The Australian government's Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the migration program for the coming year will continue the 2020-2021 Migration Program of Australia.
The skill stream will be given the same number of visas as the general category.
The migration program planning levels for the migration year 2021-22 remain at 160,000 places. The program's size is determined on an annual basis.
The distribution of places in the program:
- 79,600 places were allocated to the 'Skill' stream which is designed to fill skill shortages in the labour market.
- 77,300 places are available in the 'Family' stream which is predominantly made up of Partner visas.
- 100 places for 'special' eligibility such as visas for those in special circumstances and residents returning to Australia after spending time overseas
- 3000 places for 'child' visas
Will other policy settings change in the 2021-22 program year?
There are no changes on the horizon at the moment however, changes to the number of places in the skill stream may be redistributed should this be necessary in order to respond to shifts in border restrictions or economic activity.Which visa categories will be prioritised in the 2021-22 program?
The current program year's focus is on three priority categories with the skill stream:
- Business Innovation and Investment Program
- Global Talent Program
- Employer-Sponsored Program
It is important for the government to be able to help Australia's economy bounce back from the effects of COVID-19 and especially investments, jobs and critical skills will be on the Department's radar.
The Family stream has received the greatest share of places once again. This was done to recognise the strong economic and demographic contributions these migrants make to Australia.
The Department will prioritise the processing of onshore partner visa applications with a focus on partner visa applications in regional areas due to the need to meet labour shortages and contribute to economic recovery in regional Australia.
Will visa applicants already in Australia continue to be prioritised in the 2021-22 program year?
Yes. Australia will continue to prioritize the processing of onshore applications for the skill and family stream visas. The reason for this is because onshore applications will provide greater certainty to visa applicants in Australia and in the view of the Australian government, will help Australia to retain highly skilled migrants.Do not hesitate to contact us and we will assist you to get an employer-sponsored visa.
Pace Migration & Education Consultancy
☎️ (612) 9267 8008
0416570818 / 0452 003 944
[email protected] / [email protected]
www.pacemigration.com.au
Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, maike versfeld’s linkedin
