Skilled Migration Allocation Update 2023-24
The Department of Home Affairs has recently announced the 2023-24 Migration Program, as part of the annual budget process. A planning level of 190,000 places has been announced, slightly fewer than last year’s planning level of 195,000 places. This includes 30,400 places for State and Territory Nominated programs and 32,300 for regional placements. The overall number of visas expected to be granted in these categories in 2023-24 is similar to the previous year. These figures encompass both primary applicants and their accompanying dependents.
Following a successful State and Territory nomination program in 2022-23, the Department of Home Affairs has started this year with a significant volume of visa applications in these programs. As a result, allocations for most state and territory nominations have been adjusted to pre-pandemic levels. This approach aims to maintain a steady stream of visa applicants while ensuring processing times are not significantly impacted.
For example, the allocations for the ACT in State and Territory nominated visa categories for 2023-24 are as follows:
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): 600
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): 600
- Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP): 0
The Australian Federal Government has committed through National Cabinet to providing a greater role for states and territories to contribute to Australia’s migration settings as part of the development of the new National Migration Strategy (the Strategy). Engagement has already commenced with our jurisdiction in the development of the Strategy. We look forward to the release of the Strategy later in the year.
Use of COVID-era visa sparks concerns
The 408 COVID visa stream, designed to allow foreign visa holders stranded in Australia during the pandemic to work, has seen a sixfold increase in holders, with over 105,300 people currently on the visa. Some experts argue that there is no longer a reason for the visa to exist and that it is being abused. Others would argue that it constitutes an important lifeline for many whose lives were turned upside down by COVID-era restrictions and in a time of relatively high employment in Australia performs an essential service. The visa is free of any official charges, and if professionally prepared, very quickly approved. Inevitably, this option will be removed, but at the moment it is still a very simple and productive way of obtaining an extension of working rights.
Increase to Humanitarian Program numbers
On 11 August 2023, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, has announced that the number of humanitarian places will be increased from 17,875 to 20,000 per year.
Read the Minister’s Full Media Release Here
Student Visas
From 1 July 2023, work restrictions for student visas were re-introduced and capped at the increased rate of 48 hours per fortnight.
The only exception is student visa holders already working in the aged care sector on 9th May 2023, who are permitted to continue to work unrestricted hours in the aged care sector until 31 December 2023.
Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa for UK Citizens
From 1 July, the age limit for UK applicants for the subclass 417 visa will increase to 35 years. However, please be advised that the changes to eligibility for applications for a second or third Working Holiday visa will not commence until 1 July 2024.
PLAYFAIR at AFLW Final Pre-season Hit-out Last
Last Friday, our office had a little adventure outside the usual routine. We headed out to catch our amazing colleague Eilish Sheerin in action as an AFLW player in the final pre-season hit-out, right at the Blacktown International Sports Park.