Australia’s Skilled Migration Program 2025–26: What You Need to Know

Australia’s Skilled Migration Program 2025–26

Australia has entered the 2025–26 migration year with important updates for skilled migrants. If you’re considering a permanent move, it’s crucial to understand how the new policies, invitation rounds, and occupation list changes could affect your journey. At Better Life Migration, we break down the latest developments so you can plan with confidence.

Migration Intake – Stable but Selective

The Government has confirmed the permanent migration intake will remain at around 190,000 places for 2025–26. While the overall numbers aren’t increasing, the focus has shifted to quality over quantity, with the Department targeting occupations where Australia has urgent skill shortages, especially in construction, healthcare and aged care.

What does this mean for you?
✔️ If you are in a priority sector, your chances of being invited are higher.
✔️ If not, you’ll need to strengthen your application (e.g., higher English scores, state sponsorship, or partner points).

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Invitations Resume

After a nine-month pause, the Department of Home Affairs held a new invitation round on 21 August 2025. This marks the return of the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, one of the most popular pathways to permanent residency.

Key highlights from the latest round:

• • Trades in demand: Carpenters and Electricians with 65 points received an invitation.
  • Other occupations: Invites were issued, but at much higher thresholds (85–90+ points) for roles like teachers and scientists.
  • Trend: We expect more targeted rounds that focus on critical skills, not broad, large-scale invitations.

👉 Tip: If you are in the building trades, now is the perfect time to lodge or update your Expression of Interest (EOI). For other professions, focus on boosting your points to remain competitive.

State Nominations (Subclass 190 & 491) – Reopening Soon

State and territory nomination programs have been on hold while the federal government finalised allocations. These are expected to reopen in September 2025, giving skilled migrants additional opportunities through the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 491).

Why consider state nomination?

• •  Lower points thresholds compared to the 189 visa.
  •  Tailored pathways for those willing to live and work in regional areas.
  •  States often prioritise occupations that match their local workforce needs.

Occupation Lists – The New Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

A big change in 2025 is the introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This list, developed by Jobs and Skills Australia, will:

• • Guide employer-sponsored visas (new Skills in Demand 482 visa and 186 permanent visa).
  • Be regularly updated to reflect genuine workforce shortages.
  • Currently includes over 450 occupations across trades, health, STEM, and more.

👉 Consultation for the 2025 update of the CSOL is underway, meaning occupations may be added or removed soon.

English and Salary Requirements – Higher Benchmarks

Two major updates came into effect this year:

• • English Test Options Expanded: You can now choose from nine approved tests, including IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and CELPIP. However, some scores have been raised, especially for claiming Superior English points. For example, PTE Superior now requires 85 in Writing and 88 in Speaking.
  • Salary Thresholds Increased: From 1 July 2025, the minimum salary (TSMIT) for employer-sponsored visas rose to $76,515 per year, with higher thresholds for specialist roles. This ensures skilled migrants are paid in line with Australian wage standards.

• What This Means for You

• •  If you’re a tradesperson (carpenter, electrician, builder, etc.), now is an excellent time to apply.
  • If you’re in other professions, focus on maximising your points and consider state/territory nomination
  • For employer sponsorship, make sure your role is on the CSOL and meets the new salary threshold.
  •  Stay updated on English test score requirements to avoid surprises.

Migration Program planning levels by financial year
Visa Stream	Visa Category	2023–24 Planning levels	2024–25 Planning levels	2025–26 Planning levels
Skill	Employer Sponsored	36,825	44,000	44,000
	Skilled Independent	30,375	16,900	16,900
	Regional	32,300	33,000	33,000
	State/Territory Nominated	30,400	33,000	33,000
	Business Innovation & Investment	1,900	1,000	1,000
	Talent and Innovation1	–	–	4,300
	Global Talent1 (Independent)	5,000	4,000	–
	Distinguished Talent1	300	300	–
	Skill Total	137,100	132,200	132,200
Family	Partner2	40,500	40,500	40,500
	Parent	8,500	8,500	8,500
	Child2	3,000	3,000	3,000
	Other Family	500	500	500
	Family Total	52,500	52,500	52,500
	Special Eligibility	400	300	300
	Total Migration Program	190,000	185,000	185,000

 

 

How Better Life Migration Can Help?

At Better Life Migration, we’ve successfully guided hundreds of clients through Australia’s ever-changing migration system. With our expertise and near-100% success rate, we help you:

• • Identify the best visa pathway for your circumstances.
  • Prepare a strong EOI and state nomination application.
  •  Ensure compliance with updated English and salary requirements.
  • Stay ahead of changes to the Core Skills Occupation List.

You Deserve Better. Let us guide your skilled migration journey with expertise and empathy.

📩 Book a consultation today to discuss your eligibility and next steps

Call +61 415 419 414 or visit www.betterlifemigration.com.au