The government announced their budget planning for the financial year 2022-2023.
We understand that people who are looking to migrate to Australia often seek this announcement and see how it could affect their current situation. Therefore, we have summarized some key points from the budget announcement for your reference.
Key Points of the announcement
- The allocation for migration planning remains at 160,000 places, the same as 2021-2022.
- The Skilled Migration Program will account for 70% of Australia’s permanent migration program.
- The Australian government has allocated additional places in the Humanitarian Program for Afghan nationals.
- The Australian government is raising the number of Work and Holiday Visas available to fulfill shortages in the hospitality, tourism, and agricultural industries.
- International students and working holiday makers may notice changes to visa conditions and costs.
Migration Program Allocation
The Australian immigration department announced that it will keep the 2022 – 2023 migration program planning level at 160,000 for this financial year. This number remains unchanged from the previous one.
The quota distribution has changed from the previous year, with a greater allocation towards Skilled Visas.
- Family Stream: 50,000
- Skilled visas: 109,900
- Humanitarian Program: 13,750
The government’s long-term economic plan reflects a desire to focus on the recovery of the economy post-covid, by attracting investment and highly skilled workers.
Humanitarian Program allocations are being increased to assist Afghan Nationals
The Australian Government has announced an additional measure of support for Afghan Nationals. This includes the introduction of an additional 16,500 humanitarian program places to be allocated to Afghan Nationals over the next four years. This is in addition to the current Humanitarian Program with a ceiling of 13,750 places. This means an additional 4,125 places are available to Afghan Nationals each year through Australia’s Humanitarian Program.
Working Holiday Visa caps have increased
In response to the COVID-19 labour shortages, the Australian Government has announced an increase in Working Holiday Visa caps by 30%. This will result in an additional 11,000 places. The increase will encourage international travellers to come to Australia and help fill labour shortages in the hospitality, tourism, and agricultural sectors.
Changes to Visa Conditions and Costs for International Students and Working Holiday Makers
To encourage Working Holiday Makers and International Students to travel to Australia, the Australian Government announced some changes to visa conditions and costs.
- International students who arrived in Australia prior to 19 March 2022 were eligible to have their visa application charges refunded.
- Working Holiday Makers who arrive before 19 April 2022 will be eligible for a refund of their visa application charges.
As well as this, the number of Working Holiday Visa country caps is increasing by 30% in 2022-23, which will allow an additional 11,000 backpackers to travel to Australia.
Support for Ukraine and Ukrainian nationals
The budget announcement did not include any additional measures of support for Ukraine, but initial support announced earlier this month includes:
- 3-year Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa for Ukraine Nationals
- 6 month Visa Extension for Ukraine Nationals
