Australia is entering 2026 with a migration policy undergoing significant changes, focusing not on reducing the permanent intake but on reshaping who comes to the country and why. These reforms follow a federal review of migration laws prompted by the Bondi Beach attack, which the government says will guide tighter rules and a more selective approach to arrivals.
While the permanent migration cap remains steady at 185,000 places for 2025–26, stricter student visa rules and a more targeted skilled migration stream are expected to redefine the profile of new arrivals. New digital tools are also being introduced to streamline compliance and application processing.
Permanent Migration Program:
Of the 185,000 permanent visas, 132,200 (71%) are allocated to skilled migrants, and 52,500 (28%) to the family stream, mostly partner visas. The government aims to address workforce shortages and boost productivity, particularly in regional areas. However, migration experts warn that success depends not only on selection but also on how effectively migrants’ skills are utilised. Settlement patterns show that most migrants continue to move to major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, highlighting the gap between policy intentions and reality.
International Student Intake:
The international student intake is set to rise from 270,000 in 2025 to 295,000 in 2026, even as stricter visa checks remain. Universities seeking higher allocations must demonstrate engagement with Southeast Asia and provide secure student accommodation. Priority processing will continue for Pacific and Timor-Leste students and government-funded scholarship holders. From 2026, Australian-schooled international students and those entering public universities through recognised pathways will be exempt from the National Planning Level cap. Experts, however, caution that quality concerns and housing shortages remain a challenge.
Net Overseas Migration (NOM):
Following a post-pandemic surge, NOM fell to 306,000 in 2024–25, down from 538,000 in 2022–23, due to fewer arrivals and increased departures. Despite a reduction, experts note that most permanent visa holders are already counted in NOM, and cutting permanent migration will not necessarily lower overall net migration.
Bondi Attack Reforms:
The federal government is reviewing migration laws in response to the Bondi Beach massacre, aiming to tighten visa rules and make visa refusal and cancellation easier. Experts have raised concerns that such measures could disproportionately affect Muslim migrants or those perceived to be Muslim.
Other Changes:
A new online visa support service has been launched to help people with expired visas reapply or depart the country more efficiently.
Updates to approved English language tests now include nine options, giving applicants more choice but also raising concerns about test quality.
Enhancements to the Immi App allow applicants in 34 countries to submit biometrics and passport information digitally, reducing the need for in-person visits.
Overall, the 2026 migration reforms aim to balance economic needs, regional workforce shortages, and national security considerations, while continuing efforts to improve efficiency and compliance in Australia’s visa system.
