Australia announces migration levels plan for 2022-23
The Australian government will be allocating 160,000 places in its migration levels plan. More than 109,000 places will be allocated to the Skills Visa Stream while the remaining 50,000 will be filled in by applicants from the Family Stream.
Australia’s migration program was designed to assist the country’s economic rehabilitation from COVID-19 and to help Australians reunite with family members.
As a result of the latest migration levels plan, more opportunities will be available to foreign nationals who wish to apply for residency in Australia.
What is the Skills Visa Stream?
The Skills Visa Stream is designed to fill in labor shortages within the country and elevate the economy. It consists of various pathways, such as employer-sponsored, skilled independent, regional or state/territory nominated, business and investment, global talent, and distinguished talent programs.
There are 109,900 allocations available to applicants under the Skills Stream. This is 30% more than the allocations in 2021.
One of the reasons for the increase in allocations under the Skills Visa Stream is to help local businesses fill in workforce needs.
In May of this year, the Australian Bureau of Statistics announced that there are almost 500,000 job vacancies available throughout the country. The government is looking at foreign applicants under the Skills Visa Stream to help fill in these openings.
Industries with labor shortages include the following:
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Tourism
- Tech Industry
- Healthcare
What is the Family Visa Stream?
The Family Visa Stream promotes family reunification and provides foreign family members of Australian citizens with pathways to citizenship. Those eligible to apply under the Family Visa Stream are partners, parents, children, and other close family members.
The Australian government has 50,000 allocations available under the Family Stream.
