As part of the COVID-19 response, the Department of Home Affairs has disclosed further information regarding the 2020-21 Migration Program. Health restrictions implemented in Australia and many other countries have disrupted the Department’s visa processing services and travel bans implemented around the world, to manage health risks, limit arrivals of temporary and permanent migrants to Australia. Border closures have had a significant impact on net overseas migration and as such the Migration Program can change and respond accordingly to changing circumstances.
2020-21 Migration Program Delivery Cap remains unchanged
The conditions for the current 2020-21 Migration Program will continue to remain as it is for the time being. In other words, the delivery cap number for the 2020-21 planning ceiling will remain the same as the level set for the 2019-20, which is currently 160,000 places.
This includes:
- 108,682 places for the Skill stream.
- 47,732 places for the Family stream.
- 236 places for the Special Eligibility stream.
- 3,350 places for Child visas
The Government’s decision to retain the 2020-21 Migration Program settings can be justified by the Government’s focus on responding to the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, which at this time, is it’s main priority. The Migration Program is generally announced each year, as part of the Federal Budget, in May, however the 2020-21 Budget will be deferred for consideration until October 2020.
International student return pilot program postponed
The planned international student return pilot program for 350 students to be conducted by the Australian National University and University of Canberra, has been postponed due to the continued uncertainty over the global pandemic situation and until the situation in Australia becomes clearer.
The pilot program will be revisited at a later stage.
Can migrants arrive to Australia?
Only Australian citizens, permanent residents, immediate family members of an Australian citizen or New Zealand citizens usually residing in Australia can travel to Australia. Immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents who hold a temporary visa will need to provide evidence of their relationship.
All travellers arriving in Australia by air or sea must be isolated in mandatory quarantine accommodation for 14 days from their arrival, with few exceptions.
For more information visit: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/.
Will States and Territories be given any nominations in the 2020-21 Migration Program?
Nominations will be made available to States and Territories in line with these considerations, in the
following categories:
- Skilled – Nominated (subclass 190).
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491).
- Business Innovation and Investment Program.
The Department does plan to proceed with engagement with State and Territory governments regarding their nomination allocations for the 2020-21 Migration Program.
What invitation rounds for Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Family Sponsored) (subclass 491) continue to be run each month?
Targeted invitation rounds have continued each month and prioritise skills which are in critical need will aid Australia’s economic recovery.
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