New Australian Immigration Policy Changes For 2025-26

Starting July 1, 2025, the Australian government announced the Migration Strategy for the 2025-2026 financial year. This year, Australian immigration policy focuses on attracting skilled workers and enhancing the quality of the education system. If you’re applying for a visa to study, work, or settle in Australia, this guide provides the latest updates and helps you choose the right visa type for your PR pathway in Australia.

Permanent Migration Program Adjustments

In 2026, the Australian Department of Immigration (DHA) will offer 185,000 places for the Permanent Migration Program, with a range of permanent residency visa pathways, with updates to suit different migration goals. The most common PR options for 2026 include:

For partners

According to the Partner visa policies Australia 2025-2026, the Partner visas remain unchanged at 40,500 places.

If you and your partner are not yet married, you can apply for the Australian Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300). Once granted, you will have 15 months to travel to Australia and marry your partner.

In case you are already married and want to settle in Australia, you can apply for a Partner visa 309/100 (offshore) or a Subclass 820/801 (onshore).

For families

In 2025-2026, the number of Family visas remains unchanged at 52,000 places. This policy allows you to reunite with your loved ones under a humanitarian visa in Australia. You can even apply for Australian citizenship if you meet all the requirements.

Below are the key categories within the Family stream:

• Partner visas: 40,500 places
• Parent visas: 8,500 places
• Child visas: 3,000 places
• Other Family visas (114 visa, 115 visa, 116 visa): 500 places
• Special Eligibility: 300 places

Our consultant, Mr. Peter Cao, a registered migration agent (MARN: 1577877) and member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), advises that a well-prepared and timely application greatly improves your visa approval chances. For detailed guidance on Australian migration policies, please contact VEM.

For skilled workers

In the financial year of 2025-26, the Australian government will issue 132,000 places for skilled migration, with the following quote:

• Employer Sponsored (Subclass 186 & Subclass 482): 44,000 places
• Skilled Independent (Subclass 189): 16,900 places
• Regional (Subclass 491 & Subclass 494): 33,000 places
• State/Territory Nominated (Subclass 190): 33,000 places
• Business Innovation & Investment (Subclass 888): 1,000 places
• Talent and Innovation: 4,300

For students

Australia allows international students to stay, work, and apply for Australian permanent residency if they meet the requirements.

• After completing your study program with a Student visa, the next step is to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa – Subclass 485 to gain work experience. 
• Ultimately, obtaining a skilled visa is your pathway to remaining in Australia and achieving Australian PR.
• Australia also offers the Student Guardian visa – subclass 590, which allows parents or other eligible relatives to travel to Australia to take care of their children while they study.

For tourists

The Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) permits travel for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends without work permission. 

Meanwhile, the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) allows holders to work in Australia for up to 1-3 years, depending on the country of origin!

Australian immigration policy changes in 2026

In 2025–26, Australia’s immigration program sees targeted updates across skilled and student visa pathways, with the following key changes:

New skilled visa framework & income thresholds

The 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa, replacing Subclass 482 TSS, introduces three streams and updated income thresholds:

SID visa streams

• Specialist Skills Stream: High-earning roles above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
• Core Skills Stream: Occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), above the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
• Essential Skills Stream (Future): For lower-paid essential workers, still in development

Income thresholds (from July 1, 2025)

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The CSOL guides the Core Skills stream and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Direct Entry, focusing on critical shortages identified by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA):

• Health & Medical: Registered Nurses, GPs
• Construction & Engineering: Civil Engineers, Electricians
• Education: Early Childhood & Secondary Teachers
• IT: Software Engineers, ICT Security Specialists

For more information about the Core Skills Occupational list, you can refer to our post.

State and Territory Nomination (Subclass 190 & 491)

States and territories continue to select applicants based on local economic needs.

• Focus on critical skills: Prioritises applicants working locally or in shortage occupations
• High competition: Selection considers:
  • Employment in the nominating state
  • Points scores via SkillSelect
  • Occupations in high-demand sectors

Other key updates

• Visa application charges (VAC): Increased by ~3% across most visas; some student and temporary visas saw larger hikes
• Student visa work rights:
  • Bachelor’s students: Up to 24 hours/week during term
  • Postgraduate students: Often unrestricted work hours
• Citizenship & identity laws: DHA now has expanded powers to collect and use biometric data for identity verification
• Talent & Innovation Visas: Transition to the National Innovation visa continues, affecting former Global Talent and Distinguished Talent applicants

Benefits of Australian permanent residency policies

Permanent residence benefits

The new Australian settlement policy has introduced many wonderful benefits:

• You will get an Australian passport – one of the “powerful” passports of the world.
• If you are an Australian permanent resident, you will live in Australia indefinitely.
• With an Australian passport, you can visit 157 countries without having to apply for a visa.

Health insurance benefits (Medicare)

Medicare (established in 1984) is Australia’s national health service. This is also seen as a great benefit in immigration policy in Australia.

• All Australian permanent residents are entitled to a Medicare support package.
• Retired permanent residents and Australian citizens both receive benefits.
• Medicare covers 75% – 100% of public healthcare costs.

Selling real estate in Australia

• Get tax incentives the first time you buy property in Australia.
• Perpetual ownership of real estate is allowed.
• Receive some financial incentives from the Australian Government when buying property.

Lower tuition fees

• Pay lower tuition fees than international students. For high school, your child is 100% supported by the Government.
• There is an opportunity to apply for about 60% of tuition fees support from the Australian Government (CSP Program).
• There is no limit on the number of degrees you want to pursue.
• Support for preschool tuition fees from the Australian Social Welfare Center.
• You can borrow money from HELP (the federal government’s education loan program) to pay for your tuition. Also, you don’t have to pay off debt until your income is high enough

Australian citizen advantages 

Many people took the Australian citizenship test after permanently residing in this country to become a citizen, as it brings the following benefits:

• Study, live, and work in Australia.
• There is no restriction on the length of stay in Australia as a permanent resident.
• Right to vote.
• Enjoy full benefits in terms of health, education, and social security.
• You can apply for citizenship for your children if they meet the Australian citizenship requirements.

How much money do you need to migrate to Australia?

The amount of money you have to spend to settle in Australia depends on the type of Australian visa you choose. 

The costs associated with each visa stream are detailed on the Department of Home Affairs’ website. For personalized advice and assistance, feel free to reach out to VEM.

Successful Australian settlement experience

Before you begin your Australia PR visa application journey, you should get updated on the latest Australian migration policies and consider learning from the experiences of those who have already successfully settled in Australia.

At VEM, many of our clients, like Mr. Dean, have achieved their goal of settling in Australia after receiving thorough assessment and guidance from our team. Mr. Dean, for example, chose VEM for assistance in sponsoring his wife to live in Australia, highlighting our expertise and support throughout his visa application process.

For an insightful review of Mr. Dean’s experience and to hear firsthand about his journey with VEM, watch the video below. It’s a valuable resource to understand the visa application process in Australia and make informed decisions about your own visa application.

Expert advice from a registered migration agent

Mr. Peter Cao, a registered migration agent licensed by the Australian Government, has contributed to this article to assist you and your family in achieving the Australian dream efficiently.

Australian migration laws are subject to regular updates, and at VEM, we ensure we are always informed about the latest Australian immigration changes.

At VEM, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to achieve your aspirations in Australia. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We’re here to help.

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent

(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

Mr. Phong Cao

CEO and Founder of VEM

Mr. Phong Cao is a licensed migration agent by MARA (MARN: 1577877). He is also a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), one of the most reputable organizations in the field of immigration in Australia. In addition, Mr. Phong Cao holds a QEAC certification in study abroad consulting (QEAC: K580) and Australian real estate investment (RA85931). With over 12 years of experience in Australian immigration, he provides comprehensive solutions for studying and settling in Australia.