The 2026–27 Federal Budget states that the Government will reform the permanent migration points test to better identify migrants who drive productivity and Australia’s long-term prosperity, and to select better-educated, higher-skilled, and younger migrants overall. Almost two-thirds of permanent skilled migrants are currently selected through points-tested visas.
This builds on the Migration Strategy (December 2023), which flagged a reformed points test as a future reform area, and on the Department of Home Affairs discussion paper released on 24 April 2024. Public submissions on that paper closed on 24 May 2024 (204 submissions were received within scope).
What is not confirmed in the Budget papers:
- •A commencement date for new point tables (including any claim of 1 July 2027)
- •New point values or category weightings
- •A change to the 65-point minimum pass mark to lodge an EOI
- •Final transitional rules for people already invited under the current test
Industry commentary sometimes suggests possible directions — for example stronger weighting for English or partner skills, or recalibration of Australian study and regional bonuses — but those ideas are not confirmed in the Budget text. Treat them as speculation until Home Affairs publishes instruments.
Verified public milestones so far:
- •December 2023 — Migration Strategy commits to exploring a reformed points test
- •April–May 2024 — discussion paper open for public submissions
- •Budget 2026–27 — formal commitment to reform the permanent migration points test
- •New point tables published / in force — not yet announced
VisaBridge’s points calculator uses the current test only. A proposed-reform view is reserved for when official tables are published. Always verify requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website or with a registered migration agent.