Australia sets 185,000 migration cap with new ballots for Working Holiday Maker visas

Australia keeps migration cap steady

Australia will hold its 2026-27 Permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places, with about 132,240 slots in the Skill stream and 30% in the Family stream. Most places are still set aside for people already in Australia on temporary visas, with fewer spots for offshore applicants.

The government also said it will re-balance the Working Holiday Maker program rather than expand it. That means tighter control of numbers, more use of ballots for high-demand countries and stronger compliance checks, according to the budget papers.

Who feels the change most

Working holiday travelers are the clearest losers if they were hoping for easier access. The 417 and 462 visas still allow young adults to live, work and study briefly in Australia, but first-time access for some nationalities is already capped, paused or handled through ballots.

Expats already in Australia may have a better shot at permanent status. Skilled, state-nominated, regional and employer-sponsored routes are the main beneficiaries of the onshore focus, while tourists on standard visitor visas aren't directly affected unless they break work rules.

What to do next

Applicants in high-demand WHM countries should watch for ballot notices and annual cap updates when the new program year starts July 1. Anyone on a temporary visa who wants permanent residency should check whether their current status fits a skilled or employer-linked pathway.

Remote workers shouldn't assume Australia is opening a digital nomad route. The policy still favors structured visas over lifestyle stays and compliance checks are likely to get tighter for anyone trying to work on the wrong visa. Read our full Australia guide for the complete picture and visa updates.