Australia’s latest immigration news focuses on skilled migration allocations for 2025–26, stricter but expanded student pathways, updates to temporary graduate visas, and new processes for some working holiday visas. Policies are being adjusted to keep the permanent intake stable while prioritising skilled workers and tightening some temporary pathways.
Overall migration program 2025–26
The federal government has kept the permanent Migration Program cap at 185,000 places for 2025–26, continuing the same level as 2024–25.
Most places remain in the Skilled stream (over 70% of the total), reflecting a strong focus on addressing labour shortages and attracting qualified workers.
Skilled visas and state allocations
For 2025–26, the government has set total state and territory nomination allocations at 20,350 places across the 190 (Skilled Nominated) and 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas.
A November 2025 update confirmed an invitation round for the Skilled Independent 189 visa and finalised allocations for states such as NSW and ACT, while states like South Australia and Tasmania have announced their own program openings and available places.
Key skilled migration settings (snapshot)
| Item / Visa type | Latest position (2025–26) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total permanent migration intake | 185,000 places, unchanged from 2024–25 | Official Australian Immigration Website |
| State/territory nominated places (190 + 491) | 20,350 places total for 2025–26 | Official Website |
| Skills in Demand (SID) visa | Fully implemented after replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, with three skills/salary-based streams and clearer PR pathways | Australia Immigration |
Student visas and Indian students
Australia has raised its national planning level for new international student intakes to about 295,000 by 2026, while simultaneously tightening controls on quality and intent.
For 2025, key changes for students (including Indian students) include a stricter Genuine Student test, higher English requirements, and higher financial proof thresholds, plus higher student visa application fees from July 2025.
Temporary Graduate (485) and post-study work
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa settings now link stay duration more directly to qualification level (for example, about 2 years for most bachelor’s and coursework master’s, 3 years for research master’s and PhD; around 18 months for many diplomas/trades).
Extended post-study work rights that previously allowed some graduates four to six years of stay have been removed, and from July 2025 application fees and eligibility rules (including English and course requirements) are stricter.
Working Holiday / other updates
A new ballot-style pre‑application system has just been introduced for high-demand Work and Holiday (subclass 462) countries so places can be allocated more fairly when demand exceeds caps.
There are also July 2025 changes across multiple visa subclasses, including higher application charges and updated income thresholds for certain skilled visas, in line with the broader Migration Strategy.
If you tell your target pathway (student, 485, skilled PR, etc.), a more specific checklist and timeline can be suggested.
Contact our experts for more details.