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Australia Keeps Permanent Migration Intake at 185,000 for 2025–26

By Nikhil Seth, June 19, 2025

Decision praised as boost for skilled workers, families, and regional communities

Australia will maintain its permanent migration program at 185,000 places for the 2025–26 financial year, ensuring the nation remains open and welcoming to skilled workers and families. The federal government’s decision to hold the migration intake steady has been met with optimism by migration experts, who say it underscores a stable and sustainable approach to immigration policy.

"This is a good sign for employers and businesses who are facing skills shortages, and for Australian citizens wishing to reunite with their loved ones," said Peter van Vliet, Chief Executive Officer of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), welcoming the announcement. He noted that with overall migration numbers expected to return to more normal, sustainable levels after recent surges, maintaining the current intake is a "sensible decision" that avoids any knee-jerk cuts to Australia’s permanent migration program.

The MIA emphasized that a well-managed migration program is vital for Australia’s long-term prosperity. Keeping the annual intake at 185,000 helps to grow the economy while supporting regional development, as new migrants fill crucial roles across the country. Many regional communities rely on migration to boost their workforces and sustain local services, and the continued flow of skilled and family migrants will help these areas thrive.

For employers nationwide, the steady migration cap provides confidence to plan for hiring overseas talent. Businesses struggling with skill shortages will be able to use employer-sponsored visas to recruit the workers they need, knowing the program settings remain unchanged. "Maintaining the current permanent migration planning level enhances business confidence in addressing skills shortages via employer-sponsored visas," Mr van Vliet explained, adding that the decision will also contribute to Australia’s economy and tax base while helping to offset an ageing population.

Families stand to benefit as well. By not reducing the number of places, the government is ensuring that partner visa processing can continue without further delays. This means many Australians awaiting their spouses or partners will have a better chance of reuniting with loved ones sooner. According to Mr van Vliet, keeping the cap steady will "ensure that partner visa waiting times do not extend further." This comes as a welcome relief to families separated by borders.

Prospective migrants looking to settle in Australia’s towns and regions have reason to be encouraged too. The stable intake includes dedicated allocations for regional migration, which will continue to drive population growth outside the major cities. State-nominated and regional visa pathways are expected to remain robust, creating opportunities for skilled migrants willing to live and work in regional areas and giving a boost to those local economies.

Overall, migration advocates see the government’s decision as balancing Australia’s immediate needs with its long-term goals. "The MIA supports a properly managed, strategic migration program to continue to support Australia’s society and economy into the future. Australia is significantly shaped by migration, contributing to a productive, diverse and dynamic society," Mr van Vliet said. Keeping the door open to 185,000 new permanent residents in the coming year reflects an optimistic vision, ensuring Australia remains a land of opportunity for newcomers while strengthening its communities and industries.

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