Permanent Migration Program Planning Levels 2024-2025 | Latest Updates

 

The Australian government released its Australia Federal Budget  on May 14, 2024, and proposed a new Permanent Migration Program for the years 2024–2025. According to this program, there will be approximately 185,000 spots available for the migration. 

 

The main objective of this new Permanent Migration Program is to meet the skills shortages in specific sectors of the industry and prioritize the visa processing in regional Australia. Moreover, the Permanent Migration Program (2024–2025) will also focus on strengthening community and family connections within Australia by identifying the social contribution of all migrants.  

 

Here is a thorough explanation of the main adjustments and how they will impact work, family, students, skill streams, and travel visas.

 

Key Takeaways of Permanent Migration Program Planning Levels (2024-2025)

 

• The Australian government has announced that the number of migration spaces for 2024–2025 will be 185,000. The permanent migration plan (2024–2025) will be divided into three categories:
  
  • Skill Stream: 132,200 places (71% of the program)
  • Family Stream: 52,500 places (28% of the program)
  • Special Eligibility Stream: 300 places

 

• At the end of 2024, the “Global Talent Visa” and Business Innovation and Investment Visa streams will be replaced by a new visa called the “National Innovation Visa.”
• Starting on November 23, 2024, the two-year work experience requirement for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) visa will be decreased to one-year.
• Starting with the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the Department of Home Affairs will implement a new visa pre-application procedure for the Work and Holiday Visa.
• The Australian government is set to collaborate with foreign education providers to restrict the total number of international students enrolled during a specific period.
• The MATES program will be introduced to provide 3,000 Indian graduates with specific skills in targeted fields with a new mobility pathway to live and work in Australia for up to two years.

 

Understanding the Permanent Migration Program 2024-2025

 

The permanent migration program for 2024–2025 has been set at a planning level of 185,000 places, with the skill and family streams being split roughly 70:30.Here is the composition of the 2024–2025 permanent Migration program:

1. Skill Stream Changes (2024-2025 Permanent Migration Program)

 

The Department of Home Affairs has announced an allocation of 132,200 places to the Skill stream, which accounts for approximately 71% of the total Migration program. The main objective of these changes to the skill stream is:

• To enhance the productive potential of the Australian economy.
• To meet the skill shortage in the country, especially in regional Australia.

 

 

Here is an in depth analysis of the latest changes to all the Skill Visa stream:

 

1. Employer Sponsored Visa Category Changes 2024–25

Below are the highlights of the changes to the employer-sponsored visa category:

• Increased planning level from 36,825 visas (2023-2024) to 44,000 visas (2024-2025).
• From November 2023, the government has expanded the pathway to permanent residence via the Temporary Residence Transition Stream.

 

2. State/Territory Nominated Visa Category Changes 2024–25

Have a look at the key changes for the State/Territory Nominated Visa category in Permanent Migration Program Planning (2024-2025):

• An increase in the number of visas:
  • 33,000 for State/Territory Nominated category 
  • 33,000 visas for the Regional visa category. 
• Together, these categories (State/Territory Nominated visa and Regional visa) make up 50% of the Skill stream and 36% of the overall planned level.

 

3. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Changes 2024-25

The government has authorized 16,900 visas in the 2024–2025 Migration Program for Skilled Independent visas. This is less than the 30,375 spots allocated for the 2023–2024 program but still more than the COVID-era planning levels.

 

4. Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) Visa Changes 2024–25

 

Here is the list of important changes in the Business Innovation and Investment Program visa in 2024:

• There are no more allocations for the BIIP visa as the government is planning to introduce a new visa, the “National Innovation Visa.”.
• By the end of 2024, a National Innovation Visa will be available. 
• From July 2024 forward, the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) will be closed permanently. 
• There will be no further submission for new applications for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa after July 2024.
• Applications that have been lodged for subclass 188 will be assessed according to government priorities and Migration Program planning levels. 
• Individuals who possess a subclass 188 visa and satisfy the necessary requirements for the issuance of a Permanent subclass 888 visa will still be allowed to pursue this route after July 2024.

 

5. Global Talent Visa Category Changes 2024–25

The number of visas for the Global Talent Visa has been reduced by the government to 4,000 visas for the 2024–2025 Migration Program.

 

A New National Innovation Visa as Replacement of Global Talent Visa

The Government is set to introduce a new visa, the “National Innovation Visa,” as a replacement for the Global Talent Visa. Below are the highlights of the changes to Global Talent Visa:

 

• The National Innovation Visa will provide a pathway to permanent residence for highly talented migrants, including top-performing business owners, significant investors, and global researchers.
• Visas issued under the National Innovation Program in 2024–25 will be counted within the Global Talent Program. 
• This measure of introducing a new National Innovation visa will not negatively impact the existing Global Talent visa applicants.
• When a visa applicant submits their application, it will be evaluated in relation to the eligibility requirements implemented at the time of application submission.

 

2. Family Stream Changes (2024-25 Permanent Migration Program)

52,500 allocations, approximately 28% of the program

 

The Australian Government has maintained the size of the family stream in the 2024–25 Permanent Migration Program. Undoubtedly, family migration is a vital component of the Australian immigration system, allowing candidates to unite with their family members. The composition of the family stream in the Migration program is as follows:

 

 

1. Partner Visas Changes 2024-25

Partner visas make up the major portion of the family stream, with 40,500 seats available out of total 52,500 for the 2024–25 Permanent Migration Program. Partner Visa allows overseas applicants to unite with their family members in Australia and provide them with a chance to obtain Australian citizenship. 

 

2. Child Visa Changes 2024-25

Australian citizens can sponsor their dependent, adopted, orphaned kids through the Child Visa Program. The Child program is demand-driven and comprises 3,000 allocations for planning purposes only. 

 

3. Special Eligibility Stream (300 places) 

The special eligibility stream deals with visas for individuals in unique situations, such as permanent residents coming back to Australia after spending specific time overseas.

 

Closing Insights

So, there you have it—a comprehensive guide to all the latest changes to different Australian visa streams under 2024–25 Permanent Migration Program Planning. Staying updated is the key to securing a spot in Australia as the Australian immigration landscape continues to evolve. Furthermore, if you have any questions or confusion, it is better to seek professional advice. 

You can contact us at The Migration for authentic visa and education consultation services. Schedule an online appointment now and allow us to help you throughout your visa application process. 

 

Related Articles

Latest Updates on the MATES Program for Indian Nationals 2024

Latest Changes to Student Visa Financial Requirements 2024

Sources

Migration Program planning levels

FAQs

What is an Australian permanent migration program?

The permanent migration program in Australia consists of:

• Skill stream
• Family stream
• Special eligibility stream

The objective of this program is to improve the country’s economy and also provide a pathway to permanent residence in Australia.

What is the latest news on Temporary Skills Shortage visa (subclass 482)?

The Government has reduced the two year work experience requirement for TSS visa to one year. All applications submitted after November 23, 2024, will be assessed according to the new criteria. 

What is the new application process for Work and Holiday Visa?

The Australian Government is going to change the application process for Work and Holiday visa for China, Vietnam, and Indian nationals. A pre-application process (ballot) will be conducted first in order to manage the processing times for these states. The pre application process (ballot) fee will be $25. 

What are the latest changes to the Global Talent Visa and Business Innovation and Investment Program stream?

A new National Innovation visa will be introduced as the replacement of the Global Talent visa and Business innovation and investment program stream. This visa will provide a pathway to permanent residence for highly skilled migrants.