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Updated 2025 – 2026
Australian Immigration 2025–2026
Updates, EOI Selection & Points System
A complete guide to Australia's latest skilled migration program, SkillSelect rounds, visa categories, points calculator, and application steps.
Table of Contents
2025–2026 Migration Program Overview
Australia's Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the migration planning levels for the 2025–2026 program year. The program remains firmly focused on skilled workers to address critical labour market shortages, support economic productivity, and maintain strong family reunification pathways.
185,000
Total Migration Places
132,200
Skill Stream (71%)
52,500
Family Stream (28%)
300
Special Eligibility
Within the skill stream, employer-sponsored and state/territory-nominated visas continue to receive priority processing. The government maintains a strong emphasis on regional migration to address labour shortages outside major metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne.
Family Stream Breakdown: Of the 52,500 family places, approximately 40,500 are Partner visas (demand-driven) and around 3,000 are Child visas (demand-driven). The remainder covers Parent and other dependent family categories.
Key Policy Changes for 2025–2026
Following the landmark migration review, Australia has implemented a series of structural reforms to make its immigration system more responsive, transparent, and targeted at genuine skill needs.
New Three-Tier Immigration Structure
Australia's skilled migration framework has been restructured into three clear tiers, replacing the previous fragmented system:
Tier 1
Critical Skills
Fast-tracked pathway for occupations in high national need — healthcare, engineering, cybersecurity, and technology sectors.
Tier 2
Core Skills
Replaces the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa for essential occupations with eased labour market testing.
Tier 3
Essential Workers
Targeted at aged care, childcare, and agriculture workers, offering a structured temporary-to-permanent pathway.
New Skills in Demand Visa (SIDV): The Skills in Demand visa has formally replaced the TSS 482 visa. It features faster processing for Tier 1 applicants and a clearer permanent residency pathway after meeting work experience and tax contribution requirements.
Stronger Permanent Residency Pathway for Temporary Workers
Skilled workers holding certain temporary visas now have a strengthened and more accessible route to permanent residency. This removes much of the uncertainty that previously affected temporary residents planning long-term settlement in Australia.
Graduate Visa Enhancements
International students graduating from Australian universities now receive extended post-study work rights. STEM and healthcare graduates are eligible for up to 6 years of post-study work rights (previously 4 years). Graduates from regional universities receive additional benefits.
Occupation Lists Updated: The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Skilled Occupation List (SOL) have been revised for 2025–26. The updated lists contain 600+ eligible occupations effective through 30 June 2026. New additions include cybersecurity analysts, renewable energy engineers, aged care specialists, and construction trades.
Key Skilled Visa Categories
Australia's skilled migration programme offers several pathways depending on your occupation, state nomination, family connections, and long-term goals. The three primary skilled visa categories are:
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent Visa
No state, employer, or family sponsorship required. Fully independent points-based visa for nominated occupations.
Visa TypePermanent
SponsorshipNone Required
Min. Points65 (invite ~90+)
Work RightsUnlimited
Read More about Subclass 189 →
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated Visa
Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory. Higher invitation chances with state-specific demand lists.
Visa TypePermanent
SponsorshipState / Territory
Points Bonus+5 Points
Work RightsUnlimited
Read More about Subclass 190 →
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional Visa
For skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. Temporary with a clear PR conversion pathway.
Visa TypeTemporary (5 yrs)
SponsorshipState or Family
Points Bonus+15 Points
PR PathwaySubclass 191
Read More about Subclass 491 →
Subclass 191 — Permanent Residence (Regional): Holders of a 491 visa who have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least 3 years and meet the income threshold can apply for the Subclass 191 — a full permanent residence visa that leads to Australian citizenship.
EOI Selection Rounds — 2025 Updates
Australia uses the SkillSelect system for Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions. Applicants register their interest and wait to be invited. The Department of Home Affairs conducts regular selection rounds issuing Invitations to Apply (ITA) based on points score ranking.
How SkillSelect Works: Submit your EOI with a minimum of 65 points. You wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge your full visa application. You can update your EOI at any time to improve your score before receiving an invitation.
| Visa Category | Approx. EOIs Per Round | Typical Lowest Score | Tie-Break Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent | ~5,000–5,500 | 90–100+ | 2023–2024 submissions |
| Subclass 190 — State Nominated | Varies by state quota | 65–75 | Depends on occupation |
| Subclass 491 — Regional (State) | Varies by territory | 65–70 | Varies widely |
| Subclass 491 — Regional (Family) | Limited / infrequent | 65 | Applicant-driven |
Important: Each Australian state and territory manages its own nomination criteria and occupation demand lists, which can differ significantly from the federal CSOL. Always check the relevant state's migration website before submitting your EOI.
Points Calculator — 2025–2026 Breakdown
The Australian Points Test is used to assess skilled visa applicants. You must score a minimum of 65 points to submit an EOI. However, due to high competition, a higher score is typically required to receive an invitation — especially for Subclass 189. Use our AU Points Calculator to check your eligibility, or visit the official Department of Home Affairs website for more details.
| Category | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 Maximum age points | |
| 33–39 years | 25 | |
| 40–44 years | 15 | |
| English Language | Competent (IELTS 6 each band) | 0 |
| Proficient (IELTS 7 each band) | 10 | |
| Superior (IELTS 8 each band) | 20 Maximum English points | |
| Overseas Work Exp. | 3–4 years in nominated occupation | 5 |
| 5–7 years | 10 | |
| 8+ years | 15 | |
| Australian Work Exp. | 1–2 years in Australia | 5 |
| 3–4 years in Australia | 10 | |
| 5–7 years in Australia | 15 | |
| 8+ years in Australia | 20 | |
| Education | Doctorate from Australian institution | 20 |
| Bachelor's / higher from Australia | 15 | |
| Recognised overseas qualification | 10 | |
| Specialist Education | STEM Masters or PhD | 10 |
| Nomination / Sponsorship | State/Territory nomination (190) | +5 |
| Regional nomination or sponsorship (491) | +15 | |
| Australian Study | 2 years study in regional Australia | 5 |
| Partner Skills | Partner meets skills/English requirements | 5–10 |
| Community Language | Accredited community language credential | 5 |
Strategy Tip: If your score is between 65–85, the Subclass 190 or 491 pathway is your most practical route. State nomination adds 5–15 bonus points and dramatically lowers the invitation threshold. Improving your English from Proficient to Superior (IELTS 7 → 8) adds another 10 points instantly.
Processing Times — 2025 Estimates
Processing times are updated monthly by the Department of Home Affairs. Figures below represent estimated 50th and 90th percentile benchmarks.
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent50%: ~17 months | 90%: ~20 months
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated50%: ~15 months | 90%: ~18 months
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional50%: ~16 months | 90%: ~22 months
Skills in Demand Visa (SIDV) — Tier 150%: ~3 months | 90%: ~6 months
Note: Applications are processed based on the priority processing list, not submission date alone. A complete application with all supporting documentation processes faster. Working with a registered migration agent (MARA) reduces delays caused by documentation errors.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide
The Australian skilled immigration process follows a structured sequence. Understanding each stage helps you plan timelines and prepare documents well in advance.
-
1
Skills Assessment
Get your qualifications and work experience assessed by the relevant Australian assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS for IT, VETASSESS). This takes 2–6 months.
-
2
English Language Test
Take a recognised test such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET. Aiming for Superior English (IELTS 8+ each band) adds 20 points and significantly improves your invitation chances.
-
3
Calculate Your Points
Use the official Points Calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website. If below 90 points, identify strategies to improve your score before submitting an EOI.
-
4
Submit EOI via SkillSelect
Create a myID account, log in to ImmiAccount, and submit your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. You can indicate interest in multiple visa subclasses simultaneously.
-
5
Apply for State Nomination (if applicable)
For Subclass 190 or 491, submit a separate nomination application to your preferred state or territory through their own portal. Each state has its own criteria and occupation demand list.
-
6
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge your full visa application. Prepare all documents in advance — do not wait until you receive an ITA to start gathering paperwork.
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7
Lodge Your Visa Application
Submit your complete application via ImmiAccount with police clearances, health examination results, skills assessment, identity documents, and evidence of work experience.
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8
Visa Grant and Migration
Upon approval, you receive your visa grant notice. Permanent visa holders (189, 190) can settle in Australia immediately. Subclass 491 holders must reside in a regional area to maintain visa conditions and later apply for Subclass 191 PR.
Australian Immigration for Pakistani Nationals
Australia maintains strong immigration ties with Pakistan. The Australian High Commission in Islamabad provides full visa application and guidance services, with additional centres in Lahore and Karachi. The entire application process is conducted online through ImmiAccount — no in-person visit is required.
Recommended States for Pakistani Applicants
South Australia and Western Australia are among the most active states for international skilled worker nominations, regularly inviting applicants across engineering, IT, healthcare, construction, and education. Victoria and Queensland also maintain strong and frequent invitation rounds throughout the year.
Regional Opportunities
Pakistani professionals with qualifications in healthcare, engineering, IT, agriculture, and skilled trades are in strong demand in regional Australia. Choosing the Subclass 491 regional pathway provides an additional 15-point bonus and leads directly to the Subclass 191 permanent visa — a clear and achievable route to Australian citizenship.
Free Assessment Available: Before making any decisions, obtain a free eligibility assessment from a registered migration agent (MARA agent). This helps identify your most viable pathway, maximise your points score, and avoid costly errors in your application. Get your Free Assessment here →
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