13Dec

Australia government announces 185,000 permanent residency places

Updated on: 14/03/2026

Immigration

Written by : Rohit Alluri

Australia to Welcome 185,000 New Permanent Residents

Australia is set to welcome 185,000 new Permanent Residents (PRs) as part of its Migration Program. This initiative aims to address skills shortages, prioritize visa processing for regional Australia, and strengthen social cohesion by reuniting families. Below is an overview of the program’s composition and the state and territory nomination allocations.

State and Territory Nomination Allocations

The Migration Program includes specific nomination allocations for states and territories under the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa and the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa categories. These allocations are designed to meet regional economic and labour force needs.

Key Highlights of the Migration Program:

Skill Stream (71% of the program): A total of 132,200 places, with a focus on filling skill shortages and boosting regional development.

Family Stream (28% of the program): 52,500 places dedicated to reuniting families, with the majority for Partner visas.

Special Eligibility Stream: 300 places for unique cases, such as returning residents.

Program Adjustments:

Employer-Sponsored Visas: Increased to 44,000 places, providing a pathway to permanent residence for temporary migrants.

State/Territory Nominated Visas: Expanded to 33,000 places, supporting regional Australia’s economic and labour needs.

Skilled Independent Visas: Reduced to 16,900 places, reflecting a shift in focus towards other skilled migration pathways.

Business Innovation & Investment Program (BIIP): Reduced to 1,000 places, with the program closing permanently from July 2024.

Global Talent Visas: Slightly reduced to 4,000 places, transitioning towards the forthcoming National Innovation visa.

Australia’s Migration Program is strategically designed to meet the country’s economic needs while promoting social cohesion and regional development. The program ensures that Australia continues to attract highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the nation’s growth and prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 How many new Permanent Residents will Australia welcome in 2024?

Australia is set to welcome 185,000 new Permanent Residents as part of its 2024 Migration Program, strategically designed to address skills shortages, support regional development, and reunite families across the country.

Q.2 What are the key streams of Australia's 2024 Migration Program?

Australia's 2024 Migration Program consists of three key streams — the Skill Stream with 132,200 places (71%), the Family Stream with 52,500 places (28%), and a Special Eligibility Stream with 300 places for unique cases such as returning residents.

Q.3 How many places are available under Australia's Skill Stream Migration Program?

Australia's Skill Stream Migration Program offers 132,200 places, accounting for 71% of the total Migration Program, with a primary focus on filling critical skill shortages and boosting regional economic development.

Q.4 How many Skilled Independent visa places are available in Australia 2024?

Skilled Independent Visas have been reduced to 16,900 places in Australia's 2024 Migration Program, reflecting a strategic shift in focus towards Employer-Sponsored and State/Territory Nominated migration pathways.

Q.5 Is Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) still open in 2024?

No, Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) has been reduced to just 1,000 places and is closing permanently from July 2024, signaling a significant shift away from investment-based migration pathways.

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