Australia's permanent Migration Program comprises economic and family migration and is the main pathway to permanent residence. The only other way to obtain permanent residence is on humanitarian grounds. It includes:
- Skill stream visas
- Family stream (including Child) visas
- Special Eligibility visas.
The visa categories in each stream are valid at time of publication. For more information on potential changes since publication see our
Migration Program planning levels.
Skill stream visas
The Skill stream is designed for workers who have the skills, qualifications and entrepreneurship most needed in the Australian economy. In 2024–25, it comprised the following categories:
- Business Innovation and Investment
- Distinguished Talent
- Employer Sponsored
- Global Talent (Independent)
- National Innovation
- Regional
- Skilled Independent
- State/Territory Nominated.
Family stream (including Child) visas
The Family stream allows the permanent migration of close family members of:
- Australian citizens
- permanent residents
- eligible New Zealand citizens.
It focuses on partners and parents, but also provides an opportunity for other family members to join their family in Australia, such as:
- aged dependent relatives
- carers
- remaining relatives.
Child visas allow the permanent migration of children of:
- Australian citizens
- permanent residents
- eligible New Zealand citizens.
Special Eligibility visas
Special Eligibility visas allow former residents and certain people who served in the Australian Defence Force to live in Australia as permanent residents.
Summary of profiles
For each of the Country profiles, see a summary for the
2024–25 Migration Program outcome by migration category.
