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:

• Essential Skills Visa: For those earning under $70,000.

• Core Skills Visa: Targeting the $70,000 – $135,000.

• 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

• Skilling Australians Fund: Modifications in collection to accommodate the increased mobility of visa holders.

• Labour Market Testing (LMT): Streamlining is underway, including an extended validity of advertising periods.

• Points Test Review: Aiming for a more effective system to identify impactful independent migrants.

• Temporary Graduate Visas: Changes targeting international graduates with in-demand skills.

• Student Visa Revisions: Focus on higher language standards and course eligibility.

• Education Agent Regulation: Exploring expanded regulation through the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

• Regional Migration Enhancements: Fast-tracking applications and revising regional migration settings.

• Working Holiday Makers: Reviewing the program’s current status and rules.

• Global Talent and Business Skills: Refocusing the Global Talent program and adjusting the Business Innovation and Investment Program.

• Foreign Investment in Property: Increased fees and penalties for foreign-owned dwellings.

• Registered Migration Agents: Strengthening regulations and curtailing unqualified advice.

For detailed insights into the Migration Strategy, visit the official document here.