Planning your immigration to Australia requires organization, strategy, and time. With the new Permanent Migration Program 2025–26 , the Australian government maintained the total number of 185,000 permanent spots, distributed among the main visa streams, making 2026 an excellent year for those wishing to take the next step towards permanent residency in Australia.
If you're just starting to plan, it's essential to understand what visas are available, what steps to take, and how to prepare. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to plan your immigration safely and clearly.
1. Immigration to Australia: understand your goals and choose the right path
The first step in planning your immigration to Australia is to define your objective. Do you want to work, study, or seek permanent residency? This answer directs the entire process, from the type of visa to the necessary timelines and documents.
The most common options for Brazilians are:
- Skilled Visas: aimed at professionals with experience and training in high-demand areas. They require a Skill Assessment and proof of English proficiency.
- Student Visa: ideal for those who want to study and work legally while gaining qualifications – which can pave the way for permanent residency.
- Working Holiday Visa: aimed at young people up to 30 years old who wish to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.
The official Department of Home Affairs website offers the tool Visa Finder, which helps identify which visa best fits your profile.
2. Understand the 2025–26 migration program scenario
The Permanent Migration Program 2025–26 maintains 185,000 places, distributed as follows:
Skilled Visas (Total: 132,200)
- Employer Sponsored: 44,000
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189): 16,900
- Regional: $33,000
- State/Territory Nominated: 33.000
- Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP): 1.000
- National Innovation (Global Talent Substitute): 4,000
- Distinguished Talent: 300
Family Visas (Total: 52,500)
- Partner: 40,500
- Parent: 8,500
- Child: 3.000
- Other Family: 500
Special Eligibility Visas: 300
These numbers show that most opportunities are concentrated in Skilled Visas, especially in skilled and regional areas.
Immigration to Australia: Important Changes
- The Business Innovation and Investor visa (subclass 188/888) was closed on July 31, 2024.
- The Global Talent visa was replaced by the National Innovation visa on December 7, 2024.
- About 60% of the visas are still reserved for onshore applicants—that is, those who are already in Australia at the time of the decision.
This means that those already in the country (for example, with a Student Visa) can have operational advantages in the process.
See also: Rights and duties for those on a sponsor visa in Australia
3. Evaluate the requirements for your profile (2025)
After defining the visa type, the next step is to understand the necessary requirements before applying. The main ones are:
- Qualifications and professional experience: your occupation must be on the Occupations Lists and, in many cases, an approved Skill Assessment will be required.
- English proficiency: proven by tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT.
- Health and Character: Medical examinations and criminal record certificates are mandatory.
- Financial resources: it is necessary to prove means of subsistence during the process and the first months in the country.
4. Organize documents and start the application (late 2025 / early 2026)
With everything prepared, it's time to gather documents and start the visa application:
- Personal and professional documents: passport, certificates, English tests, professional history, and references.
- Online application: made through the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Fee payment: varies by category.
- Process monitoring: average processing times - for example, the student visa takes about 60 days to process.
Attention: errors or incomplete documents may lead to delays or denial of the visa.
See also: DAMA Australia: Everything you need to know about Designated Area Migration Agreements
5. Plan finances and arrival (2026): immigration to Australia
Immigrating to Australia involves costs beyond visa fees. It's essential to plan your budget in advance.
- Cost of living: varies between cities — Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, while regional cities offer lower costs and immigration advantages.
- Accommodation and employment: look for housing and opportunities before arrival.
- Mandatory Health Insurance: The Student Visa requires OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover).
- Documentation and passages: keep organized and updated copies.
6. Practical Tips for the 2025-26 Migration Program
With 185,000 confirmed vacancies, strategic planning is fundamental.
Check out the recommendations:
- Boost your English and your professional qualifications.
- Focus on Employer Sponsored and Regional visas, with high priority.
- If you are onshore, keep payslips, tax records, and receipts up to date.
- Follow official updates from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Consider professional support with a MARA-registered agent.
The 2025–26 program offers stability and predictability, making it an excellent time to chart a solid path toward permanent residency in Australia.
Conclusion: The best time to plan is now
The Permanent Migration Program 2025–26 has maintained the same number of places but introduced important adjustments, especially for those seeking Skilled Visas. The outlook is favorable for skilled professionals, students, and families wishing to build a future in Australia.
Planning ahead is essential: gathering documents, improving English, validating qualifications, and defining the best strategy takes time.
A Good Day Education & Migration can support you in all the steps, from choosing the visa to preparing the application. Book your consultation and start planning your immigration to Australia in 2026 with confidence, strategy, and peace of mind.

