The Workers Rights 
The laws of the 2026-27 Permanent Migration Program have an overall cap of 185,000 places for Permanent migration. The allocation of places to the program, however, suggests a strong bias in favour of skilled migration, as only 71.5% of all places are allocated to the Skill Stream with 132,240 places allocated.
It also gives high priority to migrants already living in Australia. The government has stuck to its target of prioritising existing temporary visa holders and skilled workers by making available 129,590 places for those who are already living in the country, studying or working onshore.
Employer-Sponsored Visas Receive the Largest Allocation
This is the biggest individual skilled allocation with 58,040 places granted for the subclass 186 Employer Sponsored visa. The pathway identifies critical jobs/careers with strong demand.
There is a 7.5% rise in positions held for State Nominated subclass 190 with 35,500 places allocated. Individual states and territories create specific occupation lists to identify their shortage occupations, these areas are developed to address those shortages.
Skilled Independent Places Also Increase
The Skilled Independent subclass 189 subclass visas are given 21,090 places, which is a rise of 24.7% compared to the previous year. The allocation prioritises critical national shortages including in healthcare and education-related work, and occupations related to construction.
This is compared with the 14,110 places for Regional Pathways (Subclass 491 and 494) that are set aside, a massive 57% cut. The contraction suggests that the conditions for applicants wanting regional migration options will be tighter.
Subclass 189 Invitation Round Expected by September 2026
The Department of Home Affairs is scheduled to hold another Streams 189 visa invitation event effective 30 September 2026. Those who applied for a SkillSelect invitation should keep an eye on any updates to invitations and make sure they keep their profile up to date and competitive.
Under the ongoing SkillSelect program, the lower cut-off is still 65 points. Skilled migration strategies, however, continue to be under review given that there is the possibility for a change in the points-test.
Priority Occupations and Onshore Applicants
Priority processing is still successful for RNs, Early Childhood, Secondary, Allied Health and Civil Infrastructure engineers. These jobs relate to the occupations that are important to Australia’s job needs.
Ministerial Direction 119 also aligns priority for candidates with existing work rights in Australia onshore. By doing this, Australia streamlines the process of relying too heavily on overseas intake and furthers the opportunity open to future temporary Australian residents who are already having a positive impact on the Australian economy.
FAQs
How many occupations are skilled migration places in 2026-27?
For the 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program, Australia has 132,240 Skill Stream visa places available.
What is the likely date of your invitation to apply for visa subclass 189?
The next National 189 visa invitation round is likely to be one of the expected rounds by 30th of September 2026.
Is 65 still the SkillSelect baseline?
Yes. The minimum threshold for Expression of Interest is still 65 points and the option for changes in the way the points test is examined is being considered.
Global Worker Rights Issues You Should Know
Who Pays Rising H-1B Extension Costs?
Check out what workers can do if employers refuse payment.
How Do Malaysian Workers Navigate Singapore?
Find the key housing, economic and retirement challenges.
Could UK Bosses Really Face Jail?
Uncover what the illegal hiring crackdown means for workers.
Why Are Ceuta Migrants Returning?
Browse the food, safety and migration pressures driving returns.
Can Europe Solve Its Labour Shortage?
See why migration controls clash with growing worker demand.
