Record Skilled Migration Numbers
The Australian Government has confirmed a substantial increase in the permanent skilled migration intake for the 2025-26 program year. The planning level for the Migration Program has been set at 185,000 places, with skilled migration accounting for approximately 132,100 of those places.
What This Means for Applicants
This increase represents a significant opportunity for skilled workers looking to make Australia their permanent home. The government has prioritised occupations in healthcare, technology, engineering, education, and trades — sectors experiencing critical workforce shortages across the country.
Key Changes to the Skilled Visa Program
- Higher allocation for Subclass 189 — The independent skilled visa has received a larger share of places, meaning more invitations will be issued through SkillSelect rounds.
- State nomination boost — Subclass 190 and 491 allocations have increased, with states like Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania actively seeking skilled migrants.
- Processing time improvements — The Department of Home Affairs has committed to reducing processing times, with most skilled visa applications expected to be finalised within 6-9 months.
- Points test updates — While the minimum remains at 65 points, competitive scores of 80+ are recommended for popular occupations.
Occupations in High Demand
The updated Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) includes expanded entries for software engineers, registered nurses, electricians, civil engineers, accountants, and secondary school teachers. Regional areas continue to offer additional pathways through the Subclass 491 visa.
How A2B Visa Can Help
Our MARA-registered migration agents in Perth specialise in skilled visa applications. We can assess your eligibility, calculate your points score, and guide you through the entire application process. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your skilled migration options.