Moving to Australia 2026: Visas and Permanent Residency

If you are considering moving to Australia, it is vital to understand that the country's approach to immigration has undergone a significant transformation. The pathways for investors and skilled migrants have been reformed, with some long-standing programmes closing and new ones opening to reflect a strategic shift in national priorities. While the dream of a new life down under is very much alive, the route to achieving it may be different from what you expect.

Australia's government has moved away from programmes centred on passive investment. Instead, the focus is now firmly on attracting individuals with exceptional talent, innovative business ideas and skills that meet critical economic needs. This means that while traditional investor visas have been phased out, new and reformed pathways offer exciting opportunities for the right candidates. This guide will walk you through the current landscape for visas and permanent residency in 2026.

Is there still an Australia investor visa?

The direct answer is no, not in the traditional sense that many high-net-worth individuals are familiar with. In a major policy change, the Australian government closed the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), also known as subclass 188, to all new applicants in July 2024. This programme included several streams such as the Business Innovation stream, the Investor stream and the popular Significant Investor stream, which had previously offered a clear route to residency based on a substantial financial investment.

The closure signals a fundamental pivot in Australia's immigration strategy. The government has determined that the country's economic future is better served by attracting active and innovative talent rather than passive capital. This does not mean investors are no longer welcome. Instead, the framework has changed. The concept of an 'innovative investor' is now embedded within a new talent-focused visa. This pathway is designed for individuals who can contribute directly to the Australian innovation ecosystem through their expertise, entrepreneurial activities and strategic investments in high-growth sectors. The emphasis has shifted from the amount you invest to the impact you can create.

What closed in 2024

The closure of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) in July 2024 marked the end of an era for Australian investment migration. This programme had been a cornerstone of the country's immigration framework for years, providing structured pathways for business owners, entrepreneurs and investors to gain residency. Its termination was not a sudden decision but the result of extensive government reviews which concluded the programme was not delivering the expected economic benefits for Australia.

The most prominent casualty of this closure was the Significant Investor visa (SIV). This stream was known globally for its straightforward proposition: a substantial investment into complying funds in exchange for a pathway to permanent residency. Its removal reflects a global trend where governments are moving away from so-called 'best golden visa programs 2026' that are perceived as offering residency for purely passive financial contributions. The government's rationale is to replace these with visas that demand a more active and tangible contribution to the national economy and innovation landscape. For a detailed analysis of these changes, you can read our report on the 2024 reforms to Australia's investor visa.

The National Innovation visa (subclass 858)

Replacing the former Global Talent visa, the new National Innovation visa became effective from 7 December 2024. This is now the premier pathway for high-calibre individuals looking to make Australia their permanent home. Unlike many other visa categories that involve a temporary stage, the National Innovation visa grants permanent residency from the outset, which is a significant advantage for successful applicants and their families.

This visa is specifically designed for exceptionally talented people at the top of their field. It is not a programme you can simply apply for. It is an invitation-only visa, meaning prospective applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply. The visa targets a broad range of talent, including:

• Leading researchers and academics: Individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field.
• Entrepreneurs: Founders of innovative and scalable businesses who can bring their ventures and expertise to Australia.
• Innovative investors: Individuals with a demonstrated history of strategic investment in and contribution to high-growth, innovative sectors. This is the new home for the type of investor Australia seeks to attract.
• Elite athletes: Sportspersons with an established international record of excellence.
• Renowned creatives: Artists, musicians and designers who have achieved prominence in their creative domain.

Crucially, all applicants must demonstrate that they would be an asset to Australia and have no difficulty obtaining employment or becoming established in their area of talent. For specific eligibility criteria, you should consult the Department of Home Affairs website, as requirements are precise and subject to change.

Main routes to Australia permanent residency

With the closure of the BIIP, prospective migrants need to familiarise themselves with the primary pathways that lead to Australia permanent residency. The main options can be broadly categorised as talent-based, skilled, employer-sponsored and family-sponsored routes. Each is designed for a different type of applicant and has its own distinct set of requirements and processes. Understanding these categories is the first step in identifying your potential eligibility for moving to Australia.

The table below provides a high-level comparison of the main permanent residency pathways.

Skilled independent and state-nominated visas

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme remains the largest pathway to permanent residency in Australia. This programme is designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the Australian economy. It operates on a points-based system where applicants are awarded points for factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience and educational qualifications. You must have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list to be eligible.

There are two main branches within the GSM programme:

Skilled Independent Visas

This route is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a family member or a state or territory government. It is highly competitive. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and are ranked against each other based on their points score. The Department of Home Affairs periodically issues invitations to the highest-ranking candidates to apply for the visa. A key prerequisite is obtaining a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority, which verifies that your skills and qualifications are comparable to Australian standards.

State and Territory Nominated Visas

If you do not have enough points to receive an invitation for the skilled independent visa, or if your occupation is not on the relevant list, a state-nominated visa may be an option. Each of Australia's states and territories has its own list of in-demand occupations. If your skills and experience align with a region's specific economic needs, you may be able to secure a nomination from that state or territory government. A nomination typically adds extra points to your EOI score, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa. In return for the nomination, you are usually required to commit to living and working in that specific state or territory for a certain period.

For all skilled visas, the specific points scores required, the lists of eligible occupations and application fees are subject to change based on Australia's economic needs. It is essential to check the official immi.homeaffairs.gov.au website for the most current information.

Want help comparing your options? Get matched with a specialist from one of our partner advisory firms.

Employer-sponsored and family visas

Beyond the talent and independent skilled pathways, two other significant streams for obtaining permanent residency are sponsorship by an Australian employer or by a close family member. These routes are contingent on having a direct link to Australia through either employment or family.

Employer-Sponsored Visas

For many skilled professionals, securing a job offer is the most direct way to move to Australia. The employer sponsorship programme allows approved Australian businesses to sponsor foreign workers to fill skilled positions where there is a demonstrated shortage of local talent. This pathway can lead to either a temporary or a permanent visa, depending on the specific stream, the occupation and the applicant's qualifications.

The process typically requires the employer to prove they could not find a suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position. The role itself must be on a relevant skilled occupation list and the applicant must meet the skills, experience and language requirements for that role. This route provides certainty, as the visa is tied to a specific job offer, but it also means your residency status may initially be dependent on your continued employment with the sponsoring company.

Family Visas

Australia's family migration programme allows Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their close family members to move to Australia permanently. The main categories within this stream are:

• Partner visas: For spouses, de facto partners and fiancés of an Australian sponsor.
• Parent visas: For parents of an Australian sponsor. These can have very long processing times and significant costs, with different options available.
• Child visas: For dependent children of an Australian sponsor.

Each family visa category has strict eligibility criteria that both the applicant and the sponsor must meet. Applicants must prove the genuineness of their relationship to the sponsor and meet health and character requirements. Due to high demand, some family visa categories, particularly parent visas, can have long queues and processing times. It is crucial to research the specific requirements and wait times on the official Department of Home Affairs website.

For the wider context, read our full what is a golden visa? every active programme compared (2026).

Step-by-step: how to move to Australia

The process of applying for an Australian visa can be complex and varies significantly depending on the visa category. However, a general step-by-step process can help you understand the journey ahead. Always remember that for many popular visas, you cannot apply directly and must first be invited.

1. Thorough Research: The first and most critical step is to research all available visa options. Use the official Department of Home Affairs website to understand the different streams and identify which one best fits your circumstances.

2. Check Your Eligibility: Once you have identified a potential visa, carefully review the detailed eligibility criteria. This includes requirements for age, skills, qualifications, English language ability, health and character.

3. Prepare Your Documents: This is often a lengthy process. For skilled visas, you will need to obtain a skills assessment from a designated authority. You may also need to take an English language test like IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Gather all necessary personal documents such as your passport, birth certificates and educational transcripts.

4. Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI): For the National Innovation visa and all General Skilled Migration visas, you must submit an EOI through the government's SkillSelect system. This is not a visa application but a declaration of your interest and a summary of your qualifications and points score.

5. Wait for an Invitation or Nomination: After submitting your EOI, you must wait to be invited to apply for a visa. For state-nominated visas, you will also need to apply for and receive a nomination from a state or territory government.

6. Lodge Your Visa Application: Once you receive an invitation, you will have a limited time, stated in the invitation, to lodge your formal visa application and pay the required fee. You must provide comprehensive evidence to support all the claims made in your EOI.

7. Undergo Health and Character Checks: All applicants and their accompanying family members must undergo a medical examination and provide police certificates from every country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

8. Await a Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will process your application. They may contact you if they require further information. Processing times vary widely between visa types.

9. Plan Your Move: Once your visa is granted, you can begin making concrete plans for your move to Australia, including booking flights, arranging accommodation and organising the shipment of your belongings.

Planning tips

Successfully moving to Australia involves more than just a visa application. Careful planning can make your transition smoother and help you settle into your new life more effectively.

Start your financial planning early. Moving abroad is expensive and you will need to account for visa application fees, professional advisory fees, flights, shipping costs and having enough funds to support yourself while you find accommodation and employment. Research the cost of living in your intended city, as this can vary significantly between places like Sydney, Melbourne and other state capitals.

Familiarise yourself with the Australian healthcare system. Once you become a permanent resident, you will generally be eligible for Medicare, Australia's universal health care scheme. However, you may wish to consider private health insurance to cover services not included in Medicare and to avoid certain tax levies.

If you have children, research the education system. Australia has a mix of public, Catholic and independent schools. The quality and cost can differ, so it is wise to investigate school options in the area you plan to live in well in advance.

Navigating a new country's immigration, tax and legal systems can be daunting. Seeking professional advice from a registered migration agent, a tax advisor and a financial planner can save you time, prevent costly mistakes and provide peace of mind. Your journey to a new country is a significant life event; explore all your options by looking at our comprehensive guides on moving abroad.

For those considering other options in the region, it can be useful to compare Australia's approach with that of its neighbour. New Zealand also offers pathways for skilled migrants and investors, such as the New Zealand Active Investor Plus visa, which presents a different model. Exploring our guide on moving to New Zealand can provide valuable perspective.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still get an Australia investor visa?

No, the traditional Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188), which included the Significant Investor visa, closed to new applicants in July 2024. The new focus is on attracting 'innovative investors' through the talent-based National Innovation visa. This pathway requires a more active contribution to Australia's innovation ecosystem rather than a passive investment.

What is the main route for Australia permanent residency now?

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme remains the largest pathway. It is for skilled workers who meet a points test and have an occupation in demand. Other key routes include the new National Innovation visa for exceptionally talented individuals, employer-sponsored visas for those with a job offer and family visas for those with close relatives in Australia.

Is Australia still open to high-net-worth individuals?

Yes, but the criteria have changed. Australia is seeking active, innovative investors rather than passive capital. High-net-worth individuals with a demonstrated track record of founding or investing in innovative, high-growth businesses may be eligible for the National Innovation visa. The focus is on the talent and expertise you bring, not just the size of your investment.

What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is an online form you submit to the Australian government to show your interest in applying for certain types of visas, such as skilled or talent visas. It is not a visa application. In the EOI, you provide details about your skills, experience and other attributes. The government then uses this information to rank candidates and issue invitations to apply for a visa.

Do I need a job offer to move to Australia?

Not necessarily. The Skilled Independent visa is specifically for skilled workers who do not have a job offer but can meet the points threshold on their own. The National Innovation visa also does not require a job offer. However, for employer-sponsored visas, a confirmed job offer from an approved Australian employer is the primary requirement.

How does the National Innovation visa differ from the old investor visa?

The old investor visa was primarily based on making a large, passive investment into complying funds. The new National Innovation visa is a talent-based, permanent visa for individuals with exceptional and outstanding achievements. It is for active contributors like innovative investors, entrepreneurs and top researchers. Selection is highly competitive and by invitation only.

Can my family come with me to Australia?

Yes, in most cases, you can include your partner and dependent children in your permanent visa application. They are known as secondary applicants. They must also meet the health and character requirements. It is essential to include all family members in the initial application, as adding them later can be difficult or impossible.

Where can I find the official list of eligible occupations?

The official lists of eligible occupations for skilled visas are published by the Department of Home Affairs on their website, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. These lists are updated regularly based on the needs of the Australian labour market, so you must always check the latest version when considering your eligibility for a skilled visa.

What is the first step to applying for an Australian visa?

The first step is always comprehensive research. You need to visit the official Department of Home Affairs website to explore the different visa options and understand which one you might be eligible for. Due to the complexity, many people then choose to seek advice from a registered migration agent to confirm their eligibility and plan their application strategy.

Are there other investment-based visas in the region?

Yes. If you are exploring investment migration in Oceania, New Zealand offers the Active Investor Plus visa. This programme has different criteria and investment requirements compared to Australia's former programmes. For a broader perspective, you can also research the best golden visa programs 2026 available in Europe and other parts of the world, which offer residency or citizenship through investment.

Ready to take the next step? Get matched with a specialist who can review your circumstances.

Sources

• Department of Home Affairs, Australia (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)