Several measures of relevance to the migration sector were announced in the recent Federal Budget:
Migration Program Planning levels 2020-21
|
Stream and Category |
2020-21 |
|
Skill stream |
|
|
Employer Sponsored |
22,000 |
|
Skilled Independent |
6,500 |
|
Regional |
11,200 |
|
State/Territory Nominated |
11,200 |
|
Business Innovation & Investment program |
13,500 |
|
Global Talent |
15,000 |
|
Distinguished Talent |
200 |
|
Skill Total |
79,600 |
|
Family Stream |
|
|
Partner |
72,300 |
|
Parent |
4,500 |
|
Other Family |
500 |
|
Family Total |
77,300 |
|
Special Eligibility |
100 |
|
Child (estimate; not subject to a ceiling) |
3,000 |
|
Total |
160,000 |
Please note that these levels have been increased from 2019/2020 levels (Family Stream) and reduced for other visas, partially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and resultant economic factors affecting Australia. Priority has been given to Employer Sponsored, Global Talent, Business Innovation and Investment Program visas which will be prioritised within the Skilled Stream.
Global Talent Independent program
Places in the GTI program have been tripled to 15,000.
Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce
A new government wide Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce will be established to attract international businesses and exceptional talent to Australia, to support the post- COVID recovery and boost local jobs.
This initiative builds on the existing Global Talent Initiative and Business Innovation and Investment Program, and the new initiative announced by the Prime Minister on 9 July 2020 to attract export-orientated Hong Kong-based businesses to Australia.
Family stream program and visas
Partner visas – the compulsory family sponsorship provisions for Partner visas will be implemented. These require character checks and the sharing of personal information regarding the sponsor with the applicant, and also include enforceable sponsorship obligations. 72,300 of the 77,300 places in the family stream will be allocated to partner applicants.
English language requirements will be introduced for both Partner visa applicants and the sponsor, with the stated aim to ‘enhance social cohesion’ and ‘economic participation outcomes’.
Adrian Felton
Migration Consultant (MARN:0105680)
Please contact us directly if you have any questions regarding the above information.
Please Note: Many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances.