The Australian Parliament has put skilled migration under the microscope. On 13 March 2026, the Joint Standing Committee on Migration held its first public hearing in Canberra as part of a sweeping inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia. With a final report expected by mid-2026 - just before the 2026-27 programme settings are decided - the findings could reshape occupation lists, allocation numbers, and the very design of Australia's skilled visa programme. Here's what you need to know.
What Is the Skilled Migration Inquiry?
The Joint Standing Committee on Migration is a bipartisan parliamentary committee with members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. On 29 October 2025, it formally adopted an inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia, calling for public submissions by 5 January 2026.
The inquiry examines six broad areas:
| # | Terms of Reference |
|---|---|
| 1 | The ongoing economic, social, and cultural value of skilled migration to Australia |
| 2 | The effectiveness of current skilled migration settings in meeting state and territory needs, while recognising the ongoing need for housing and infrastructure |
| 3 | Scope to more effectively target skills gaps and shortages in critical sectors |
| 4 | Scope for skilled migration to more effectively support businesses, boost productivity, and encourage innovation |
| 5 | Strategies to enhance public awareness of the role of skilled migration |
| 6 | Approaches taken in other countries with similar migration objectives |
This is not a narrow review of a single visa subclass - it is a fundamental examination of whether Australia's skilled migration programme is working as intended.
Why Does This Inquiry Matter?
Parliamentary inquiries produce reports with recommendations that directly influence government policy. The timing is significant: the committee's final report is expected by mid-2026, which means recommendations could feed directly into the 2026-27 Migration Programme settings announced later that year.
Here's what could be affected:
Programme Numbers
The current 2025-26 programme allocates 185,000 permanent places, with a Skill stream of 132,200 places - roughly 71% of the total. Within that:
| Visa | Places (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | 16,900 |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | 12,850 |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | 7,500 |
| Employer Sponsored | 44,000 |
The inquiry could recommend increasing, decreasing, or redistributing these numbers for 2026-27.
Occupation Lists
The inquiry's focus on "targeting skills gaps in critical sectors" suggests the committee may recommend changes to the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and how occupations are added or removed. If you're planning a skilled visa application, keep a close eye on any occupation list changes that may follow.
Regional Migration
With terms of reference explicitly mentioning state and territory needs, the inquiry may influence how state nomination allocations are distributed. States like Western Australia (which has reportedly used a significant portion of its 2025-26 allocation) and Tasmania (which has invited 491 applicants at relatively low points thresholds) could see their allocations adjusted.
State nomination requirements and occupation lists are subject to change. Please confirm current availability before applying.
For context on how the current programme is structured, see our guide to The 2025-2026 Migration Program Explained. If you're considering the 189 pathway, note that 189 visa places have been exhausted for 2025-26 - making state nomination and employer sponsorship even more important.
Employer Sponsorship
The inquiry also examines how skilled migration supports Australian businesses. This could affect the employer sponsored visa framework, including the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, the CSIT and SSIT salary thresholds, and processing targets.
The inquiry is examining skilled migration policy at its foundations. While no immediate visa changes have been announced, the committee's recommendations could significantly shape the 2026-27 programme year.
What Has Happened So Far?
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 29 October 2025 | Inquiry formally adopted by the committee |
| 5 January 2026 | Submissions deadline closed |
| 13 March 2026 | First public hearing held in Canberra |
| Mid-2026 (expected) | Final report with recommendations |
The first public hearing on 13 March 2026 received input from Australian Government departments and agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs. Stakeholders also presented on skilled migration in regional and growing areas. Further public hearings are expected in the coming months.
What Should You Do Now?
The inquiry does not change any current visa rules or requirements. All existing visa subclasses, occupation lists, and programme settings remain in effect. However, here's how to position yourself:
1. Don't Wait for Changes - Apply Now
If you are eligible for a skilled visa under the current programme, lodge your application now. Waiting for the inquiry's report introduces uncertainty - you may face different rules, different occupation lists, or fewer places in 2026-27. Use our Points Calculator to check whether you meet the competitive score for your target visa.
2. Check Your Occupation
Verify that your occupation is currently on the relevant skilled occupation list. The inquiry's focus on "targeting skills gaps" could mean future changes to which occupations qualify. Search for your ANZSCO code to confirm your current eligibility.
3. Monitor State Nomination Rounds
If you're targeting a 190 or 491 visa, state nomination settings could shift in response to the inquiry's recommendations. Stay informed about invitation rounds and score thresholds - especially in states with limited remaining allocations. With 189 visa places already exhausted for 2025-26, state nomination has become the primary skilled migration pathway this programme year.
The current 2025-26 programme year runs until 30 June 2026. Any changes flowing from the inquiry would most likely take effect from 1 July 2026 at the earliest. This gives you a window to apply under the current, known rules.
How First Migration Can Help
Parliamentary inquiries can feel distant from your day-to-day visa concerns - but their outcomes shape the migration landscape. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents track policy developments like this inquiry so you don't have to.
Whether you need help with a skilled independent, state nominated, regional, or employer sponsored visa, we can assess your options under the current settings and advise on the strongest pathway.
Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.
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