Source: ABC News Australia — 2026-05-13
Not legal advice. Always consult a MARA-registered migration agent for your specific situation.
What changed
The 2026 federal budget increased the expected migration intake by 55,000, signaling stronger than initially planned migration numbers for Australia. The government now forecasts more migrants will arrive over the budget period than previously estimated.
What this means for you
If you're on a temporary visa (482, 485, 500) or applying for skilled permanent visas (189, 190), this policy shift suggests sustained government commitment to skilled migration. However, your specific visa category's quota and processing timelines depend on allocation details the government releases in coming weeks.
Action items
- [ ] Wait for the detailed Skills Migration Cap and permanent migration allocation announcements (typically released with the budget)
- [ ] Check your visa subclass intake numbers once published—they may increase if skilled migration is prioritized
- [ ] Consult a registered migration agent if you're considering visa strategy changes based on this news
Who is affected
International skilled workers on temporary visas (482, 485, 500), international students (500), and applicants for skilled permanent migration (189, 190).
Visa types: general Audience: pr-applicants