Australia increases skilled visa intake

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, skill shortages in Australia have skyrocketed. The 2022-2023 Migration Program outlined the Government’s plan to increase the skilled visa intake.

To assist Australia’s economic recovery post COVID-19, visa rules will be relaxed. There has been a drastic decrease in the arrival of skilled visa holders. Data recently released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows a decrease of 29.1% in skilled visa holders arriving to Australia to work since this time last year. There was also a decrease of 15.9% in permanent visa holders arriving to work in Australia.

The 2022-2023 Migration Program plans to allocate 109,900 places to skilled visa holders. However, visa applicants must still meet the relevant criteria for their visas.

In most cases the applicants must:

1. be under the age of 45;
2. meet English language criteria;
3. be of good character and good health;
4. nominate an occupation from an appropriate skills list;
5. undertake a skills assessment; and
6. meet the legislated score on the Points Test.

For decades some visa applicants have found it extremely difficult to obtain permanent residency. Many have waited as long as two years or more for their application to be processed. It is hoped that the increased capacity will bring down processing times.

Certain regional areas have Designated Area Migration Agreements in place. These broaden the scope of visa applicant by giving concessions on the types of occupations allowed and the upper age limit of visa applicants. Some people may have a path to permanent residency after working in fairly low skilled occupations for three years.

Morgan Clifford Legal Services welcome the broadening of the skilled migrant intake and hope we can assist many more people to become part of the Australian family.

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