Australia to start Canada-like point-based immigration soon. Here’s how it works
- Fiona Wong, Partner at Gilton Valeo Lawyers, Corporate Immigration Lawyer said, although Australia also has a points-based migration system, there are limited quotas for each occupation specific to its states and territories
Australia has recently proposed to revamp its migration system to swiftly attract skilled workers and provide them with a route to permanent residency. The aim is to counter the trend of talented individuals opting for countries like Canada instead of Australia. Acknowledging the competitive nature of the global talent market, the Australian government seeks to implement new migration policies that will entice skilled migrants to contribute to the local labor market. As a part of the initiative, the government has decided to revive its point-based migration system.
Although Australia also has a points-based migration system, there are limited quotas for each occupation specific to its states and territories, it is competitive, the processing time is lengthy, the application costly, and relatively weak in attracting younger and more highly educated migrants – in comparison to Canada, commented Fiona Wong, Partner at Gilton Valeo Lawyers, Corporate Immigration Lawyer.
“Canada’s points test is innovative and focused on simplified eligibility criteria, generous visa conditions (ie. broad work rights), accelerated processing, a seamless application journey and deliberate marketing. It is not state based as its constitution requires the federal and provincial governments to share responsibility for migration.”
How Australia is planning to review its point-based immigration system?
As part of the review of Australia’s migration system, the Government has proposed to draw on state and territory expertise and be supported by improved data collection and sharing between governments. This approach to place-based should allow movement away from the state and territory siloed and complex visa settings currently across the points-based programs.
What are the other changes we are likely to see in the Australian immigration policy?
Following the Minister of Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil’s address at the National Press Conference and the Federal Budget, Australia is expected to see major changes to the Australian migration system over the next 3 to 6 months, some of these changes include:
- Streamlining and simplifying the skilled visa program by building a three-tiered processing system (highly skilled – mainstream – essential workers)
- Creating more pathways to permanent residency for Student Visa holders, and Employer Sponsored visa holders
- Increasing minimum salary requirements for Employer Sponsored visa applicants
- Tightening the rules around Student Visas to ensure students are genuinely studying and support Australia’s skill needs
The following changes are expected to come into effect from 1 July 2023:
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold to increase from A$53,900 to A$70,000
- International students visa holders will be permitted to work up to 48 hours a fortnight
- International Students working in aged care sector will be exempt from the 48 hour fortnightly work cap until 31 December 2023
- New Zealand citizens will be eligible to apply for citizenship directly
- Certain subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa holders will be able to extend their visa for an additional 2 years
- Department’s visa application charges, on top of regular CPI increase will raise by 6%, but an additional 15% for select visitor and temporary visa subclasses and 40% for business innovation and investment visas
- Extra enforcement and compliance activities will be implemented to maintain the integrity of the migration system
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Business NewsNewsWorldAustralia to start Canada-like point-based immigration soon. Here’s how it works
First Published:27 May 2023, 02:49 PM IST
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