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Net Overseas Migration Australia 2026: What the Latest Data Really Means
Net overseas migration is one of Australia's most quoted migration statistics, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics population release shows net overseas migration of 301,000 people in the year to 31 December 2025.
For the broader national picture, see our Australian Migration Statistics 2026 data hub.
What does net overseas migration measure?
Net overseas migration, or NOM, measures the net contribution of international migration to Australia's resident population. It is not a count of every person who entered Australia and it is not the same thing as the number of visas granted.
For the year ending 31 December 2025, the ABS reported 563,500 overseas migration arrivals and 262,600 overseas migration departures. The difference produced net overseas migration of 301,000.
Why visa grants and NOM are different
A person can receive a visa while already in Australia, travel in and out more than once, move between temporary and permanent visa categories, or depart after a period of residence. That means visa grant numbers cannot simply be added together and treated as migration population growth.
The permanent Migration Program is also a different measure. It records permanent visa places delivered under the Skill, Family and Special Eligibility streams, while NOM is a population statistic.
For a broader explanation of visa categories, read Key Differences Between Temporary and Permanent Residency in Australia.
Why NOM matters
NOM affects population growth, housing demand, labour supply, infrastructure planning and public debate about Australia's migration settings. However, a single NOM number does not explain which visa categories drove the change or whether people are temporary or permanent migrants.
How Top10Migration will track NOM
We will update this page as new ABS population releases become available. Keeping one permanent reference page allows researchers, journalists and industry professionals to cite the same source over time while seeing the latest official figure and historical context.
