Federal Budget 2026-27: Key Migration Updates for You

The Australian government has released the 2026-27 Federal Budget, detailing the roadmap for the nation’s migration program. For those already in Australia or planning to move here, the budget signals a shift toward onshore applicants, high-skilled workers, and streamlined trade recognition.

Permanent Migration Levels: A Focus on Onshore

The Government has set the permanent Migration Program planning level at 185,000 places.

Approximately 70% of these places are for the Skilled stream, while 30% are for the Family stream.
The Government will allocate 70% of all available places (129,590 seats) to migrants already living in Australia.
The remaining 55,110 places will be reserved primarily for highly skilled migrants arriving from overseas to address long-term skill needs.

Changes to the Points Test

If you are planning to apply for a points-tested visa, such as the Subclass 189 or Subclass 190, the system is being optimised. The government wants to better select migrants who are younger, highly educated and skilled. Applicants should prepare for a more competitive environment that rewards higher qualifications.

Faster Skills Assessments for Trades

In an effort to add 4,000 skilled trade workers to the economy every year, the government is investing $85.2 million. The funding will go toward modernising and streamlining the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) system to integrate with state licensing. This means priority trades, such as electricians and plumbers, may be able to obtain their licenses more quickly. Additionally, a new program will help visa holders already in Australia have their practical trade experience recognised more easily.

Protection Visa Reforms

To prevent the misuse of the protection visa system, the Government is launching a $3.9 million pilot program. This will fund migration duty lawyers to provide legal help before applicants file for judicial review. The goal is to help applicants make informed, merit-based decisions rather than filing weak or incorrect claims.

National Security and Combating Hate

The budget introduces new funding to combat antisemitism and extremism. This includes new grounds for visa refusals and cancellations for individuals involved in hate-related behaviour or prohibited hate groups. An extra $270 million for the Australian Border Force to strengthen national security.

Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program

The Working Holiday visa program (Subclass 417 or Subclass 462) will see significant reforms. This includes an expanded use of ballots to better control numbers and ensure a fairer allocation of these visas.

Migrant Worker Protections

Protecting migrant workers already here is a priority. The government has extended the ARP pathway and provided $27 million to educate migrant workers about their rights and workplace safeguards. This ensures that no worker is exploited due to their visa status.

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

Consider getting professional advice by reaching out to one of our immigration lawyers for your next best steps. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

Client Testimonials

….we call it Support Network

Navigating the immigration law process may be difficult, and our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails, and in-person meetings.

These are their stories…

Our Client's Latest Visa Grants