Australia's Permanent Migration Program Consistently Grants Visas to Filipinos
Official data from Australia's Department of Home Affairs reveals a consistent intake of Filipino permanent migrants, with employer-sponsored and partner visas leading the pathways, alongside significant numbers in skilled and regional categories.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has released its latest country profile for the Philippines, detailing the consistent flow of Filipino permanent migrants into Australia. Data indicates that 10,972 permanent migrant places were granted to Filipinos in the 2024-25 financial year. This follows an intake of 11,942 in 2023-24 and 13,085 in 2022-23, demonstrating a sustained, robust engagement of Filipinos with Australia's permanent migration program.
Among the skilled migration pathways, employer-sponsored visas consistently represent the largest category for Filipino applicants. In 2024-25, 3,834 grants were issued under this stream, building upon 3,368 grants in 2023-24 and 3,123 in 2022-23. Alongside this, family stream migration, predominantly through partner visas, also remains a significant pathway, with 2,949 grants in 2024-25, reflecting a steady trend over recent years.
Other skilled categories contributing to the permanent intake include state/territory nominated visas, which saw 1,308 grants in 2024-25, and regional visas, with 1,542 grants. The skilled independent category experienced a decline to 673 grants in 2024-25, after a peak of 1,738 in 2022-23. Notably, the Business Innovation and Investment Program was closed in July 2024, and the Global Talent visa was replaced by the National Innovation visa in December 2024, which recorded fewer than five grants for Filipinos in its initial period.
The sustained interest and success of Filipinos in securing permanent residency in Australia is reflective of the Philippines' established migration system. As highlighted by a World Bank background paper on Philippine migration, migration is an inherent part of the country's economic and social life, with Filipino workers known for their adaptability and readiness to upskill or deskill for overseas job opportunities, supported by an institutionalized system that facilitates access to international employment.
Key facts
- Australia granted a total of 10,972 permanent migrant places to Filipinos in the 2024-25 financial year, following 11,942 in 2023-24 and 13,085 in 2022-23.
- Employer-sponsored visas remained the largest skilled migration pathway for Filipinos, accounting for 3,834 grants in 2024-25, showing a steady increase from 2,151 in 2021-22.
- Partner visas constituted a major component of family migration, with 2,949 grants for Filipinos in 2024-25, maintaining consistent numbers around 3,000-3,300 annually.
- The National Innovation visa, which replaced the Business Innovation and Investment and Global Talent visas in late 2024, saw fewer than 5 grants for Filipinos in its first partial year (2024-25).
Official sources
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