Is Australia PR Getting Harder in 2026? Latest Updates Explained

Short answer: Yes and no. The door to Australian permanent residency is still wide open, but the competition has intensified, and the rules are sharper. If you've been tracking Australia PR latest news, you'll know 2026 brings a mix of tighter controls and new opportunities. Here's exactly what has changed, what it means for you, and, crucially, how to stay ahead.

The Cap Holds, But Competition Is Fiercer

The good news: Australia's permanent migration cap stays steady at 185,000 places for 2025–26 — the same as last year. You can verify this directly on the Department of Home Affairs migration planning levels page. The composition, however, has shifted meaningfully:

The headline story: places for the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa have dropped, while employer-sponsored and state-nominated spots have grown. This reflects a deliberate government pivot, from general points-tested migration toward targeted, employer-driven, and regionally-focused pathways.

Key Australia Immigration Changes 2026 You Need to Know

1. New 4-Tier Occupation System for Subclass 189

The Subclass 189 now operates on an occupation tier model. Tier 1 (highest scarcity, long training times) receives the most invitations; Tier 4 occupations face much tighter ceilings. Check whether your occupation is listed on the official Skilled Occupation List,  and at which tier, before building your strategy.

2. Anti-Visa-Hopping Rules from February 2026

From 2 February 2026, the government cracked down on "visa hopping"  switching between visa subclasses without clear intent. Visitor → Student → Work → PR chains without a coherent plan will face greater scrutiny and potential refusal. Planning your pathway early and documenting genuine intent is now essential.

3. Higher Salary Thresholds for Employer-Sponsored Visas

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) has risen to AUD $76,515, and Specialist Skills roles now require AUD $141,210. If you're pursuing PR through employer sponsorship, your job offer must meet these updated thresholds

4. State Nomination Tightened, But Expanded in Total

Overall state-nomination places increased to 33,000 — great news. But individual states are getting more selective. States now prioritise applicants with active employment connections, stronger salary evidence, and occupation alignment with local needs (e.g., teachers in Victoria, healthcare in NSW, trades in WA).

5. Temporary Graduate Visa Age Cap Lowered

The maximum age for the Temporary Graduate Visa has been reduced to 35 years. If you're a graduate planning to use the 485 visa as a stepping stone to PR, time your application carefully — this change narrows the window for older graduates.

So, Is PR Difficult in Australia Right Now?

It's more strategic than it used to be. The era of simply accumulating points and waiting for a 189 invitation is fading. Here's the honest picture by pathway:

• Subclass 189 (Independent): Harder. Fewer places, occupation tier caps, and rising competition from high-scorers. Scores of 80–90 are now common in competitive occupations.
• Subclass 190 (State Nominated): Opportunity remains strong — 33,000 places — but states demand genuine employment ties and sector alignment.
• Subclass 491 (Regional): Best value in 2026. Higher allocation, lower competition, and regional incentives make this a smart pathway for eligible occupations.
• Employer Sponsored (186/482): Growing and accessible — if your employer and salary meet the new thresholds. Fastest route for many in-demand professionals.

What You Should Do Right Now

• Skilled Occupation List to understand your 189 invitation ceiling.
• points calculator — then identify your fastest improvements (English is usually the quickest win).
• Home Affairs SkillSelect portal.
• Build a pathway timeline now: With anti-visa-hopping rules in place, a coherent migration plan documented from the start protects your application and saves time.

The Bottom Line

Australia immigration changes in 2026 haven't slammed the door; they've changed the key. The total intake remains healthy at 185,000, but the system now rewards those who plan strategically and align their profile with Australia's real workforce needs. Whether you're a nurse, engineer, IT professional, or tradesperson, there is a pathway that works — it just requires knowing where to look.

Stay updated with official policy through the Department of Home Affairs and use the SkillSelect portal to monitor invitation trends in real time.

Need a Personalised Assessment?

At Migration Star, our registered migration agents cut through the complexity so you don't have to. We assess your profile against the latest Australia PR news and map out the fastest, most secure pathway to your Australian permanent residency. Contact us today to get started.