In 2025, Australia’s permanent Migration Program is set at 185,000 places, maintaining a 70:30 split between the Skill and Family streams.
Skill Stream:
- Total Places: Approximately 129,500
- Categories:
- Employer-Sponsored: Allocations for individuals sponsored by Australian employers to fill specific skill shortages.
- Skilled Independent: For migrants with skills in demand, assessed through a points-based system.
- State and Territory Nominated: Applicants nominated by Australian states or territories based on regional skill needs.
- Regional: Focused on encouraging migration to regional areas to support local economies.
- Business Innovation and Investment: For entrepreneurs and investors aiming to engage in business activities in Australia.
- Global Talent: Targeting highly skilled professionals in specific sectors.
- Distinguished Talent: For individuals with internationally recognized achievements.
Family Stream:
- Total Places: Approximately 55,500
- Categories:
- Partner: Visas for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- Parent: Visas for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- Child: Visas for dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- Other Family: Including visas for carers and remaining relatives.
Humanitarian Program: Separate from the Migration Program, Australia’s Humanitarian Program offers resettlement for refugees and others in humanitarian need. The planning levels for the 2024–25 Humanitarian Program are determined annually, reflecting global humanitarian situations and domestic considerations.
Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program: The WHM program allows young adults from partner countries to holiday and work in Australia. Annual caps apply to first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas, varying by country. For instance, Argentina has a cap of 3,400 places, while Austria’s cap is 500. These caps are reviewed and updated regularly.
Recent Developments: In response to housing affordability concerns, Australia plans to cap new international student enrolments at 270,000 starting in 2025, down from 402,600 in 2023. This measure aims to alleviate pressure on housing and infrastructure.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information on Australia’s migration policies and quotas, visit the Department of Home Affairs’ official website.
