-release

Big Updates on Australian Immigration!

Australian immigration is changing quickly in 2026. These updates are not limited to one visa type. They affect several parts of the migration system, including employer sponsored visas, student visas, graduate visas, Parent visas, Training visas, Visitor visas, state nomination and visa refusal appeals.

For many applicants, the key issue is timing. A change to salary thresholds, lodgement rules, appeal procedures or visa fees can affect whether an application is valid, affordable or likely to succeed. Employers also need to be careful, especially where sponsorship, nomination and salary requirements are involved.

This article expands on our YouTube video, “Big Updates on Australian Immigration!” If you watched the video and want more detail, this guide explains what the changes may mean and what applicants and employers should consider next.

This is general information only. It is not legal advice. Australian migration law changes often, and the best option will depend on your individual circumstances.

In this blog, we explain the main Australian immigration updates discussed in our YouTube video, including the new approved work sponsor register, employer sponsored visa salary threshold changes, Parent visa online lodgement, Subclass 407 Training visa changes, Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa fee increases, stronger student visa scrutiny, ART appeal changes, Iranian Visitor visa restrictions and recent 190 and 491 state nomination news.

New Approved Work Sponsor Register

The Australian Government has introduced changes that allow information about approved work sponsors to be published in a public register.

This register may include information such as the sponsor’s name, ABN, postcode, number of nominations and the types of occupations sponsored. The purpose appears to be greater transparency in the employer sponsorship system.

For skilled workers, this may be helpful because it could make it easier to identify employers who have used sponsorship pathways before. For employers, it may increase visibility and lead to more enquiries from workers looking for sponsorship.

However, workers should be careful. A sponsor appearing on a register does not automatically mean that the employer is currently hiring, willing to sponsor new workers or able to nominate every occupation.

What skilled workers should consider

If the register becomes available, skilled workers may be able to use it as one research tool. However, it should not be the only strategy. Applicants should still consider whether:

• the employer has a genuine position available
• the occupation is eligible for the relevant visa pathway
• the salary meets the relevant requirements
• the worker has the required skills, experience and English level
• the employer understands sponsorship obligations

What employers should consider

Employers should make sure their sponsorship practices are compliant. This includes salary, employment conditions, record keeping and nomination accuracy.

Official source: Migration Amendment legislation https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00039/asmade/2026-04-08/text/original/pdf 

Employer Sponsored Visa Salary Thresholds

Salary thresholds are one of the most important parts of many employer sponsored visa applications.

The Department of Home Affairs has salary requirements for employer nominations, including for Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 nominations. In simple terms, employers generally need to show that the nominated salary meets the relevant threshold and is consistent with Australian market salary requirements.

In the video, we discussed expected salary threshold increases from 1 July 2026:

Core Skills Income Threshold, or CSIT
Current amount discussed: $76,515
Expected amount from 1 July 2026: $79,499

Specialist Skills Income Threshold, or SSIT
Current amount discussed: $141,210
Expected amount from 1 July 2026: $146,717

These thresholds are relevant to employer sponsored pathways, including the Skills in Demand visa and some Employer Nomination Scheme applications.

New Financial Year starting on 1 July 2026

Australian visa settings often change at the start of a new financial year. A nomination lodged before 1 July may be considered under different settings compared with one lodged after 1 July.

This means employers and applicants should not leave salary discussions until the last minute. A small salary difference can create a major issue if it means the nomination does not meet the relevant threshold.

Practical steps for employers

Before lodging an employer sponsored nomination, employers should review:

• the nominated occupation
• the proposed salary
• the market salary rate
• employment contract terms
• full-time or part-time status
• duties of the role
• work location
• whether the nominated position is genuine

Stronger Scrutiny Across Temporary Visas

Although the Department has not officially announced a general “temporary visa crackdown”, many applicants are experiencing stronger scrutiny across different temporary visa programs.

This may affect Partner visa applicants, Student visa applicants, Training visa applicants, Graduate visa applicants and Visitor visa applicants.

The practical message is simple: applicants should prepare properly, respond to Department requests on time and avoid assuming that a visa will be approved just because similar applications were approved in the past.

Partner Visa Phone Calls and Scam Risks

Some Partner visa applicants may receive phone calls from the Department of Home Affairs. This can happen where the Department wants more information or needs to clarify details about the application.

However, applicants should also be careful about scams. Scammers may pretend to be from the Department or another government agency.

The Department will not ask for your ImmiAccount password. Be very careful if anyone asks for bank details, credit card details or unusual payment methods over the phone.

What Partner visa applicants should do

If you receive a phone call about your visa application:

• stay calm and do not feel pressured
• ask for the request to be sent in writing if you are unsure
• check your ImmiAccount
• do not provide passwords or payment details over the phone
• speak with your migration lawyer or registered migration agent if you are represented
• respond to genuine Department requests before the deadline

This is especially important for second-stage Partner visa applications, where failure to respond to document requests can create refusal risks.

Subclass 407 Training Visa Changes

The Subclass 407 Training visa has become more difficult to lodge for some applicants.

From 10 March 2026, Training visa applicants must have an approved sponsor and nomination before they can apply for the visa. This is an important change because previously some applicants may have planned to lodge while sponsorship or nomination steps were still being finalised.

This change may create problems for onshore applicants whose current visas are expiring soon. If the sponsorship and nomination are not approved in time, the applicant may not be able to lodge a valid Training visa application before their current visa expires.

What 407 visa applicants should prepare

A strong Training visa strategy should consider:

• whether there is an approved sponsor
• whether the nomination is ready and complete
• the type of occupational training being proposed
• whether the training is genuine
• the applicant’s current visa expiry date
• whether the training plan matches the applicant’s background and goals
• whether the applicant can meet health, character and other requirements

Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Fee Increase

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa is an important pathway for many international students who complete eligible studies in Australia.

The Department of Home Affairs currently lists the starting cost for the Post-Higher Education Work stream as AU$ 4,600. This is a significant increase for many graduates, considering the previous cost of only AU$ 2,300.

Because the visa charge is now much higher, applicants should be careful before lodging. A refusal can be expensive and may also affect future visa planning.

What 485 visa applicants should check

Before lodging a 485 visa application, graduates should check:

• whether they are applying in the correct stream
• age requirements
• qualification requirements
• English language requirements
• health insurance
• AFP police check requirements
• timing from course completion
• current visa expiry date
• whether family members are included correctly

Student Visa Refusals and Stronger Evidence Requirements

Student visa applications continue to receive strong scrutiny.

Applicants should not assume that enrolment in an Australian course is enough. The Department may look closely at the applicant’s reasons for study, financial position, immigration history, previous study, work background and whether the proposed course makes sense.

For many applicants, the Genuine Student requirement is one of the most important parts of the application.

Common student visa risk areas

Student visa applicants should carefully address:

• why they chose Australia
• why they chose the course and education provider
• how the course fits their past study or employment
• how the course helps their future plans
• evidence of financial capacity
• English language evidence
• gaps in study or employment history
• previous visa refusals or cancellations
• family, economic or personal ties outside Australia

If a student visa is refused, some applicants may have appeal rights. However, appeal deadlines are strict.

Parent Visa Applications Can Now Be Lodged Online

From 22 April 2026, several Parent visa applications must be lodged online through ImmiAccount.

This is a major practical change because many Parent visa applications previously involved paper forms and postal lodgement.

Online lodgement may make the process easier to manage. Applicants can upload documents, track the application and reduce the risk of postal delays.

Parent visa subclasses affected

The online lodgement change applies to several permanent Parent visa subclasses, including:

• Parent visa Subclass 103
• Contributory Parent visa Subclass 143
• Aged Parent visa Subclass 804
• Contributory Aged Parent visa Subclass 864

Parent visa processing remains slow

Online lodgement does not remove the long waiting times for many Parent visas. Parent visa applications are still affected by capping and queueing arrangements.

This means families should plan early and consider whether another visa option may be suitable while waiting.

ART Appeal Changes: Written Evidence May Become Even More Important

The Administrative Review Tribunal, or ART, reviews many migration and visa refusal decisions.

The Australian Government has announced reforms that may allow the Tribunal more flexibility to decide some matters based on written material without an oral hearing, where it is reasonable and appropriate to do so.

The government has indicated that this may first apply to student visa refusal reviews.

This does not mean every case will be decided without a hearing. However, it does mean written submissions and evidence may become even more important.

What visa refusal applicants should do

If your visa is refused, do not simply lodge an appeal and wait.

You should consider preparing:

• detailed written submissions
• evidence responding directly to the refusal reasons
• updated documents
• explanations for any inconsistencies
• evidence of changed circumstances
• legal arguments, where appropriate

Appeal deadlines can be very short. If you miss the deadline, you may lose the opportunity to have the decision reviewed.

Iranian Visitor Visa Restrictions

A temporary travel restriction applies to certain people outside Australia who hold a Visitor visa Subclass 600 linked to an Iranian passport.

The Arrival Control Determination began on 26 March 2026 and is in force for six months, unless extended or changed. The Department states that it applies to people who are outside Australia, hold a Visitor Subclass 600 visa and whose visa is linked to a passport issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran, unless an exemption applies.

This does not affect every Iranian citizen or every Iranian visa holder.

Who should check carefully?

You should check your situation carefully if you:

• are outside Australia
• hold a Subclass 600 Visitor visa
• used an Iranian passport for the visa application
• are planning to travel to Australia soon
• may fall within an exemption
• need to apply for a permitted travel certificate

State Nomination Updates for 190 and 491 Visas

As Australia approaches the end of the 2025–2026 financial year, state nomination programs are becoming more limited and they states will be closing soon. 

We are going to publish another blog and Youtube video with more details on state nomination 190 and 491 visas. 

Need Help With an Australian Visa?

Australian immigration changes can affect students, skilled workers, employers, graduates, parents, visitors and people with visa refusals.

If you need help understanding your visa options, Work Visa Lawyers can assist. Our team includes immigration lawyers and registered migration agents who advise on employer sponsored visas, student visas, graduate visas, Parent visas, Training visas, Visitor visas, state nomination, visa refusals and ART appeals.

You can book a consultation with Work Visa Lawyers to discuss your circumstances and plan your next step.

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest Australian immigration updates in 2026?

Major 2026 immigration updates include the new approved work sponsor register, expected employer sponsored salary threshold increases, online Parent visa lodgement, 407 Training visa changes, higher 485 visa fees, student visa scrutiny, ART appeal changes, Iranian Visitor visa restrictions and 190/491 state nomination updates.

What is the approved work sponsor register?

The approved work sponsor register is a new measure that may allow public information about approved work sponsors to be published. This may include sponsor details and information about sponsored occupations. It may help workers identify employers who have previously sponsored overseas workers.

Are employer sponsored visa salary thresholds increasing?

Salary thresholds are expected to increase from 1 July 2026 from $76,515 to $79,499. Employers should check the latest Department of Home Affairs salary requirements before lodging a nomination, especially for Skills in Demand and Employer Nomination Scheme applications.

Can Parent visas now be lodged online?

Yes. From 22 April 2026, several permanent Parent visa applications must be lodged online through ImmiAccount, including Subclass 103, 143, 804 and 864 applications.

What changed for the 407 Training visa?

From 10 March 2026, Subclass 407 Training visa applicants must have an approved sponsor and nomination before they can apply for the visa. This makes early preparation very important, especially for applicants in Australia with visas expiring soon.

How much does the 485 Temporary Graduate visa cost?

The Department of Home Affairs currently lists the starting cost for the Subclass 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream as AUD $4,600. Applicants should check the latest visa application charge before lodging.

Are student visa refusals increasing?

Student visa applications are receiving strong scrutiny. Applicants should provide clear evidence of genuine study intention, financial capacity, course relevance and immigration history. If a student visa is refused, some applicants may have appeal rights, but deadlines are strict.

Can the ART decide a visa appeal without a hearing?

The Australian Government has announced changes that may give the ART more flexibility to decide some matters based on written material without an oral hearing, where appropriate. This means written evidence and submissions may become even more important.

Are Iranian Visitor visa holders restricted from travelling to Australia?

A temporary travel restriction applies to certain people outside Australia who hold a Subclass 600 Visitor visa linked to an Iranian passport, unless an exemption applies. Affected visa holders should check official Home Affairs information and their individual circumstances.

Are 190 and 491 state nomination programs still open?

It depends on the state or territory. Some programs may be closed, nearly full or still issuing invitations. Applicants should check the official state or territory migration website before making decisions.

Official Sources:

• Department of Home Affairs salary requirements: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/salary-requirements 
• Subclass 407 Training visa: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/training-407 
• Training visa application requirement change: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1392 
• Temporary Graduate visa Subclass 485: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work 
• Student visa Subclass 500: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500 
• Parent visa Subclass 103: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/parent-103 
• Aged Parent visa Subclass 804: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/aged-parent-804 
• Parent visa queue information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/parent-visas 
• Visa scams information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/visa-scams/what-you-need-to-know 
• ART changes ministerial release: https://ministers.ag.gov.au/media-centre/strengthening-administrative-review-tribunal-05-02-2026 
• Iranian Visitor visa Arrival Control Determination: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/arrival-control-determination 
• Victoria skilled visa nomination update: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-events/news/2026/update-victorias-skilled-visa-nomination-program-2025-26 
• South Australia April 2026 invitations: https://migration.sa.gov.au/news/invitations-issued-april-2026 
• NSW Skilled Work Regional visa Subclass 491: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-work-regional-visa-subclass-491

Advantages of the 186 TRT Permanent Visa Over the Direct Entry Stream

If you currently hold a Subclass 482 visa, whether under the old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) program or the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) visa is usually the easiest and safest pathway to Australian permanent residency.

Many skilled workers mistakenly consider the Direct Entry (DE) stream first. However, in reality, if you are already on a 482 visa, the TRT stream often offers significantly more advantages, fewer risks and greater flexibility.

In this article, we explain why the 186 TRT stream is often the preferred pathway to permanent residency compared to the 186 Direct Entry stream.

What Is the Subclass 186 Permanent Residency Visa?

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to become permanent residents in Australia.

It has three streams:

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream – for individuals holding a Subclass 482 visa for at least 2 years
• Direct Entry (DE) stream – for applicants applying directly for permanent residency
• Labour Agreement stream – where some concessions may apply

For most workers already in Australia on some employer-sponsored visas, the TRT stream is the best option, and in this blog we will explain why.

Recent migration reforms have strengthened the pathway from temporary visas to permanent residency, making the TRT stream more accessible for Subclass 482 visa holders.

Who Can Apply for the 186 TRT Visa?

You may qualify for the TRT stream if you hold or previously held:

• Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa
• Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa
• Legacy Subclass 457 visa

Generally, you must have worked for an approved employer for at least 2 years while holding a 482 visa in your nominated occupation.

This makes the TRT stream the natural transition pathway to permanent residency for most sponsored workers.

Key Advantages of the 186 TRT Visa Over Direct Entry

1) No Skills Assessment Required

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:

• You must meet the ANZSCO skill level requirements, but a skills assessment is generally not required for most occupations.
• This is a major advantage because skills assessments can be expensive, time-consuming and stressful.

Direct Entry (DE) Stream:

• A skills assessment is required
• It must be completed through the relevant assessing authority
• It can take months and cost thousands of dollars

This is one of the main reasons why TRT is usually the easier pathway for current 482 visa holders.

2) Work Experience

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:

• You generally need to have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years while holding a 482 visa
• This work must usually be in the occupation for which you are being nominated
• The TRT pathway is designed for workers who are already in Australia and already working for their employer

Direct Entry (DE) Stream:

• You generally need at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your occupation
• This work experience can be gained in Australia or overseas
• The Department looks closely at whether your work history is relevant and at the required skill level

This means TRT usually has a lower and more practical work experience requirement for people who are already on a 482 visa.

Another important point about the work experience is that the 482 visa generally requires only 1 year of full-time relevant work experience. Because of this, many applicants see the 482 visa as a more realistic pathway when they do not yet have the 3 years of full-time experience usually required for the 186 Direct Entry stream.

A common strategy is to qualify first for the 482 visa with 1 year of experience, work in Australia for at least 2 years on that visa, and then apply for permanent residency through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.

3) Age Exemptions

Both streams generally require applicants to be under 45 years of age. However, the TRT stream offers more practical age exemption options, including:

• Medical practitioners may be exempt from the age limit if they have worked in a regional area of Australia for at least 2 years in the last 3 years while holding a 457 or 482 visa, and the new nominated job is also in a regional area.
• Some 457 or 482 visa holders may also be exempt from the age limit if they have worked in sponsored employment for at least 2 years in the last 3 years and earned at least the Fair Work High Income Threshold in each of those years (currently $183,100).

These age exemption options can make the TRT stream much more flexible for some applicants.

4) Occupation List

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:

• The TRT stream is generally more flexible because it is based on the occupation connected to your existing 482 visa and nomination history
• This can be a major advantage for current 482 visa holders

Direct Entry (DE) Stream:

• The occupation must generally be on the relevant skilled occupation list – Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• If your occupation is not on the list, you may not be eligible under the Direct Entry stream

This means TRT can be a better option for workers whose occupations may not be available under the Direct Entry stream due to the occupation not being on the CSOL.

5) Easier Permanent Residency Pathway for 482 Visa Holders

The TRT stream was specifically designed as a pathway for temporary skilled workers.

This includes holders of:

• Old Subclass 482 TSS visa
• New Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa
• Legacy Subclass 457 visa

Migration reforms now allow eligible workers to apply after working only 2 out of the last 3 years with an approved sponsor.

This has made permanent residency more accessible than ever for many 482 visa holders.

6) Lower Risk of Refusal

TRT applications are generally lower risk because:

• You are already working in Australia
• Your employer has already sponsored you
• Your skills have already been proven in the Australian workplace
• There is already an established employer-employee relationship

Direct Entry applications rely more heavily on external verification, work history assessment and skills assessments, which can increase the risk of refusal.

7) Greater Employer Support

Employers often prefer to sponsor TRT applicants because:

• They already know your performance
• They trust your skills
• They have invested in your 482 work visa
• You are already working in the business

The employer must still demonstrate a genuine need for the role and show that the position fits within their ongoing business operations.

This requirement is usually easier to meet for existing employees than for someone applying directly from outside the business.

8) Ability to Change Employers and Still Qualify

One major concern for 482 visa holders is what happens if their employer refuses to sponsor them for permanent residency.

Recent changes mean that, in some cases, you may still be able to:

• Change employers
• Obtain a new Subclass 482 visa with another approved sponsor
• Continue working toward eligibility for the 186 TRT visa

This provides flexibility and helps protect your pathway to permanent residency, even if your original employer does not offer permanent residency sponsorship.

Important 186 Visa Requirements to Keep in Mind

To qualify for the 186 TRT visa, you must meet requirements including:

• Employer nomination approval
• A genuine position within the business
• Competent English, such as IELTS 6 or equivalent
• Salary meeting the relevant income threshold (currently $76,515 which is increasing from 1 July 2026)
• Health and character requirements

If your IELTS score is below 6, improving your English while holding a Subclass 482 visa is very important when preparing for permanent residency.

TRT vs Direct Entry: Quick Comparison

Why Most 482 Visa Holders Should Choose TRT

If you currently hold a Subclass 482 visa, whether under the TSS or Skills in Demand program, the TRT stream is almost always the best pathway to permanent residency.

It offers:

• Broader age exemption categories
• No skills assessment required for most occupations
• Lower work experience threshold
• Generally more employer support
• Lower overall costs
• Lower risk of refusal

For most 482 visa holders, the TRT stream is simpler, safer and more practical than the Direct Entry stream.

Need Help With Your 186 TRT Visa?

Navigating employer-sponsored permanent residency can be complex, especially with changing migration laws. Professional guidance can help ensure you choose the correct pathway and avoid costly mistakes.

Contact Work Visa Lawyers today to assess your eligibility for the 186 TRT visa and secure your pathway to Australian permanent residency.

Our lawyers and migration agents have been helping business and applicants with employer sponsored visas since 2011.

Book an appointment today to discuss your situation.

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