Australia 2026-27 Federal Budget: Migration Reform Deep Dive — Points Test Overhaul, 185K PR Cap, Onshore Priority — Strategic Analysis for Chinese Migrants
Australia's 2026-27 federal budget, announced May 13, confirms the permanent migration program at 185,000 places while overhauling the skilled migration points test. A$85.2M allocated to accelerate skills assessments, bringing 4,000 extra trades workers annually, with onshore applicants prioritized. This article analyzes the new policy's impact on overseas Chinese applicants.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled the 2026-27 federal budget on May 13, 2026, containing major migration policy reforms. The budget confirmed the permanent migration program will remain capped at 185,000 places, with over 70% reserved for skilled migrants. The government will comprehensively reform the skilled migration points test to prioritize higher-educated, higher-skilled, and younger applicants. Additionally, A$85.2 million has been allocated to accelerate skills assessments and occupational licensing for migrant trades workers, expected to bring in an extra 4,000 skilled trades workers (mainly construction and electrical) per year.