On 14 May 2024, the Australian Government announced that the planning levels for the 2024–25 permanent Migration Program will be set at 185,000 places
The 2024–25 permanent Migration Program has the following composition:
Skill Stream (132,200 places, approximately 71% of the program):
This stream is designed to improve the productive capacity of the economy and fill skill shortages in the labour market, particularly in regional Australia
Family Stream (52,500 places, approximately 28% of the program):
This stream primarily comprises Partner visas, enabling Australians to reunite with family members from overseas and provide them with pathways to citizenship. This includes:
– 40,500 Partner visas estimated for 2024–25 (demand-driven).
– 3,000 Child visas estimated for 2024–25 (demand-driven).
Special Eligibility Stream (300 places):
This stream covers visas for those in special circumstances, including permanent residents returning to Australia after a period overseas.
Employer Sponsored Visa Category:
The government has increased the planning level from 36,825 visas in 2023–24 to 44,000 visas for 2024–25.
State/Territory Nominated Visa Category:
The planning level has been increased to 33,000 visas, with the same number allocated for the regional category.
Skilled Independent Visa Category:
The government has allocated 16,900 places.
Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) Visa Category:
The planning level has been reduced from 1,900 visas in 2023–24 to 1,000 visas for 2024–25.
Global Talent Visa Category:
The planning level has been slightly reduced to 4,000 visas for 2024–25.
Source: Department of Home Affairs