End Of Year Immigration Updates Australia's Overhauled Skilled Migration Landscape

Wed, 27/12/2023

Australia's long-anticipated Migration Strategy, unveiled on December 11, 2023, marks a significant turning point in the nation's approach to skilled migration. This transformative plan is designed to refine and optimize the skilled migration system, with a keen focus on harnessing crucial skills to enhance productivity and shape a workforce that aligns with Australia's future vision.

The strategy encompasses eight key actions, ranging from addressing skill shortages in temporary skilled migration to fostering stronger international education standards and combatting worker exploitation. A pivotal aspect of this strategy is the commitment to deepening connections in the Indo-Pacific region and simplifying the migration system to improve the experience for both migrants and employers.

The strategy's comprehensive approach extends to migration program planning, with the government looking beyond the usual 12-month cycle. Insights into migration program planning reveal a deliberate decrease in Net Overseas Migration, surging growth in international student numbers, and an increase in temporary visa holders. The strategy also introduces a redesigned three-tier visa system, replacing the TSS SC 482, with categories based on income brackets to ensure a more tailored approach.

Migration Program Planning Insights:

The government is extending migration planning beyond the typical 12-month cycle, with a focus on critical skills shortages and increased collaboration between states and territories.

• Net Overseas Migration: Decreasing from 510,000 in 2022-23 to 375,000 the following year, stabilizing at 250,000 by 2024-25.
• International Student Growth: Surging to 270,000 in 2022-23, up from 170,000 in 2018-19.
• Temporary Visa Holders: Increasing to 180,000 in 2022-23, from 100,000 in 2018-19.

The blog also sheds light on regulatory enhancements for education agents and the expansion of regional migration settings. The revamped Migration Strategy demonstrates Australia's commitment to innovation and efficiency in building a skilled workforce that meets the evolving needs of the nation.

Revamped Skilled Temporary Visas: A three-tier visa system is set to replace the TSS SC 482, categorized as follows:

Essential Skills Visa: For those earning under $70,000.

Core Skills Visa: Targeting the $70,000 - $135,000 range.

Specialist Skills Visa: For individuals earning above $135,000; no occupational list constraints, and a promised 7-day processing turnaround.

In conclusion, Australia's revamped Migration Strategy reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and efficiency in building a skilled workforce that meets the challenges of the future. Stay tuned for further details as the strategy evolves post-consultation.