Australia Immigration
Statistics 2025
Comprehensive data on Australia's net overseas migration, permanent program outcomes, visa arrivals, and source country trends — sourced directly from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2024–25 release and the Department of Home Affairs.
Net Overseas Migration 2024–25
0
Down from 429,000 in 2023–24
Migrant Arrivals 2024–25
0
−14% year on year
Permanent Program Places
0
132,200 skilled · 52,500 family
Record NOM Peak
0
Sep 2023 — now normalising
Net Overseas Migration
How Has Net Overseas Migration Changed Over Time?
Net overseas migration (NOM) is the difference between migrant arrivals and departures and is Australia's primary driver of population growth. After collapsing during COVID-19 — recording a historic net loss of 85,000 in 2020–21 — NOM surged to a record 538,000 in 2022–23 as arrivals flooded in. It has since moderated for seven consecutive quarters, returning toward its long-run historical average of around 230,000.
Thousands of people · Year ending 30 June · Source: ABS
Permanent Migration Program
What Is the Permanent Migration Program Cap?
Each year, the Australian Government sets planning levels for the permanent Migration Program. For 2024–25, the cap is 185,000 places — one of the highest ever. The program has three streams: Skilled (132,200), Family (52,500), and Humanitarian (~13,750).
185,000 total places · Source: Dept. of Home Affairs
132,200 total skilled places (2024–25)
132,200 places · 71%
Employer-sponsored (482/186), points-tested (189/190/491), and business innovation visas.
52,500 places · 28%
Partner visas make up ~77% of family places (40,500). Child visas account for ~3,000.
13,750 places · ~7%
Offshore and onshore protection visas for refugees and those in humanitarian need.
Visa Category Arrivals
Who Is Arriving in Australia?
Migrant arrivals in 2024–25 totalled 568,000, with temporary visa holders making up 64% of the total (363,000). International students remain the single largest group at 157,000 — down 23% from the 2023–24 peak of 204,000. Working holiday makers (78,300) and temporary skilled workers (45,800) were broadly stable year on year.
Pre-COVID vs peak vs current · Source: ABS
Source Countries
Which Countries Send the Most Migrants to Australia?
India has been the largest source of net overseas migration since 2018. In 2024–25, India contributed a net gain of 57,400 people. The United Kingdom recorded a net gain of 25,600 — its highest since 2019 — driven by a near-doubling of working holiday maker arrivals. New Zealand net migration rose to 24,300, also a decade high.
Thousands · Top 8 countries · Source: ABS
Thousands · Source: ABS
State & Territory Breakdown
Which Australian States Receive the Most Migrants?
New South Wales and Victoria collectively receive around 55% of net overseas migration. Queensland is the third-largest destination, driven by strong growth on the Gold Coast and Brisbane corridor ahead of the 2032 Olympics. Western Australia continues to attract skilled workers in mining and construction.
Thousands · Source: ABS
IT, finance, healthcare dominate skilled arrivals.
Australia's fastest-growing capital by population.
Brisbane & Gold Coast, boosted by 2032 Olympics investment.
Resources boom driving skilled trades demand.
Among the most accessible state-nomination lists.
Highest incomes in Australia; 491-eligible despite being a capital.
Entire state is regional for migration purposes.
Most accessible nomination program in the country.
Age Profile
What Is the Age Profile of Australia's Migrants?
The median age of migrant arrivals in 2024–25 was 26 years — unchanged from pre-pandemic levels. The modal (most common) age was 23, with 54% of 23-year-old arrivals being international students and 24% working holiday makers. This young age profile has a positive long-term effect on the working-age population and fiscal position.
Share of total arrivals (%) · Source: ABS
Median age of arrivals
Unchanged from pre-COVID (2018–19)
26 yrs
Modal age of arrivals
54% international students at this age
23 yrs
Median age of departures
Up from 28 years pre-COVID
30 yrs
Ages 20–34 share
Dominant working-age bracket
65%
What It Means for You
What Do These Statistics Mean for Someone Moving to Australia?
Is migration to Australia getting harder?
Net overseas migration has declined from its 2023 peak but remains historically high at 306,000. The permanent program cap of 185,000 places is one of the largest ever set, suggesting the Government continues to actively welcome skilled migrants. Processing times for skilled visas have generally improved over the past 12–18 months.
Which visa stream is most likely to lead to permanent residency?
The Skilled stream (132,200 places, 71% of the permanent program) is the most common pathway. This covers employer-sponsored (482/186), points-tested independent (189), state-nominated (190), and regional visas (491 → 191). India and the UK are the top source countries for skilled arrivals.
How does the decline in international students affect the labour market?
Student arrivals fell from 204,000 to 157,000 (−23%) in 2024–25 as the Federal Government tightened processing and raised English language requirements. This is reducing downward pressure on wages in hospitality and retail, while also softening rental demand in student-heavy suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne.
Which states offer the best migration pathways right now?
South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the ACT generally have the most accessible nomination lists and lower competition. WA has a targeted list focused on trades and healthcare. NSW and Victoria have larger quotas but higher demand. Gold Coast, Canberra, and Newcastle also qualify as regional.
What is driving the rise in UK migration to Australia?
UK-born arrivals grew to 40,000 in 2024–25 — 26% above pre-COVID levels — driven mainly by a near-doubling of working holiday maker arrivals. UK net migration to Australia (25,600 in 2024–25) is at its highest since 2016, reflecting renewed interest post-Brexit in long-term relocation.
Data Sources & Methodology
- —ABS Overseas Migration 2024–25 — Australian Bureau of Statistics, released 19 December 2025. Reference period: year ending 30 June 2025. Sep 2024 estimates are preliminary. abs.gov.au
- —Migration Program 2024–25 Planning Levels — Department of Home Affairs, announced May 2024. homeaffairs.gov.au
- —Australia's Migration Trends 2023–24 — Dept. of Home Affairs, released December 2024.
State-level NOM figures are ABS estimates. Program stream details are rounded. Age profile data represents share of total migrant arrivals. Last reviewed: June 2026.
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