The Treasurer delivered the Federal Budget on March 29, 2022.
It has been announced that the Australian Government will reinstate Migration Program planning levels to 160,000 in 2022-23.
This year’s budget contains these immigration related announcements:
Skilled Visa Streams
The Australian Government is redistributing places from the Partner Program to skilled stream visas in recognition of the sharp fall in on-hand Partner visa applications and a need for further support towards economic recovery.
This is an increase of 30,000 spots over the 2021-22 program with 10,000 places being reallocated from the partner program.
Source: budget.gov.au
Family Streams
The family category of visas will take up 30% of the remaining places in the program.
As previously mentioned, parent visa applications have only seen a small increase due to partner visa declines.
Source: budget.gov.au
Humanitarian Program
The Humanitarian Program will maintain 13,750 places in 2022-23. The government emphasized that the size of the program would not be increased to a target; but it was also committed to settling 50% of humanitarian entrants in regional Australia.
Afghanistan – $665.9 million will be allocated over the 4 years from 2022-23 for an additional 16,500 humanitarian refugee places for Afghan nationals.
Myanmar – the Government will continue to work with international partners.
Ukraine – The Government will make up to 4,000 three year Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visas (Subclass 786) available across 2021-22 and 2022-23 for Ukrainian citizens.
Youth Transition Support – $9.2 million will be provided to extend existing Youth Transition Support services for 12 more months, until June 30th 2023.
Human Rights Advocacy – The government is committing $1 million over 5 years from 2022-23 to establish a Human Rights Advocacy Program. This program will provide grants of up to $100,000 per year for human rights focused organisations that are advancing Australia’s human rights priorities (funded by DFAT).
Reform of Settlement Strategies and Services – Effective July of 2022, the Government will reduce the visa application charge by 40% for Community Support Program primary applicants and remove it entirely for secondary applicants. The number of places available in this program will increase from 750 to 1,900 by 2024-25.
Specific Visa Programs and Streams
Global Talent Attraction
The Government will provide $19.5 million over two years from 2022 to attract talented individuals and international investment to Australia, an amount that is expected to grow in subsequent years.
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Allocation
$127 million has been allocated from the fund to train occupations in high demand that rely on skilled migration, future growth industries, rural and regional areas, and apprenticeships.
Work and Holiday Visas
The number of WHM places will increase by 11,000 (30%) in 2022-23.
WHM visa holders who arrive in Australia between January 19th and April 19th, 2022 are eligible for a refunded VAC fee.
Australian Agricultural Visas
The Department of Regional Development will receive $15 million over four years to fund operational staff and increase deterrence and enforcement, which is aimed at combating worker exploitation.
Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot
The Temporary Visa Holders experiencing violence pilot is funded by the Department of Social Services. It has been provided $20.3 million in funding to provide direct support to women on temporary visas who are experiencing violence.
Further information and assistance
Becoming an Australian citizen is a lifelong journey that can involve many challenges. But don’t worry, Australia Migration Services are here to help! Our MARA Agents have experience and knowledge in the process–not only do they know what’s required for each visa type, but they will also guide you from day one so your chances of success are higher. For more information on how our agents can help make this life-changing decision easy for you, fill out our online contact form or call 03 9092 1688 today!
