Revamped Australian Migration Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide for Skilled Migration
Revamped Australian Migration Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide for Skilled Migration
On 11th Dec, 2023 marks the unveiling of Australia's much-anticipated Migration Strategy, a transformative plan aimed at refining our skilled migration system. This strategy focuses on harnessing skills pivotal for boosting productivity and crafting a workforce that's both innovative and effective for Australia's future.
Key Components of the New Migration Strategy
The strategy revolves around 8 fundamental actions:
1. Enhancing Temporary Skilled Migration: Addressing skill shortages and promoting worker mobility.
2. Reshaping Permanent Skilled Migration: Driving long-term prosperity through skillful migration.
3. Elevating International Education Standards: Strengthening the integrity and quality of our international education system.
4. Combating Worker Exploitation: Tackling misuse of the visa system.
5. Strategic Migration Planning: Ensuring the right skills are deployed in the right places.
6. Tailored Regional Visas and Working Holiday Maker Program: Supporting regional Australia and its workforce.
7. Deepening Indo-Pacific Ties: Fostering stronger people-to-people connections.
8. Simplifying the Migration System: Improving the experience for both migrants and employers.
Further details are being refined post-consultation, as advised by the Parkinson review.
Insights into Migration Program Planning
The government plans to extend migration planning beyond the usual 12-month cycle, addressing critical skills shortages and enhancing state and territory collaboration.
Net Overseas Migration: Decreasing from 510,000 in 2022-23 to 375,000 the following year, stabilising at 250,000 by 2024-25.
International Student Growth: Surging to 270,000 in 2022-23, up from 170,000 in 2018-19.
Temporary Visa Holders: Increasing to 180,000 in 2022-23, from 100,000 in 2018-19.
Revamping Skilled Temporary Visas
A new three-tier visa system will replace the TSS SC 482, categorized as:
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Essential Skills Visa: For those earning under $70,000.
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Core Skills Visa: Targeting the $70,000 - $135,000.
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Specialist Skills Visa: For individuals earning above $135,000.
The Specialist Skills Visa pathway, notably, won't be bound to an occupational list and promises a 7-day processing turnaround.
Additional Highlights
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Skilling Australians Fund: Modifications in collection to accommodate the increased mobility of visa holders.
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Labour Market Testing (LMT): Streamlining is underway, including an extended validity of advertising periods.
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Points Test Review: Aiming for a more effective system to identify impactful independent migrants.
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Temporary Graduate Visas: Changes targeting international graduates with in-demand skills.
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Student Visa Revisions: Focus on higher language standards and course eligibility.
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Education Agent Regulation: Exploring expanded regulation through the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
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Regional Migration Enhancements: Fast-tracking applications and revising regional migration settings.
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Working Holiday Makers: Reviewing the program's current status and rules.
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Global Talent and Business Skills: Refocusing the Global Talent program and adjusting the Business Innovation and Investment Program.
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Foreign Investment in Property: Increased fees and penalties for foreign-owned dwellings.
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Registered Migration Agents: Strengthening regulations and curtailing unqualified advice.
For detailed insights into the Migration Strategy, visit the official document here.