Australia will maintain 185,000 permanent migration places for the 2026–27 program year, according to the Federal Budget.
Most of these places will continue to support skilled migration, with 132,240 places allocated to the Skill stream. The Government has also signalled a strong focus on people who are already living in Australia.
For anyone planning to get permanent residency in Australia, these numbers provide an important indication of where the migration system is heading.
How many permanent migration places will Australia have in 2026–27?
The permanent Migration Program will remain at 185.000 vagas. for 2026–27.
The allocation includes:
Migration Program | 2026–27 places |
Total permanent Migration Program | 185,000 |
Skill stream | 132,240 |
Family stream | 52,500 |
Special Eligibility | 260 |
This means more than 70% of the permanent Migration Program will be allocated to skilled migration.
The Government says the program will continue to focus on skills and capabilities that support Australia’s economy.
Is Australia reducing permanent migration?
Not through the size of the permanent Migration Program itself.
The 2026–27 program remains at 185,000 places. However, the Budget also makes it clear that the Government wants to reduce net overseas migration.
These are not the same thing.
The permanent Migration Program covers permanent visa places. Net overseas migration is a broader measure that also reflects temporary migration and people entering and leaving Australia.
This distinction is important because Australia can maintain permanent skilled migration while introducing policies designed to reduce overall migration growth.
Is Australia prioritising people already living in the country?
The Budget indicates a significant focus on onshore migration.
Of the 185,000 places in the permanent Migration Program, 129,590 are expected to be for people already in Australia, compared with 55,110 for people offshore.
For people currently in Australia on temporary visas, this is an important signal.
It may be particularly relevant to skilled workers, graduates and other temporary visa holders who are already participating in the Australian labour market.
However, being in Australia does not automatically give someone priority for PR.
Applicants still need to meet the requirements of the visa they are pursuing, which can include occupation, age, English, work experience, skills assessment, sponsorship or points requirements.
What does the 2026–27 Migration Program mean for skilled migrants?
The allocation confirms that skilled migration remains central to Australia’s permanent migration strategy.
At the same time, the Government has announced other reforms that could affect how skilled migrants are selected, including changes to the points test.
This means the number of available places is only one part of the picture.
Having an occupation in demand, strong English, relevant work experience and a clear migration strategy may become increasingly important as Australia focuses on migrants who can contribute to the economy over the long term.
Does 185,000 places mean 185,000 skilled visas?
Não.
The 185,000 figure covers the entire permanent Migration Program.
The Skill stream receives 132,240 places, while the remainder is mainly allocated to family migration.
It is also important to remember that an allocation does not guarantee an individual applicant will receive a visa. Every visa subclass has its own eligibility criteria and selection process.
What should prospective applicants do now?
If permanent residency is your goal, the Budget is another reason to look beyond your current visa and understand your longer-term pathway.
For someone already in Australia, this could mean assessing options such as skilled migration, state nomination or employer sponsorship.
For someone offshore, it may mean understanding whether their occupation and profile remain competitive under Australia’s increasingly skills-focused migration system.
Perguntas Frequentes
How many PR places will Australia have in 2026–27?
Australia’s permanent Migration Program will have 185,000 places.
How many skilled migration places are available?
The Skill stream has been allocated 132,240 places.
Does being in Australia guarantee priority for PR?
No. The Budget shows a strong onshore focus, but applicants must still meet the requirements of their chosen visa.
Planning for Australian PR in 2026–27
Australia is not closing the door on permanent migration. Instead, the 2026–27 Budget shows a continued emphasis on skilled migrants and a significant focus on people who are already contributing to Australia.
If you are planning for PR, understanding how your current visa, occupation, work experience and other factors connect with the available permanent pathways is increasingly important.
Seven Law Group can help you assess your options and build a migration strategy based on your individual circumstances.
This post provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Seven Law Group — Registered Migration Agents.