The New Approved Work Sponsor Register 2026: What Employers & Visa Applicants Must Know

There is a big migration update in Australia for anyone involved in employer-sponsored visas.

On 8 April 2026, the Australian Government officially passed the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026. This new law brings a major change: it allows the government to publish a public list of businesses that are approved to sponsor skilled overseas workers.

Here is everything you need to know about the new Approved Work Sponsor Register, whether you are an Australian business or a migrant worker looking for a job.

What is the Approved Work Sponsor Register?

Under the new law, the Secretary can publish specific information about approved work sponsors on the Department of Home Affairs website.

According to the updated legislation, the public register may include the following details about a business:

• The type or kind of approved work sponsor.
• The name of the approved work sponsor.
• The sponsor's Australian Business Number (ABN).
• The postcode connected to the sponsor's ABN.
• The number of visa nominations the approved work sponsor has made.
• The types of jobs or occupations the sponsor has nominated.

The law also strictly protects individual privacy, stating that personal identifiers will not be published.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

If you are a business that sponsors overseas workers, this change will create both new opportunities and new pressures.

Because everyone will be able to see that your business sponsors workers, you may worry about getting flooded with sponsorship requests. Being on a public list could mean receiving more emails, phone calls, and overall pressure from job seekers asking for a 482, 186, or 494 visa.

Employers need to be ready to manage and organise this expected increase in sponsorship enquiries.

What Does This Mean for Visa Applicants?

If you are a visa applicant or skilled worker, the Approved Work Sponsor Register may help you make more informed job-search decisions.

Instead of guessing whether a business has sponsored workers before, you may be able to check whether an employer is already an approved sponsor and what types of occupations they have nominated in the past.

This does not mean you should contact every approved sponsor on the list. A better approach is to focus on genuine job vacancies that match your skills, qualifications and work experience. For example, when reviewing job advertisements, you may be able to check whether the company is already an approved sponsor before deciding whether to apply.

An approved sponsor may already understand the sponsorship process, which can make the process more familiar for both the employer and the applicant. However, this does not guarantee that they are hiring, that they will sponsor you, or that you will be eligible for a visa.

It is also important to remember that many businesses that are not yet approved sponsors may still be able to become approved sponsors and nominate a skilled worker if they have a genuine business need for that role. In some cases, an employer that needs your skills may be able to register as a sponsor and nominate you sooner than you may think.

While we wait for the government to officially publish the register, visa applicants should continue to focus on strong, targeted job applications and genuine roles that match their occupation and experience.

You can also get a head start by reading our comprehensive guide on how to find a sponsor for a 482 Visa.

Need Help with Employer-Sponsored Migration?

This is a massive change for employer-sponsored migration in Australia, and Work Visa Lawyers will share the official list as soon as the government publishes it.

If you are an employer wanting to understand how to manage your sponsor duties, or an applicant looking for guidance on your visa journey, we are here to help. Contact Work Visa Lawyers today to speak with one of our top migration lawyers.

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References

Federal Register of Legislation: Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026 - View the official legislation here

4 Common Australian PR Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Chances in 2026

Many people come to Australia, study hard, work hard and follow the rules — but still miss out on permanent residency.

Sometimes the problem is not one big mistake. It is a small decision made early that quietly damages the whole PR pathway.

This article is about common mistakes that can hurt a person’s Australian permanent residency plans. The source script identifies four major traps: changing occupations too often, salary problems, weak work evidence and age-related timing issues.

These mistakes can affect skilled visas such as the 189 visa, 190 visa, 491 visa, 482 visa, 186 visa and 485 Graduate visa.

Mistake 1: Changing occupations too often

Some people keep changing their occupation because they are chasing the “easiest” PR pathway.

For example, a person may start with accounting, then move to cookery, then try engineering drafting, and later look at care work. This may feel like a smart move, but it can become a serious problem.

Many skilled visas require a suitable occupation, a skills assessment, relevant qualifications and/or relevant work experience. The Department of Home Affairs explains that skilled occupation lists include the occupations available for skilled visa programs and the relevant skills assessing authority for each occupation.

For the Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190, Home Affairs says applicants must have an occupation on the relevant skilled list, have a suitable skills assessment and be invited to apply.

Why this can damage your PR pathway

Every time you change your occupation, you may “reset the clock”.

You may end up with:

• not enough work experience in one occupation;
• qualifications that do not match your nominated occupation;
• difficulty passing a skills assessment;
• fewer points for skilled migration;
• no clear employer-sponsored pathway.

Better approach

Choose a realistic occupation early and build a strategy around it. This may include your course, job, skills assessment, English test, state nomination options and employer sponsorship options.

Mistake 2: Salary problems in employer-sponsored visas

This mistake often happens with employer-sponsored visas, including the Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 and the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186.

A person may receive a job offer, but the salary may not meet the legal or market salary requirements.

Home Affairs says that, for nomination applications lodged between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is AUD76,515. For the 2026–27 financial year, this is expected to increase to AUD79,499 from 1 July 2026, based on the annual indexation formula in the Migration Regulations and the latest ABS Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings data.

However, meeting the CSIT alone may not be enough. For employer-sponsored visas, the salary generally needs to meet the relevant income threshold and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation. This means the employer must usually pay whichever amount is higher.

For example, if an engineer’s normal market salary is over AU$ 100,000, an employer may not be able to simply offer the minimum threshold and expect the visa pathway to be safe.

The salary must be checked carefully against:

• the relevant skilled visa income threshold;
• the annual market salary rate;
• the role duties;
• the occupation;
• the employer’s business evidence.

Fair Work also notes that primary subclass 482 visa holders should be paid market salary rates by their sponsors.

Better approach

Before accepting an employer-sponsored pathway, check whether the salary is realistic for the occupation and industry. A low salary may look helpful to the employer, but it can create major visa risk for the applicant.

Mistake 3: Working as a “ghost employee” with no proper evidence

This can happen in hospitality, construction, trades, cleaning, care work and other industries.

A person may work long hours but receive cash payments with no payslips, no tax records and no clear bank evidence.

Cash payment itself is not always illegal. Fair Work says employees can be paid in cash, cheque or bank transfer. But employees must receive payslips, and employers must keep accurate pay and employment records.

Fair Work also explains that “cash in hand” payments where tax has not been taken out are against the law.

Why this can ruin your PR chances

For migration purposes, a letter from an employer may not be enough.

You may need strong evidence such as:

• payslips;
• bank statements;
• tax records;
• superannuation records;
• employment contracts;
• rosters;
• invoices, if applicable;
• position descriptions;
• employer references.

Without proper evidence, your work may be hard to prove. This can affect:

• your skills assessment;
• points for Australian work experience;
• employer-sponsored visa evidence;
• your credibility with the Department.

For the Skills in Demand subclass 482 visa, Home Affairs states applicants must have the skills to perform the nominated occupation and 12 months of full-time work experience, or equivalent, in the occupation or a related field.

Better approach

Keep records from day one. Even if you are a student or casual worker, ask for payslips and make sure your pay, tax and super are recorded properly.

Mistake 4: Leaving your PR plan too late because of age limits

Age is one of the biggest timing risks in Australian migration.

Many people only start thinking seriously about PR when they are already close to the age limit.

For the Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa, Home Affairs says it will not process the visa application if the applicant is 45 at the time of invitation.

For the State Nominations l subclasses 190 visa and 491 visa, Home Affairs says applicants must be under 45 to be invited to apply.

For the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream, Home Affairs says applicants usually must be under 45 years of age when they apply, unless an exemption applies.

The 43-year-old danger zone

If you are 43 or older, timing becomes very important.

For example, the subclass 186 visa usually requires eligible sponsored employment on a full-time basis for at least two years.

This means a person who wants to use a 482 to 186 pathway must think carefully about timing. Waiting too long may mean the person turns 45 before they are ready to apply.

Graduate visa age trap

The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 also has age limits.

For the Post-Higher Education Work stream, Home Affairs says applicants must be 35 years or under when they apply.

This can be a serious issue for students who start a course in their mid-30s and only realise later that they may be too old for the Graduate visa when they finish.

Better approach

Do not wait until the last year of your visa. Check your age, course, occupation, English, skills assessment and sponsorship options early.

How to protect your Australian PR pathway

Here are practical steps that may help:

1. Choose a realistic occupation early
   Do not change careers only because you heard one occupation is “easy” for PR.
2. Check your skills assessment requirements
   Each occupation may have different requirements.
3. Keep strong work evidence
   Payslips, tax records and super records can be very important.
4. Check salary before relying on employer sponsorship
   The salary should meet the relevant income threshold and the market salary rate.
5. Plan before age becomes a problem
   If you are close to 35, 43 or 45, get advice early.
6. Get professional advice before making major decisions
   A wrong course, wrong occupation or wrong job can cost years.

Frequently asked questions

Can changing my course affect my PR chances?

Yes. Changing your course might affect your PR pathway if it changes your occupation, skills assessment options or Graduate visa strategy. Before changing course, check whether the new course connects to a real skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathway.

Is cash work useful for Australian PR?

Cash work may be difficult to use for migration purposes if there are no proper records. Fair Work says cash payment can be acceptable if tax is withheld and super is generally paid, but “cash in hand” arrangements where tax is not taken out are against the law.

Is the minimum salary enough for a 482 visa?

Not always. The salary must meet the relevant skilled visa income threshold and the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.

Can I apply for PR after 45?

Some pathways may still exist after 45, such as certain labour agreement pathways, DAMA arrangements or family visas, depending on your circumstances. However, many skilled visas become much harder or unavailable after 45.

When should I start planning for Australian PR?

You should start as early as possible, ideally before choosing a course, occupation or employer-sponsored pathway. PR planning is not just about the final visa application. It often starts years earlier.

Final thoughts

Australian permanent residency is not only about working hard. It is about working hard in the right direction.

The four mistakes that can damage your PR chances are:

• changing occupations too often;
• accepting a salary that does not meet visa requirements;
• working without proper evidence;
• waiting too long and missing age limits.

If you are unsure about your PR pathway, book a consultation with Work Visa Lawyers. A clear strategy may help you avoid costly mistakes and choose a pathway that matches your real situation.

Book an Appointment

190 and 491 State Nomination Updates 2026: Which Australian States Are Open, Closed or Running Out of Places?

Some Australian states and territories are now closed, closing soon, running out of places, or becoming very competitive for 190 and 491 state nomination. Tasmania has now announced that Registrations of Interest, or ROIs, for all pathways and passes will close at 5 pm on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. The last Tasmania invitation round for the 2025–26 program year will take place on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

The 2025–26 financial year ends on 30 June 2026. However, some states may run out of nomination places before that date.

For the 2025–26 program year, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed 20,350 state and territory nomination places. This includes 12,850 places for the subclass 190 visa and 7,500 places for the subclass 491 visa.

If you are waiting for a 190 or 491 invitation, you should check your options now.

What are the 190 and 491 visas?

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent visa. You need to be nominated by an Australian state or territory.

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa is a temporary regional visa. It can lead to permanent residency later if you meet the requirements.

Both visas are points-tested. This means your age, English level, work experience, education and other factors can affect your points.

You usually need to submit an Expression of Interest, also called an EOI, through SkillSelect before you can be invited.

Why are 190 and 491 nominations so competitive?

State nomination is competitive because each state and territory only receives a limited number of places.

A state may have many skilled applicants, but only a small number of nomination places left.

This means you may meet the basic visa requirements but still not receive an invitation.

State-by-State 190 and 491 Updates

New South Wales 190 and 491 update

New South Wales remains very competitive.

For the 491 visa, NSW has different pathways. NSW says nomination is highly competitive and applicants should not rely only on NSW nomination.

For many applicants, the most important pathway is NSW 491 Pathway 2, which is invitation-only. To be considered, your occupation must be on the NSW Regional Skills List.

NSW is still an option for some 491 applicants, but it is very competitive. Your occupation, EOI and points must be strong.

Victoria 190 and 491 update

Victoria is now closed to new Registrations of Interest, also called ROIs, for the 2025–26 skilled visa nomination program.

Victoria confirmed that new ROIs closed at 4 pm AEST on 28 April 2026. The state will continue to consider ROIs already submitted for the remaining places.

If you withdraw your ROI, you cannot submit a new one until the 2026–27 program opens.

Victoria is closed to new ROIs for this program year. If you did not submit before the closure, you may need to wait or consider another visa pathway.

South Australia 190 and 491 update

South Australia is still issuing invitations, but competition remains strong.

In May 2026, South Australia issued 509 invitations. This included 295 invitations for the 190 visa and 214 invitations for the 491 visa.

South Australia has also issued 2,615 invitations so far in the 2025–26 program year.

South Australia is still active, but not all occupations have the same chance. Some occupations may receive more 491 invitations than 190 invitations.

Tasmania 190 and 491 update

Tasmania has announced an important update for the 2025–26 skilled migration program.

Registrations of Interest, also called ROIs, for all pathways and passes of the Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program will close at 5 pm on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. Migration Tasmania says this is because of strong demand for nomination.

The last invitation round for the 2025–26 program year will take place on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

Migration Tasmania will continue to assess nomination applications. New applications can still be lodged if an applicant has already been invited to apply. However, because there are only a few nomination places remaining, not all applicants will be nominated this program year.

The latest public Migration Tasmania processing update, dated 21 May 2026, shows that Tasmania invited 30 subclass 190 ROIs and 27 subclass 491 ROIs in the latest round. It also reported 88 subclass 190 places and 213 subclass 491 places remaining at that time.

If Tasmania uses all its nomination places, approved applications may be nominated after Tasmania receives its 2026–27 nomination allocation. ROIs that are not invited before the end of the program year will stay in the Application Gateway for six months and may be considered when the 2026–27 program opens.

Tasmania is still active, but it is closing soon. If you want to submit a Tasmania ROI for the 2025–26 program year, the deadline is 5 pm on 3 June 2026. The last invitation round is expected on 4 June 2026.

ACT 190 and 491 update

The ACT continues to use the Canberra Matrix system.

The latest ACT update shows 312 nomination places remaining for 2025–26. This includes 185 places for the 190 visa and 127 places for the 491 visa.

The ACT also uses different categories, including Canberra residents, overseas applicants, critical skills and doctorate pathways.

The ACT still has some places left, but applicants need a strong Canberra Matrix score and must meet the ACT criteria.

Western Australia 190 and 491 update

Western Australia’s State Nominated Migration Program is active.

WA nomination can give eligible applicants extra points under the Home Affairs points test. WA says state nomination is available for the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.

WA also reminds applicants to keep their EOI up to date, including their location, occupation, qualifications and work experience.

Western Australia is still an important option for some skilled applicants, especially if their occupation matches WA priorities.

Northern Territory 190 and 491 update

The Northern Territory is closed to new General Skilled Migration nomination applications for the 2025–26 program year.

The NT Government says it has received enough applications to fully use its nomination allocation. Applications lodged before the closure will continue to be assessed.

The Northern Territory is closed to new GSM nomination applications for this program year. Applicants may need to wait for the next allocation or consider another pathway.

Queensland 190 and 491 update

Queensland opened its 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program with 2,600 places.

This includes 1,850 places for the 190 visa and 750 places for the 491 visa.

Queensland has different pathways for skilled workers, graduates, offshore applicants and some regional business owners.

Queensland has nomination places available for 2025–26, but applicants still need to meet Queensland’s specific pathway rules.

What should you do if you are waiting for a 190 or 491 invitation?

If you are waiting for a 190 or 491 invitation, do not rely on only one state.

You should check:

• whether your occupation is still eligible
• whether your EOI is correct and updated
• whether your skills assessment is still valid
• whether your English test is still valid
• whether your claimed points can be proved
• whether your current visa is expiring soon
• whether you are close to turning 45
• whether another visa may be safer

If your visa is expiring soon, or if you are close to turning 45, waiting for state nomination can be risky.

You may need to consider other visa options, such as employer sponsored visas or partner visas.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand your visa options and prepare a clear migration strategy.

We can assist with:

• 190 visa advice
• 491 visa advice
• Expression of Interest, or EOI, strategy
• state nomination applications
• skills assessment advice
• employer sponsored visas
• partner visas
• urgent visa strategy if your visa is expiring soon

State nomination can be very competitive. Small mistakes in your EOI or documents can affect your chances.

If you need help with your Australian visa options, contact Work Visa Lawyers.

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FAQ: 190 and 491 State Nomination Updates 2026

Which states are closed for 190 and 491 nominations?

Victoria is closed to new ROIs for the 2025–26 skilled visa nomination program. The Northern Territory is also closed to new General Skilled Migration nomination applications for the 2025–26 program year.

Is South Australia still inviting 190 and 491 applicants?

Yes. South Australia issued 509 invitations in May 2026, including 295 invitations for the 190 visa and 214 invitations for the 491 visa.

Is Tasmania still inviting 190 and 491 applicants?

Yes, but Tasmania is closing soon for the 2025–26 program year. ROIs for all pathways and passes will close at 5 pm on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. The last invitation round will take place on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

How many 190 and 491 nomination places are available in 2025–26?

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed 20,350 state and territory nomination places for 2025–26. This includes 12,850 places for the 190 visa and 7,500 places for the 491 visa.

Should I wait for the 2026–27 state nomination program?

This depends on your situation. If your visa is expiring soon, or if you are close to turning 45, waiting may be risky. You should consider getting migration advice before deciding to wait.

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules and state nomination requirements can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.

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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