Australia to Implement Canada-Like Point-Based Immigration System

Australia is planning to review and revamp its point-based immigration system in order to attract skilled workers and streamline the migration process. The government aims to counter the trend of talented individuals choosing countries like Canada over Australia. The proposed changes include:

• Drawing on State and Territory Expertise: The government plans to involve state and territory governments in the review process and improve data collection and sharing between them. This approach aims to move away from the current complex and state-specific visa settings.
• Streamlining the Skilled Visa Program: The skilled visa program will be streamlined and simplified by implementing a three-tiered processing system that categorizes applicants into highly skilled, mainstream, and essential workers.
• More Pathways to Permanent Residency: The government intends to create additional pathways to permanent residency for holders of Student Visas and Employer Sponsored visas, making it easier for them to transition to permanent status.
• Increased Minimum Salary Requirements: Minimum salary requirements for Employer Sponsored visa applicants will be raised to ensure fair wages for workers.
• Tightened Student Visa Rules: The rules around Student Visas will be strengthened to ensure that students are genuinely studying and supporting Australia’s skill needs.

The expected changes include an increase in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, allowing international student visa holders to work up to 48 hours per fortnight, exempting international students in the aged care sector from the work hour cap, enabling New Zealand citizens to apply for citizenship directly, and providing an extension of two years for certain subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa holders.

These changes are expected to take effect from July 1, 2023. They aim to make the Australian immigration system more attractive to skilled migrants and align it with the evolving global talent market.