Australian Federal Budget 2022-2023 Migration program numbers

Australia Migration Update – The Government will reinstate Migration Program planning levels to 160,000 in 2022-23.

Net Overseas Migration is expected to increase from -89,000 in 2020-21 to 41,000 in 2021-22, then 180,000 in 2022-23, before increasing to 213,000 people in 2024-25.

Australia Migration Skilled Stream

Skilled stream visas will account for 70% of the program with a total of 109,900 places.

This represents an increase of approximately 30,000 places over the 2021-22 program, with 20,000 of these places resulting from the overall increase in the program and 10,000 redistributed from the partner program.

The Government contends that this redistribution recognises the sharp fall in the number of on-hand Partner visa applications and will further support the economic recovery by increasing the places available for skilled visa holders.

Australia Migration Skilled Stream Planning levels

Visa stream                                                                             2022-23
Employer sponsored                                                             30,000
Skilled Independent                                                               16,652
State and Territory Nominated                                           20,000
Regional visas                                                                        25,000
Business and Innovation and Investment                        9,500
Global Talent                                                                           8,488
Distinguished Talent                                                                 300

Total 109,900

Australia Migration Family Stream

Family visas will be allocated the remaining 30% of places within the program, with as previously observed 10,000 places redistributed from the partner visa category to the skilled stream.

Parent visas have received a small increase in allocation.

Australia Migration Family Stream Planning Levels

Visa stream                                                                         2022-23
Partner                                                                                   40,500
Parent                                                                                      6,000
Other family                                                                              500
Family Total                                                                         47,000
Special Eligibility                                                                       100
Child (estimate, not subject to ceiling)                             3,000

Australia Migration Work and Holiday Visa Program

WHM places will increase by 11,000 (30%) in 2022-23.

WHM visa holders who arrive in Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 April 2022 will be eligible for a refunded VAC.

Contact our experienced visa and immigration specialists if you want to start working on your Australia migration plan.