Australia’s Migration Program

What is Australia’s Migration Program?

Australia’s Migration Program runs from 1 July to 30 June of each year and is reviewed annually to ensure it is fit for purpose.

The size and composition of each program is set as part of Australia’s budget process.

The purpose of the program is to “attract highly skilled migrants who support Australian values, do not displace Australian workers and support development in regional and low growth metropolitan areas.” (2019 – 20 Migration Program Report) Australia’s security, economy and social cohesion are major considerations when setting allocations.

How visas are distributed

Australia’s Migration Program is designed to enhance the socioeconomic wellbeing of the country. It is made up of four streams:

The Skill stream – to improve the economy and fill skill shortages
The Family stream – to enable Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with family members from overseas
The Special Eligibility stream – for those in special circumstances that do not fit into the other streams
The Child stream – demand driven and does not have a ceiling

A look into Australia’s Migration Program 2019-20

At 140,366 visas, the 2019-20 Migration Program was the smallest since 2004-05 and well below the allocated ceiling of 160,000.

Australia’s skilled stream accounted for nearly 70% of the total 2019-20 program. The family stream – primarily comprised of partner and parent visas – accounted for 30% of the program.

The top three source citizenship countries were India, China and the UK.

New South Wales took the top spot for applicants’ intended state of residence, with Victoria and Queensland following.

The top three occupation groups of primary applicants in skilled stream included professionals (59.6%), technicians and trade workers (17%); and managers (9%).

The report shows a slight decline in partner visa grants, with a large backlog of partner visas remaining. The total partner backlog is now over 100,000 as a media storm continues to brew.

You can read the full 2019 – 20 Migration Program Report on the Department website.

Speak with a Registered Migration Agent today by booking a consultation