The Government intends to reinstate Migration Program planning levels to 160,000 permanent residence visas in 2022-23.
Skilled visas
Skilled stream visas will account for 70% of the program with a total of 109,900 places. This represents an increase of approximately 30,000 places over the 2021-22 program, with 20,000 of these places resulting from the overall increase in the program and 10,000 redistributed from the partner program.
The Government contends that will further support the economic recovery by increasing the places available for skilled visa holders.
| Skilled Stream Planning levels | ||
| Visa stream | 2022-23 | 2021-22 |
| Employer sponsored | 30,000 | 22,000 |
| Skilled Independent | 16,652 | 6,500 |
| State and Territory Nominated | 20,000 | 11,200 |
| Regional visas | 25,000 | 11,200 |
| Business and Innovation and Investment | 9,500 | 13,500 |
| Global Talent | 8,488 | 15,000 |
| Distinguished Talent | 300 | 200 |
| Total | 109,900 | 79,600 |
Interestingly and consistent with the trends we have been noticing, the number of Global Talent visas will be reduced by almost 7000 visas. Although, the Government will provide $19.5 million over 2 years from 2022‑23 to continue the Global Business, Talent and Investment Taskforce, as the renamed Global Australia Taskforce, to attract talented individuals and international investment to Australia.
Family visas
Family visas will be allocated the remaining 30% of places within the program, with 10,000 places redistributed from the partner visa category to the skilled stream. Longer wait times for partner visas might be expected as a result. Parent visas have received a small increase in allocation.
The Humanitarian Program will be maintained at 13,750 places in 2022-23. The size of the program will remain as a ceiling, not a target.
Work and Holiday
WHM places will increase by 11,000 (30%) in 2022-23.
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