The federal government announced its 2020-21 budget, and it released new details regarding its 2020-21 immigration program. The migration program for 2020-21 will focus on Australia’s economic recovery and job creation post-COVID-19. We have done the hard work for you and have summarised the key points of the budget announcements!
Migration Program levels
The government announced that the migration program level would remain at 160,000 for the 2020-21 program year. Whilst the quota remained the same, the distribution of the quota will change. The family stream will increase from 47,732 places to 77,300. To ensure that Australia recruits talented individuals to help with the economic recovery, Employer-Sponsored, Global Talent, Business Innovation and Investment Program visas will be given priority. Onshore visa applicants and partner visa applicants in regional areas will also be prioritised. This is to encourage migration to regional areas of Australia.
2020-21 Migration program planning levels
| Stream and Category | 2020-21 |
|---|---|
| Skill stream | |
| Employer Sponsored | 22,000 |
| Skilled Independent | 6,500 |
| Regional | 11,200 |
| State/Territory Nominated | 11,200 |
| Business Innovation & Investment program | 13,500 |
| Global Talent | 15,000 |
| Distinguished Talent | 200 |
| Skill Total | 79,600 |
| Family Stream | |
| Partner | 72,300 |
| Parent | 4,500 |
| Other Family | 500 |
| Family Total | 77,300 |
| Special Eligibility | 100 |
| Child (estimate; not subject to a ceiling) | 3,000 |
| Total | 160,000 |
| State | Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa | Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa | Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | 702 | 598 | 30 |
| NSW | 3,550 | 2,800 | 2,200 |
| VIC | 2,500 | 1,043 | 1,750 |
| QLD | 1,000 | 1,250 | 1,200 |
| NT | 500 | 500 | 75 |
| WA | 1,100 | 340 | 360 |
| SA | 1,500 | 1,850 | 1,000 |
| TAS | 1,000 | 1,400 | 45 |
| Total | 11,852 | 9,781 | 6,660 |
Visa refunds and waivers
The federal government has indicated that some visa holders will be able to access a VAC refund. Prospective Marriage visa holders and Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Worker Programme visa holders will be able to have their VAC refunded. If you are a temporary skilled worker, visitor or a working holiday maker, you are eligible to have the VAC on the subsequent visa application waived. Visa refunds and waives are only applicable to visa holders who are unable to travel because of the border closure and travel restrictions.
Subclass 189 – New Zealand Stream
New Zealand citizens who intend to apply for a subclass 189 under the New Zealand stream will have to show that their taxable income is at or above the income threshold for at least three years out of the last five income year. This is planned to change from needing to show income above the threshold for four years out of the five years.
The income threshold since 2014 is $53,900.
Please note that the latest instrument did not provide the announced COVID concession on the income threshold of 3 years in 5 years immediately before applying for this visa subclass which is disappointing, We hope it will be updated in 2021 (there is no confirmed date).
Business, Investment and Innovation Program
The 2020-21 migration program aims to support the economic recovery post-COVID-19. For this reason, places for the business, investment and innovation program has increased to 13,500. The government will be streamlining and improving the operation of the Business Innovation and Investment Program from 1 July 2021. The visa application charges will also increase by 11.3% from 1 July 2021.
Global Talent Independent program
A Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce will be established. The purpose of the task force is to attract international businesses and outstanding talents to Australia to help with the post-COVID-19 economy recovery. It builds on the existing Global Talent Initiative and Business Innovation and Investment Program.
It is expected that the GTI program will be tripled to 15,000.
Family stream program and visas
New changes have been introduced to the partner visas. The government has allocated 77,300 places for family visas. This is an increase from 47,732 places. Pertinent changes visa are:
- Mandatory character checks will be performed on the sponsor. This to reduce the risk of family violence, and it is in line with the Department’s existing policy.
- English language requirement will be put in place for the visa applicants and sponsors. The aim is to promote social cohesion and economic participation.
- Related: English Test for Permanent Stage of Partner Visas
Budget winners and losers
–
| WINNER | LOSER/ NEUTRAL |
| Regional applicants | Metropolitan applicants |
| Family Stream Visa | Offshore visa applicants |
| Partner Visa | |
| Employer Sponsored Visa | |
| Global Talent Visa | |
| Business Innovation and Investment Program | |
| Subclass 189 – New Zealand Stream |
Above are the new changes that will be implemented in the 2020-21 program year.
The joint media release by Minister Dutton and Acting Minister Tudge is available here
Related: Top occupations for Permanent residency in 2019-20 Migration Program
Related: English Test for Permanent Stage of Partner Visas
Related: Partner visa grants, refusals, cases on hand and processing times
Upcoming New Zealand Immigration Changes 2025
Upcoming Immigration Changes 2025
Core Skills List (CSOL), Skills in Demand (SID) and National Innovation visa (NIV) available 7 December 2024
RPL and TSS 482 visa
Excessive waiting times for parent visas