Skilled Migration Statistics Australia 2026: Visa Program Data and Trends

5 days ago

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Skilled migration remains the largest component of Australia's permanent Migration Program. The latest completed program-year report provides a detailed picture of how skilled places were distributed across employer-sponsored, state-nominated, regional and independent pathways.

Key skilled migration figures

2024–25 Skill category	Places	Share / context
Employer Sponsored	44,000	33.3% of Skill stream
State/Territory Nominated	33,000	25.0%
Regional	32,948	24.9%
Skilled Independent	16,900	12.8%
Global Talent / innovation-related	4,000	3.0%
Business Innovation & Investment	1,000	0.8%
Distinguished Talent	300	Small residual category
Total Skill stream	132,148	71.4% of the Migration Program

Source: Department of Home Affairs — 2024–25 Migration Program Report

Employer Sponsored migration was the largest skilled category

Employer Sponsored visas delivered 44,000 places in 2024–25, making the category the largest single component of the Skill stream. Employer-sponsored migration responds directly to labour demand because an Australian employer supports the relevant migration pathway.

State nomination and regional migration were also major pathways

State and Territory Nominated outcomes reached 33,000 places, while the Regional category delivered 32,948 places. Together, those categories accounted for almost half of the Skill stream outcome.

For current jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction nomination developments, see our State Nomination 2026–27 Tracker.

Skilled Independent outcomes

The Skilled Independent category delivered 16,900 places in 2024–25. Unlike state nomination and employer sponsorship, this category does not depend on a state or territory nomination or an employer sponsor, although applicants must satisfy the applicable points-tested requirements and invitation settings.

How skilled visa processing priorities affect the numbers

Program outcomes should not be read as a queue position or a prediction of processing time. Skilled visa processing is affected by planning levels, Ministerial Directions, application completeness, occupation and sector priorities, and the volume of cases on hand.

Read our current Australian Visa Processing Times 2026 tracker for the latest published medians.

Top10Migration methodology

Top10Migration prioritises primary Australian Government and state or territory government sources. We separate planning levels, visa grants, nomination places and processing-time indicators because they measure different parts of the migration system. This page is designed as a living reference and will be updated when official figures change.

For the broader national picture, see our Australian Migration Statistics 2026 data hub.

This content provides general information only and is not migration or legal advice. Visa criteria, conditions, processing priorities and state nomination settings can change. Check the responsible government source for current requirements and obtain professional advice for individual circumstances where needed.