2026–27 Migration Program planning levels
The 2026–27 permanent Migration Program is set at 185,000 places. The total is unchanged from 2025–26, but the composition has shifted: Employer-Sponsored and Skilled Independent rise, while Regional and Talent and Innovation fall.
Direct answer: 132,240 places are in the Skilled program, 52,460 in the Family program and 300 in Special Eligibility. These are planning figures, not personal quotas or invitation guarantees.
| Program / stream | 2025–26 | 2026–27 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Skilled Independent | 16,900 | 21,090 | +4,190 |
| Skilled Talent and Innovation | 5,300 | 3,500 | -1,800 |
| Skilled Employer-Sponsored | 44,000 | 58,040 | +14,040 |
| Skilled Regional | 33,000 | 14,110 | -18,890 |
| Skilled State/Territory Nominated | 33,000 | 35,500 | +2,500 |
| Family Partner | 40,500 | 41,500 | +1,000 |
| Family Child | 3,000 | 3,500 | +500 |
| Family Parent | 8,500 | 7,060 | -1,440 |
| Family Other Family | 500 | 400 | -100 |
| Special Special Eligibility | 300 | 300 | 0 |
What changed?
Employer-Sponsored increased by 14,040 places and Skilled Independent increased by 4,190. Regional decreased by 18,890, while State/Territory Nominated increased by 2,500. The Department says the 2026–27 composition puts greater focus on applicants already in Australia.
What this table cannot tell you
It cannot determine whether a person is eligible, whether an expression of interest will receive an invitation, or how quickly an application will be decided. Those questions depend on the visa pathway, current criteria, processing priorities and individual evidence.
Department of Home Affairs · official planning-level page ↗
Questions about planning levels
What is the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program planning level?
The Australian Government set the overall 2026–27 planning level at 185,000 places.
How many places are in the Skilled Migration Program?
The 2026–27 Skilled Migration Program planning level is 132,240 places.
Does a higher planning level guarantee faster processing?
No. Planning levels guide program delivery. Processing order also follows current policy priorities and the circumstances of each application.