The Australian Government’s announcement of the Federal Budget on 14 May has provided clarity on the permanent Migration Program (Migration Program) for 2024-25.
The Migration Program will help address skill shortages in priority sectors and prioritise visa processing for regional Australia. It aims to boost participation rates, increase skilled workers domestically, and improve the size of the labour force across the nation.
The planning levels have been set at 185,000 places with an approximate 70:30 split between the Skill and Family streams.
Breakdown of the Permanent Migration Program
Skill Stream in the Permanent Migration Program
Skill stream – Comprised of 132,200 places, this stream has been designed to improve the productive capacity of the economy and fill skill shortages in the labour market, specifically in regional Australia.
Family Stream in the Permanent Migration Program
Family stream – Comprised of 52,500 places, this stream covers Partner visas, allowing Australians to reunite with overseas family members or provide pathways for Australian citizenship. Approximately 40,500 Partner visas and 3,000 Child visas have been allocated within these places; however, it will depend on actual demand.
Special Eligibility Stream in the Permanent Migration Program
Special Eligibility stream – Comprised of 300 places, this contains visas for individuals in special circumstances such as permanent residents returning to Australia after a period overseas.
Changes in the Permanent Migration Program Compared to 2023-24
In comparison to the 2023-24 Federal Budget, there are approximately 5,000 fewer places that were provided for in this year’s budget.
While the Government has maintained the size of the family stream due to it being an integral part of Australia’s migration system, the planning levels for other visas have decreased, including the Skilled Independent visa, Business Innovation and Investment Program visa, and the global Talent visa category. Despite this, employers will see an increase in permanent employer sponsored visas which have an additional 7,175 places available.
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