The federal budget 2020 handed over by the Australian government on 06 October 2020, highlights the key economic recovery plans and soon after the federal budget announcement, 2020-2021 migration level plan was also released.
Key Highlights
- Global Talent Independent Program (GTI) allocations have been tripled
- Australia’s net Migration remains unchanged
- Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) allocations have been doubled
- Allocation of General Skilled Migration for program year 2020-2021 has been slashed.
The Global Talent Independent Program (GTI) is aimed to attract highly skilled talent from around the world and has been tripled to 15,000 from 5,000 places as compared to last year. The Australia net overseas migration has been significantly affected due to travel restrictions induced by the Covid-19 and the net migration will remain at 160,000 places. While the government slashed the number of places for General Skilled Migration (GSM), Actin immigration Minister Alan Tudge told that this year’s focus is to give priority to innovators, investors and job creators to assist the country in its economic recovery.
6862 places were allotted for Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) in 2019-2020;however, it has been increased by 6638 places for 2020-2021. The BIIP has increased to 13,500 in this calendar year. BIIP will be primarily targeting Australian venture capital and small and medium size businesses to support the economic recovery. The Family stream planning level has been allotted to 77,300 places out of which 72,300 places are allotted to partner category.
Onshore applicants with critical skills will be the priority
Actin immigration Minister Alan Tudge said that since the international borders were closed Australia had fewer people coming into the country, hence greater priority is placed on making Permanent Residence to those who are already in Australia. The Employer sponsored visa for specific skills in the critical sector will be prioritised over non-sponsored visas, with a focus on occupations on the Priority Migration Skills Occupation List (PMSOL). Prospective applicants in the non-critical skills sector might find it hard to secure an invite in this financial year, said Mr. Tudge.
Drop in General Skilled Migration Numbers
The government decision to drop the numbers in General Skilled migration (GSM) comes as a disappointment for many, who frequently monitored their immigration status and have gone to the expense to get their English tested and skills assessment done. General Skilled Migration (GSM) traditionally has been a preferred choice for skilled individuals, families and international students to permanently migrate to Australia and secure the Australian Permanent Residence. With the Australia signaling gradual reopening of international borders we remain positive and expect some changes in the coming days. Certain Visa holders who are unable to Travel to Australia due to International travel restrictions may be eligible for a Refund on Visa Application Charge, Waiver of Visa Application Charge, or Extend Visa period.
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