As is normally the case, there were several announcements associated with the migration program contained in the Federal Budget. These are summarised as follows:
Migration Numbers
The planning levels for the migration program will rise to 160,000 in 2022-23. To provide some context, the planned growth is expected to increase from -89,000 in 2020-21 to 41,000 in 2021-22, then 180,000 in 2022-23, before increasing to 213,000 people in 2024-25.
Planning Levels Relating to Specific Streams
- Skilled Stream
This stream will account for 70% of the available places, in line with the government’s priority to use the migration program to support economic recovery.
The division of places is as follows:
| Visa stream | 2022-23 | 2021-22 |
| Employer sponsored | 30,000 | 22,000 |
| Skilled Independent | 16,652 | 6,500 |
| State and Territory Nominated | 20,000 | 11,200 |
| Regional visas | 25,000 | 11,200 |
| Business and Innovation and Investment | 9,500 | 13,500 |
| Global Talent | 8,488 | 15,000 |
| Distinguished Talent | 300 | 200 |
| Total | 109,900 | 79,600 |
- B) Family Stream
Family visas will be allocated the remaining 30% of places within the program.
| Visa stream | 2022-23 | 2021-22 |
| Partner | 40,500 | 72,300 |
| Parent | 6,000 | 4,500 |
| Other family | 500 | 500 |
| Family Total | 47,000 | 77,300 |
Humanitarian Program
There are no plans to increase the Humanitarian Program which will remain at 13,750 places in 2022-23. Several programs involving refugees from Afghanistan, Ukraine and Myanmar will be implemented.
Specific Visa Programs
Global Talent Attraction
The Government has allocated $19.5 million over 2 years from 2022‑23 to continue the Global Business, Talent and Investment Taskforce, as the renamed Global Australia Taskforce, to attract talented individuals and international investment to Australia, under the Global Talent stream.
Skilling Australians Fund Allocation
$127 million has been allocated from the this Fund for training for occupations in high demand that rely on skilled migration, future growth industries, rural and regional areas, and with a strong focus on apprenticeships and traineeships.
Work and Holiday
WHM places will increase by 11,000 (30%) in 2022-23. WHM visa holders who arrive in Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 April 2022 will be eligible for a refunded Visa Application Charge.
Australian Agricultural Visas
In December 2021, the Australian Government announced that it would allocate $87.2 million over four years from 2021-22 to support the Australian Agriculture Visa. The Department of Regional Development will receive $15 million for operational staff over four years through to 2024-25. This is designed to increase deterrence and enforcement activities with the aim of combatting worker exploitation, and reduce rates of non-compliance under the scheme.
Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot Program
The Temporary Visa Holders experiencing violence pilot program is funded by the Department of Social Services and has been provided $20.3 million in funding to provide direct support to women on temporary visas, experiencing violence. Up to $3,000 per person/family to cover expenses such as accommodation and medical care may be provided. This funding included $7 million over two years for nine Women’s and Community Legal Services nationally, to assist women accessing legal and migration support, with the remaining funding used for an evaluation.
This newsletter only provides general information related to current migration matters. The information contained in this communication does not constitute specific migration advice, and should not be construed or relied on as such. Professional advice should be sought for the specifics of your situation prior to any action being taken. BD Welsh and Co disclaims any liability (including, without limitation, for any direct or indirect or consequential costs, loss or damage or loss of profits) arising from anything done or omitted to be done by any party in reliance, whether wholly or partially, on any of the information contained in this newsletter. Any party that relies on the information does so at its own risk. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.