Reviewed by John Hu, Principal Consultant at John Hu Migration Consulting.
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program remains at 185,000 places, with notable shifts: Skilled Independent (subclass 189) rises to 21,090, State/Territory Nominated (subclass 190) reaches 35,500, and the Regional category falls from 33,000 to 14,110. Employer Sponsored increases to 58,040.
1. Key planning levels
| Category | 2025–26 | 2026–27 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total program | 185,000 | 185,000 | Unchanged |
| Skill stream | 132,200 | 132,240 (about 71%) | Slight increase |
| 189 (Skilled Independent) | 16,900 | 21,090 | Up |
| 190 (State/Territory Nominated) | 33,000 | 35,500 | Up |
| Regional | 33,000 | 14,110 | Sharp fall |
| Employer Sponsored | 44,000 | 58,040 | Big rise |
| Talent and Innovation | 5,300 | 3,500 | Down |
| Partner | 40,500 | 41,500 | Slightly up |
| Parent | 8,500 | 7,060 | Down |
These are permanent Migration Program category planning levels. The Regional figure is not a separate allocation for the provisional subclass 491 visa. Source: Department of Home Affairs.
2. What it means
- 189: more places, but invitations still depend on points and other requirements; a higher planning level does not guarantee a lower cut-off.
- 190: more state and territory nominated places; each jurisdiction still sets its own occupation lists, eligibility rules and invitation arrangements.
- 491: check state nomination arrangements separately. The NSW Government page currently says applications are closed for the current program year.
- Employer Sponsored: a higher permanent-program planning level makes this route worth assessing for applicants with an eligible employer.
- Caution: planning levels are annual targets, not invitation thresholds or approval guarantees.
3. For Hong Kong applicants
- Score first: review the occupation lists and points requirements in the Australian skilled migration guide.
- 190 route: monitor each state’s opening dates and occupation lists.
- 491 route: check current nomination arrangements for each jurisdiction and prepare alternatives.
- Hong Kong stream: see the 189/191 Hong Kong stream guide for the relevant arrangements.
FAQ
Q: With more 189 places, will the cut-off fall? Not necessarily. Invitations depend on points and invitation rounds; past cut-offs do not predict future ones.
Q: Is 491 still worth considering? Assess your circumstances against the latest state and territory settings, and compare 190 or employer sponsorship as appropriate.
Q: Are these figures official? Yes. The planning-level figures above have been checked against the Department of Home Affairs.
For reference only; no guarantee of an invitation or approval. Planning levels and policies may change. Outcomes depend on each applicant’s circumstances, occupation, documents, and Home Affairs and state requirements.
JHM’s MARA-registered team helps families assess suitable Australian migration pathways.
📞 Hotline: (852) 3568 1436 WhatsApp: (852) 9178 8523 For a free assessment, contact JHM.
Sources: Department of Home Affairs: Permanent Migration Program planning levels; NSW Government: Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).