After the new regional visas were introduced in November 2019, there has been a significant increase in the number of regional visas being issued for the 2019-20 year.
Statistics from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) reveal that in 2018-19, 120 invites were issued for the Skilled Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489) compared to 1780 invites which were issued in 2019-20 for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
There has also been a drastic increase in State and Territory Government nominated visa invites in 2019-20.
Compared to 17,350 in 2018-19, 25,589 visa invites were issued by the State and Territory Governments from 1 July 2019 to the end of June 2020 (in June 2020 alone, 3,481 invites were issued).
2020-21 Migration Program
While the government is yet to reveal details of the 2020-21 migration program, the DHA has indicated that the existing migration program 2019-20 settings will be retained for the year 2020-21.
According to migration experts, the focus of the migration program over the next 2-3 years should be focused onshore and on demand-driven migration programs, targeting regional employer-sponsored visa programs and pathways to permanent residency.
How can we help?
Our sister company AABD Recruitment has been working with employers in regional areas for the past decade. Many of our candidates have received full-time jobs with sponsorship – and many go on to obtain permanent residency.
To find out more about our employment services, speak to one of our recruitment consultants.
