On 6 October 2020, the Federal Government announced priorities and planning levels for migration in 2020-21. The key measures are:
- Partner and Family visas will be increased to 77,300 places with priority for applicants onshore. Partner Visas will also require the Australian partner to apply for sponsorship approval first before lodging their foreign partner’s visa application. English requirement will be needed for the permanent partner visa.
- Employer sponsored visas will be prioritised for those in regional areas as well as occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List
- Increased focus and quota for Global Talent and Business Innovation and Investment visas
- Extension of income eligibility for New Zealanders applying for permanent residency (Subclass 189 NZ visa)
- Visa refunds and waivers for temporary visa holders (prospective marriage, TSS 482, working holiday, students, visitors) who were unable to enter Australia due to Covid-19
- Humanitarian visas set at 13,750 places with funding and fast-tracking provisions.
Find the full Budget Statement 2020-21 paper here.