For the 2024-25 program year, Australia has set its permanent migration program at 185,000 places. This program aims to address skill shortages, support regional development, and enhance social cohesion through the following key allocations:
- Skill Stream: This stream is allocated 132,200 places, representing 71% of the total program. It is designed to boost the productive capacity of the economy and fill labor market gaps, particularly in regional Australia. Key categories include:
- Employer Sponsored: Increased to 44,000 places from 36,825 in the previous year.
- Skilled Independent: Allocated 16,900 places, down from 30,375.
- Regional: Increased to 33,000 places from 32,300.
- State/Territory Nominated: Increased to 33,000 places from 30,400.
- Business Innovation & Investment: Reduced to 1,000 places, with plans to introduce a new National Innovation visa.
- Global Talent: Reduced to 4,000 places, transitioning to a new visa system.
- Family Stream: This stream has 52,500 places, making up 28% of the program. It focuses on family reunification, with allocations such as:
- Partner visas: 40,500 places.
- Child visas: 3,000 places.
- Parent visas: 8,500 places.
- Other Family visas: 500 places.
- Special Eligibility Stream: This stream is allocated 300 places for those in special circumstances, including returning permanent residents.