Here are the highlights of what was announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, for 2009-10:
- Summary: the migration program will total 168,700 for 2009-10, comprising 108,100 skilled, 60,300 family and 300 special eligibility places.
- Permanent skilled migration intake reduced to 108,100 from 115,000, an overall reduction of 20 per cent on previous planning levels in the previous budget.
- Critical Skills List (CSL) to remain in place, providing priority processing to applicants whose occupation appears on the list.
- Employer and government sponsored visas will continue to be fast-tracked and uncapped.
- Family visa stream will receive an increase of 3,800 places to 60,300, including an additional 2,500 for partners, 1,000 places for contributory parents and 300 child visas.
- English language threshold will increase from 5 IELTS to 6 IELTS for trade occupations (non-sponsored), meaning they require a competent level of English. This change will apply from 1 July 2009 for offshore applicants and 1 January 2010 for onshore applicants.
- A job readiness test will be introduced on 1 January 2010 for onshore skilled trade applicants.
- Fewer trades-level occupations will be granted in 2009-10.
The Government states that it is committed to maintaining a strong migration program, which will be critical for Australia’s future prosperity.
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