This year’s Budget 2022-2023 contains few immigration related announcements. Apart from the 2022-23 Migration Planning Levels, most of what is included in this budget has been previously announced.
The Budget papers and Portfolio Statements published at budget.gov.au
Migration program numbers
The Government will reinstate Migration Program planning levels to 160,000 in 2022-23.
Net Overseas Migration 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.
Skilled Stream
Skilled stream visas will account for 70% of the program with a total of 109,900 places. This represents an increase of approximately 30,000 places over the 2021-22 program, with 20,000 of these places resulting from the overall increase in the program and 10,000 redistributed from the partner program.
The Government contends that this redistribution recognises the sharp fall in the number of on-hand Partner visa applications and will further support the economic recovery by increasing the places available for skilled visa holders.
| 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 |
Family Stream
Family visas will be allocated the remaining 30% of places within the program, with as previously observed 10,000 places redistributed from the partner visa category to the skilled stream.
The Budget papers contain the somewhat curious statement that ‘partner visa granting arrangements will move to a more demand driven basis going forward’. We are seeking further clarification on this.
Parent visas have received a small increase in allocation.
| 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 |
| Special Eligibility | 100 | 100 |
| Child (estimate, not subject to ceiling) | 3,000 | 3000 |
Specific Visa Programs and Streams
Global Talent Attraction
The Government will provide $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.
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 VAC
Overall Takeaways
The government, as expected, is very focussed on rebuilding the economy and is working hard to bring back skilled and other temporary visa holders to Australia to assist with our economic recovery.
If you’d like to discuss your migration journey and visa options
Contact via: enquire@visaroos.com
Dario Ishiyama – Principal Registered Migration Agent, Visaroos
MARN: 1800462