Australia has imposed significant restrictions on those seeking entrance through their borders as a result of COVID-19. As part of the Federal Budget, the migration program for 2020-21 has been significantly restructured with priority given to onshore applicants and places for skilled migrants reduced. This will make the process of immigrating to Australia much more difficult for many with their sights set on Australia. 

What’s changed?

For 2020-2021, while the number of available spots for a visa remains capped at 160,000, the allocation of those placements has changed to; 

• 76,900 Skill Stream
• 77,300 Family Stream
• 6,500 Skilled Independent Visas (*)

Skill Stream 

Overall the skill stream brings entrepreneurs and those who have an interest and an ability to grow Australian businesses into the country. It is these visa recipients that Australia hopes will help revive and rapidly move forward the Australian economy by promoting growth of existing and potentially new businesses. These available placements have been divided up and allocated based upon business needs and availability throughout Australia. 

Family Stream

The focus of the family stream will to be to allow the family members of those who are already in possession of Visas and settled in Australia, to join them. Giving these family members priority will allow families to remain in Australia. This certainty of residency will allow families to concentrate on growing their careers and planning their futures. 

Skilled Independent Visas

Skilled Independent visas (*), which are inherently part of the Skill Team total (79,600) are separated out due to the unusual nature of their work. Those receiving a Skilled Independent Visa will be allowed to pursue work anywhere in Australia. However, with a cap at 6500, these visas will be extremely limited and given only to the most qualified recipients. 

Onshore applicants

It is important to understand that those currently residing in Australia on temporary visas, who are seeking a more permanent residency status, will be given greater priority. If you are outside of Australia, awaiting entrance, your chances of being granted residency are much slimmer than they would ordinarily be.

What’s next?

The reduced Australian population could have significant consequences on the country as a whole. In addition to the economic need to bring talented workers into Australia, it is also important to balance the aging population and the available number of persons to engage in the workforce. 

While the government could be forced to reduce the migration numbers in the event that the COVID-19 rate of infection begins to rise in direct proportion to the visas being granted, it seems more likely the government will raise the migration cap once it’s safe to do so. 

Until the government can get the balance right on population growth and keeping the current Australian population safe and healthy, it will be a waiting game for those looking to immigrate to Australia.