Albanese Government Stable 185,000 Migration Plan for 2025-26

The Albanese government has confirmed that the 2025-26 Permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places.

By maintaining the same ceiling as the 2024-25 program, the government is providing a predictable aspect for both prospective migrants and Australian employers.

Planning Levels 2020-2026

Planning levels over the past six years:

Financial Year	Permanent Planning Level	Primary Focus
2020-21	160,000	Onshore processing (COVID-19 response)
2021-22	160,000	Support for border reopening
2022-23	195,000	Post-pandemic skill shortage surge
2023-24	190,000	Recalibration toward regional needs
2024-25	185,000	Structural reform and integrity
2025-26	185,000	Steady-state sustainable growth

Innovation and Skilled Streams

A significant development under the Albanese government is the introduction of the National Innovation Visa, which replaces the former Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858).

This new pathway is designed to target exceptionally talented individuals in sectors of national importance. For 2025-26, the composition of the 185,000 places remains skill-heavy.

Skill Stream: 132,200 places.
Family Stream: 52,500 places.
Special Eligibility: 300 places.

Permanent Cap Versus Net Migration

The 185,000 figure recently confirmed by the Albanese government is a planning ceiling specifically for permanent visas.

In contrast, NOM accounts for the total difference between arrivals and departures, including international students and temporary workers.

While the permanent cap remains stable, the government is actively tightening temporary pathways to ensure the migration system remains manageable and aligned with infrastructure and housing capacity.

Reduction in Total Intake

Current data indicates a sharp decline in overall migration volumes. Following a post-pandemic peak of 538,000 in 2022-23, Net Overseas Migration fell to 341,000 by the end of 2024—a substantial 37% reduction.

This trend is particularly evident in the student sector, where arrivals for the December 2024 quarter dropped to 22,000, falling below pre-pandemic levels.

National Interest

The decision to maintain the 185,000 intake followed extensive consultation with state and territory governments.

These jurisdictions recommended maintaining the current size and composition of the program, with a continued emphasis on skilled migration.

By allocating approximately 71% of the program to the Skill stream, the government aims to address specific labor shortages and boost the nation’s productive capacity.