New Life in Australia and upcoming News :
On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government officially announced its permanent Migration Program planning levels for the 2025–26 program year — set at 185,000 places.
This is a major opportunity for individuals and families looking to start a new life in Australia through skilled migration, family sponsorship, or business and investment pathways.
If you want to apply for permanent residency, there are a number of requirements you need to meet. You can make an application on humanitarian grounds, as a migrant, or part of a family unit.
Skill Stream – 132,200 Places (Approx. 71%)
This stream is targeted at skilled professionals and workers who can contribute to Australia’s economy and address critical labour shortages, particularly in regional areas. If you have qualifications, work experience, or job offers in demand, this could be your pathway to permanent residency.
Popular visa categories under this stream include:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional)
Family Stream – 52,500 Places (Approx. 28%)
The Family Stream focuses on reuniting Australians with loved ones from overseas, with a significant portion allocated for partner visas.
- 40,500 Partner Visas (estimated for 2024–25)
- 3,000 Child Visas (estimated for 2024–25)
Special Eligibility Stream – 300 Places
This stream is reserved for individuals in unique circumstances, such as long-term permanent residents returning to Australia after living overseas.
Migration Program planning levels as announced as part of the 2024–25 Federal Budgets:
Skilled independent visa Subclass 189:
| Visa Stream | Visa Category | 2025–26 Planning levels |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Stream | Employer Sponsored | 44,000 |
| Skilled Independent | 16,900 | |
| Regional | 33,000 | |
| State/Territory Nominated | 33,000 | |
| Business Innovation & Investment | 1,000 | |
| Talent and Innovation | 4,300 | |
| Distinguished Talent | 300 | |
| Skill Total | 132,200 | |
| Family | Partner¹ | 40,500 |
| Parent | 8,500 | |
| Child¹ | 3,000 | |
| Other Family | 500 | |
| Family Total | 52,500 | |
| Special Eligibility | 300 | |
| Total Migration Program | 185,000 |
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-based permanent residency visa for skilled professionals who wish to live and work in Australia without requiring sponsorship from an employer, state, territory, or family member.
Designed to attract highly skilled workers from around the world, this visa provides the opportunity to live, work, and settle permanently in Australia, while contributing to the country’s growing economy and workforce demands.
Subclass 189 Visa – Eligibility Criteria:
- Age Requirement: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Skills Assessment: You must have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- English Proficiency: You must demonstrate at least competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent).
- Points Test: A minimum score of 65 points on the Australian Immigration Points Test.
- Health & Character: You must meet the standard health and character requirements set by the Australian Government.
Accepted English Test Scores:
Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
Minimum score of 50 in each of the four test components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four test components (General or Academic).
TOEFL iBT
Equivalent scores accepted (typically: 12 Listening, 13 Reading, 21 Writing, 18 Speaking).
OET (Occupational English Test)
Minimum grade of B in each component.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
Minimum score of 169 in each of the four components.
What can I do with this visa?
- Live in Australia permanently
- Work and study anywhere in the country
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public health care system
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence
- Travel freely to and from Australia for up to 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
Eligible Family Members:
When applying EOI you can include following family members in your visa application:
- Primary Applicant Spouse or partner
- Primary Applicant child or their partner’s child
Visa Cost:
- Main Applicant Fee: AUD 4,765.00
- Additional Applicants (Family Members): Extra charges apply
- Second Installment (if applicable): AUD 4,885.00 — usually for family members who do not meet functional English requirements
Health & Character Requirements:
- Character Check: Police clearance certificates are required for each country you’ve lived in for 12 consecutive months or more in the last 10 years
- Health Check: Medical examinations must be completed within the past 12 months
How PassX Supports Your Australia PR Process:
At PassX Immigration, our skilled migration experts guide you, end-to-end support to ensure a smooth and successful Australia Permanent Residency journey through every step of your Subclass 189 visa application, including:
- Skill assessment assistance
- Points calculation and EOI (Expression of Interest) submission
- Document preparation and review
- Visa lodging and follow-up support
- Post-visa settlement guidance
Start Your Australian Dream Today
Contact PassX Immigration – Australia Immigration Experts to check your eligibility and begin your Skilled Independent Visa application. Book a free consultation now!