Australia’s 185,000 PR Cap 2026-27: How Migration Spots Are Divided
For the 2026–27 financial year, Australia has confirmed its permanent Migration Program cap at 185,000 places. That’s the total number of permanent visas – across skilled, employer-sponsored, regional, family, and humanitarian streams — available to migrants worldwide. The program heavily prioritises skilled workers, with more than 70% of places allocated to the skill stream.
Total Migration Program: 185,000 Places
- Skill Stream: 132,240 places (71.5%)
- Family Stream: ~40,500 places
- Special Eligibility: ~5,000 places
Inside the 132,240 Skilled migration Stream Places
Employer-Sponsored: 44,000 places
The fastest-growing allocation. These spots are for workers sponsored by Australian businesses through the Subclass 186 ENS or the new SID visa → 186 TRT pathway. If you’re already in Australia on a work visa, this is your most direct PR route.
State/Territory Nominated: 33,000 places
Split between Subclass 190 (permanent, adds 5 points) and Subclass 491 (provisional regional, adds 15 points). South Australia and Tasmania are traditionally more accessible; NSW and Victoria are highly competitive.
Skilled Independent (Subclass 189): 16,900 places
This stream has seen a reduction in 2026–27. The 189 is points-only but invitation scores have risen. Most successful candidates in 2026 need 85–95 points to receive an invite.
Global Talent Visa: 4,000 places
Reserved for exceptional talent in target sectors. The allocation has been reduced from previous years as the government tightens criteria.
What This Means for Your Australia PR Strategy
- Employer sponsorship is the priority. With 44,000 places — the largest increase — Australia wants migrants already working for Australian businesses. The SID visa → 186 ENS pipeline is the government’s preferred model.
- Regional pathways have strong support. The 491 visa’s 15-point bonus and its pathway to the permanent Subclass 191 make it the most powerful points multiplier in the system.
- Independent skilled migration (189) is more competitive. Fewer places + same number of applicants = higher invitation scores.
- Onshore applicants are favoured. Across almost all streams, applicants already living and working in Australia receive priority.
State Nomination Allocations (190 + 491)
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed 20,350 total state nomination places for 2025–26 — 12,850 for Subclass 190 and 7,500 for Subclass 491. States open and close their nomination programs throughout the year, often with little notice.
The Bottom Line for 2026–27
If you’re a skilled migrant targeting Australian PR, the most competitive positions are: already in Australia on a work visa, working in healthcare/engineering/ICT/construction, holding 85+ points, and willing to consider regional Australia.
185,000 places. You need to be in one of them. DreamShift’s CV and LinkedIn optimisation is built specifically for skilled migrants targeting the Australian job market. Book your free consultation today.
Planning to come via a regional pathway? Explore our Aussie Job Toolkit — it includes a list of recruiting agencies active across regional Australia.
