If you have been monitoring the news for the perfect time to start your journey, that time has arrived. The Australian Government has officially finalized the Skilled Migration Australia program for the 2025–2026 financial year.
A total of 185,000 permanent places are available in this program, and a massive 132,200 places are reserved for the Skill Stream. Australia is sending a clear signal; the nation needs global talent to power its future.
Whether you are a healthcare professional, a tech innovator, or a skilled tradesperson, the doors are open, provided you know how to navigate the new “Core Skills” landscape.
The Big Picture: What Has Changed?
For 2025–26, the government has moved away from rigid, once-a-year lists. Instead, the focus is now on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This is a data-driven, living document that identifies exactly where the “critical gaps” are in the Australian economy.
The most recent report from Jobs and Skills Australia reveals that while overall shortages have dipped slightly to 29%, the demand for specialized talent in sectors like Green Energy, Construction, and AI has reached an all-time high. This makes Skilled Migration Australia more focused and strategic than ever before.
Priority Sectors for 2026
In 2026, not all occupations are treated equally. The government is “fast-tracking” specific sectors to meet national housing and infrastructure goals. If your career falls into one of these four “Priority Pillars,” your path to an invitation could be significantly smoother:
- Construction & Infrastructure: To meet housing targets, Australia is desperate for Civil Engineers, Project Managers, Electricians, and Plumbers.
- The Care Economy: Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, and Aged Care workers remain at the very top of the priority list with the highest volume of invitation spots.
- Digital & Clean Energy: As Australia pivots to a net-zero economy, Solar Technicians, Environmental Engineers, and Cybersecurity Specialists are the new “gold standard” for migration.
- Education: There is a nationwide call for Secondary Teachers and Early Childhood Educators, especially in regional territories.
Skilled Migration Australia: State Allocations for 2025-2026
One of the most important parts of Skilled Migration Australia is understanding where the “spots” are. Every year, the federal government gives each state a specific number of people they can “nominate” for a visa.
The table below shows the confirmed nomination allocations for the 2025–26 program year. These numbers determine how many new invitations each state can send out for the Subclass 190 (Permanent) and Subclass 491 (Regional) visas.
| State / Territory | Subclass 190 (Permanent) | Subclass 491 (Regional) | Total Allocations |
| New South Wales (NSW) | 2,100 | 1,500 | 3,600 |
| Victoria (VIC) | 2,700 | 700 | 3,400 |
| Western Australia (WA) | 2,000 | 1,400 | 3,400 |
| Queensland (QLD) | 1,850 | 750 | 2,600 |
| South Australia (SA) | 1,350 | 900 | 2,250 |
| Tasmania (TAS) | 1,200 | 650 | 1,850 |
| Northern Territory (NT) | 850 | 800 | 1,650 |
| ACT (Canberra) | 800 | 800 | 1,600 |
| Total | 12,850 | 7,500 | 20,350 |
Pro Tip: While NSW and Victoria have the highest numbers, states like Western Australia and South Australia often have more flexible requirements for offshore applicants, making them excellent choices for those applying from outside Australia.
Your 3-Step Roadmap to Success
Navigating the Skilled Migration Australia process can feel overwhelming, but it essentially boils down to three critical stages:
Step 1: The Skills Assessment
Before you can apply for a visa, an independent body must verify that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. For example, Engineers Australia assesses engineers, while VETASSESS handles most professional and trade roles. This is the foundation of your application. Without a “Positive Assessment,” you cannot move forward.
Step 2: The Points Test & EOI
Australia uses a points-based system. You earn points for your age, English proficiency, education, and work experience. In 2026, the competitive threshold is generally:
- Minimum: 65 points.
- Target: 85–95 points (to be highly competitive for an invitation).
Once you have your points, you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect portal.
Step 3: State Nomination & Invitation
This is where you “hand up your hand” to a specific state. States like Victoria or NSW will look through the pool of EOIs and invite the best candidates to apply for a nomination. Once you are nominated by a state, the Department of Home Affairs will officially invite you to lodge your visa application.
Why 2026 Is the Year to Apply
The Australian migration system is currently undergoing its biggest reform in a decade. The transition to the Skills in Demand visa and the Core Skills framework means that the government is focusing more on employment and actual skills rather than just a high points score.
If you are currently working in a high-demand field and have “Superior English” (PTE 79+ or IELTS 8+), you are in a prime position to be selected in the upcoming invitation rounds.
Final Thoughts
The 2025–2026 Skilled Migration Australia Program is built for people who are ready to hit the ground running. Australia isn’t just looking for residents; it’s looking for the next generation of builders, healers, and innovators.
If you haven’t assessed your skills yet, we encourage you to get it done quickly and grab this amazing opportunity.