Australia will soon begin point-based immigration similar to Canada. Here’s how it functions.
Australia recently suggested changing its immigration policy in order to quickly draw skilled workers and give them a path to permanent residency. The intention is to buck the trend of talented individuals choosing Canada over Australia. The Australian government
intends to introduce new immigration rules that will entice skilled migrants to contribute to the local labour market in recognition of the competitive nature of the global talent market. The administration has chosen to resurrect its point-based migration system as part of the program.
Fiona Wong, Partner at Gilton Valeo Lawyers, Corporate Immigration Lawyer, noted that 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 is expensive, and it is relatively weak in attracting younger and more highly educated migrants – in comparison to Canada.
“Canada’s points test is novel and centred on straightforward eligibility requirements, lenient visa requirements (such as broad work privileges), rapid processing, a simple application procedure, and strategic marketing. Since the federal and provincial governments must share responsibility for migration, it is not state-based.
How will Australia be reviewing its point-based immigration policy?
The Government has proposed to rely on state and territory expertise and be backed by improved data collecting and sharing across governments as part of the reform of Australia migration system. The state and territory silos and complex visa settings included in the points-based systems should be replaced by this place-based approach.
What additional adjustments to Australian migration law are likely?
Over the next three to six months, Australia is anticipated to see significant changes to the Australian migration system following the remarks made by Minister of Home Affairs Clare O’Neil at the National Press Conference and the Federal Budget, some of which include:
- By creating a three-tiered processing structure (highly skilled, mainstream, and vital workers), the skilled visa program will be streamlined and made simpler.
- Establishing new routes to permanent residence for those with student and employer sponsorship visas.
- Increasing the minimum wage demands for those applying for employer-sponsored visas.
- Tightening regulations for student visas to guarantee that students are actually pursuing their studies and to meet Australia's skill requirements.
The following modifications are anticipated to take effect on July 1, 2023:
- Increase in the Australian dollar threshold for temporary skilled migration from A$53,900 to A$70,000
- International students with valid visas can work up to 48 hours each two weeks.
- Up until December 31, 2023, international students employed in the aged care industry will not be subject to the 48-hour weekly work cap.
- Citizenship applications can be made directly by New Zealanders.
- A few subclasses 485 Holders of Temporary Graduate visas will be able to extend their visas for an additional two years, in addition to the department's regular 6% CPI increase. However, certain visitor and temporary visa subclasses will pay an additional 15% in application fees, and business innovation and investment visas will pay 40%.
- To ensure the integrity of the migration system, additional enforcement and compliance measures will be put in place.
