The Australian government’s federal budget for 2024 -2025 will contain some changes to immigration policy. These changes have been anticipated for several months. It is part of a strategy that aims to both return immigration to pre-COVID levels, and to attract migrants with talents, abilities and critical skills into employment sectors where they are needed.

There are now changes to the permanent Migration Programme. Planning levels for 2024-2025 have been set at 185,000 places.

This divides up as:

Skilled Stream

132,200 places (approximately 71% of the program) are allocated to this stream to enhance the economy’s productive capacity and address labour market skill shortages, particularly in regional Australia.

Family Stream

52,500 places (approximately 28% of the program) are focused on family reunification, predominantly through Partner visas. This stream includes

40,500 Partner visas and 3,000 Child visas.

Special Eligibility Stream

300 places are reserved for visas under special circumstances, such as for permanent residents returning to Australia after a period overseas.

These changes reflect Australia’s commitment to a well-targeted, skills-focused migration strategy to supplement the working-age population, boost labour force participation, and strengthen family social cohesion. Talk to us, your Immigration Lawyer in Sydney, if you are interested in immigrating and see a Visa path for which you might be eligible.