Australia Raises Permanent Migration Cap: What This Means?

If you’re a skilled worker looking to migrate to Australia permanently, the Australian government’s announcement about the permanent migration cap could be great news for you. 

What Is The Skilled Migrant Cap?

The skilled migrant cap is the maximum number of skilled migrant visas that can be issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs in one financial year.  Skilled visas are issued to those that have a relevant skill or profession that is required to fill a skill shortage in Australia. 

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has a list of skilled occupations that are eligible for permanent residency through the Skilled Migration Program. There are 674 occupations on the list, so it’s worth taking a look to see if you might qualify.

What Changes Have Been Made To The Migration Cap?

The good news for skilled migrants is that the government has just announced that the skilled migrant cap has increased from 160,000 to 195,000 places this financial year – an increase of 35,000 from the previous financial year.  The increase is part of the government’s plan to fill major workforce shortages caused by the pandemic. The government will also spend $36 million AUD to employ extra migration staff to help clear the visa processing backlogs and reduce visa processing times in order to speed up the skilled migration process.

Is The Migration Cap Increase Permanent?

At this stage, the increase only applies to the current financial year. Considering the extent of the country’s workforce shortages, the increase of permanent skilled migrants in Australia may remain at this heightened level or even increase in subsequent years.

What Does The Increase In The Migration Cap Mean For Businesses?

The increase makes it easier for businesses to fill skilled workforce shortages and access global talent. The efforts to decrease visa processing times would mean businesses are able to access international staff more quickly. This is a win-win situation for Australian businesses and skilled workers hoping to migrate to Australia permanently. 

If you’ve been considering applying for a skilled migrant visa to Australia, there’s never been a better time to lodge your application. Contact AustraliaMigrate today to see how our immigration and visa specialists can help with your visa application.