The 2020 – 2021 Migration Program is aimed at driving economic growth and support for job creation during Australia’s post recovery phase. The size and composition of the Migration program is set each year through the Australian Government sets the size of the Migration Program each year in line with the Federal Budget process. Before finalising their planning levels, the government consults with all key stakeholders in detail via public consultations with state and territory governments, business, and community groups and the wider public. Economic conditions in Australia, future skill needs, the population objectives of states and territories, community views, labour force forecasts, international research, net overseas migration, and economic and fiscal modelling are taken into consideration when planning the program.

The program is set annually, with the total places available capped at a ceiling of 160,000 for 2020-21.

Breakdown of the program includes:

50% of the program i.e. 79,600 places have been attributed to Skilled type Visas. Skilled visas are aimed at improving productive capacity of the economy and fill skill shortages in the labour market, with a key target to regional Australia. The table below demonstrates the major difference of places allocated to this year’s skills program comparable with the 2019-2020 migration program

SKILL PROGRAM	2020-2021	2019-2020
Employer Sponsored Visas	22,000	30,000
Skilled Independent	6,500	18,652
Regional	11,200	23,000
State/Territory Nominated	11,200	24,968
Business Innovation & Investment program	13,500	6,862
Global Talent	15,000	5,000
Distinguished Talent	200	200
Skill Total	79,600	108,682

2% of the program i.e. 77,300 places are allocated to Family visas which a major focus on Partner visas which will enabling Australians to reunite with family members from overseas, and provide them with pathways to citizenship
100 places have been allowed for applicants who have special circumstances under the Special EligibilityIt is to assist permanent residents returning to Australia after being away for a long period.
At least 3,000 Child places will be available in 2020-21

Nominations will be made available to States and Territories in line with these considerations, in the following categories:

Skilled – Nominated (subclass 190)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491)
Business Innovation and Investment Program

Australia Migration program planning levels for the 2020 -2021 Migration Program released

Breakdown of the program includes:

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