On May 14, the Australian Federal Government revealed its 2024-25 budget. It brings important alterations to the migration plan, shaping skilled and family migration for the year ahead. Now, the planned total is 185,000 places, a tad lower than the 190,000 from 2023-24. This total is made up of 70% skill stream and 30% family stream.
Let’s dive into the major changes.
Skill Stream: The skill stream takes up 132,200 spots, topping 71% of the plan. Its goal is to welcome skilled workers who can boost Australia’s economy. This stream includes Employer Sponsored visa, Skilled Independent visa (SC 189)(16,900) (Dropped from last year 30,375), Regional (33,000), State/Territory Nominated(33,000), Global Talent (Independent)(4,000) and Distinguished Talent(300).
There’s a notable rise in the Employer-Sponsored visa section to 44,000 (from 36,825) spots due to higher demand for skilled labor. Also, the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa will become easier to get from November 23, 2024, needing just one year of work experience instead of two.
Family Stream: The family stream has 52,500 spots, mainly composed of partner visas. It underscores Australia’s commitment to keeping families together, contributing to the nation’s unity. The Parent visa program has 8,500 spots and other family categories like Aged Dependent Relative, Remaining Relative, and Carer programs have 500 places.
State and Territory Nominated Visas: State/territory and regional visas have slightly increased to 33,000 places, forming 36% of the plan. These let state and territory governments draw in more skilled migrants. However, Skilled Independent visas have decreased to 16,900 spots.
Global Talent and National Innovation Visas: The Global Talent visa category has been cut to 4,000 places. However, a big inventive step is the National Innovation visa, replacing the Global Talent visa in November 2024. This new visa is for migrants talented in areas like advanced robotics, quantum computing, and clean energy, keeping Australia at the forefront of tech and science.
Transition to Multi-Year Planning: Beginning 2025-26, the Migration Program will switch to planning models spanning four years. This change synchronizes migration planning with long-term government strategies in areas like infrastructure and housing. To formulate a broad-based future migration strategy, public consultation on the first four-year cycle (2025-26 to 2028-29) starts this year.
Conclusively, the 2024-25 migration plan adjustments reflect a strategic approach to meeting Australia’s economic and social needs. With a nod towards skilled migration and family unity, these modifications aim to draw global talent and steer sustainable growth and development in Australia.
