A New Dawn for Migration: Pioneering the Path to a Stronger Australia
The 2024–25 Permanent Migration Program marks a transformative step in to Australia migration journey, focusing on economic resilience, regional growth, and family reunification. With a shift towards strategic, long-term planning, this program lays the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive future. This is just the beginning new pathways, strengthened regional support, and visionary policies set the stage for continued progress. As Australia embraces a multi-year migration model, this milestone is the first of many, shaping a nation where migration drives prosperity, opportunity, and unity.
Migration Program Structure for 2024–25
The 2024–25 Migration Program is structured across three key streams:
1. Skill Stream (132,200 places, 71% of total program)
The skill stream is designed to boost Australia’s workforce by addressing key skill shortages. The main categories under this stream include:
Employer Sponsored Visa – Increased from 36,825 to 44,000 places to support a stronger pathway to permanent residence.
Skilled Independent Visa – Reduced from 30,375 to 16,900 places, reflecting revised workforce priorities.
Regional Visa – Increased to 33,000 places to encourage skilled migration in regional areas.
State/Territory Nominated Visa – Increased to 33,000 places, allowing state and territory governments to nominate skilled migrants.
Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) – Reduced from 1,900 to 1,000 places as the program transitions to the National Innovation Visa.
Global Talent Visa – Reduced to 4,000 places, with a future transition to the new National Innovation Visa.
Distinguished Talent Visa – Maintained at 300 places.
2. Family Stream (52,500 places, 28% of total program)
The family stream enables Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their family members. Key components include:
Partner Visa – Maintained at 40,500 places under a demand-driven model.
Parent Visa – Maintained at 8,500 places.
Child Visa – Maintained at 3,000 places, operating on a demand-driven basis.
Other Family Visa – Maintained at 500 places, including aged dependent relative, remaining relative, and carer visas.
3. Special Eligibility Stream (300 places)
This stream provides visas for individuals in exceptional circumstances, such as returning permanent residents.
Key Policy Changes and Updates
Several significant changes have been introduced in the 2024–25 Migration Program:
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With 66,000 places allocated across these categories, the Government aims to strengthen regional economies.
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The allocation has been decreased to 16,900 places, shifting focus toward employer and state-nominated categories.
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The BIIP program will be permanently closed from July 2024, with a new visa category launching later in the year.
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Partner and Child visas remain demand-driven, ensuring family reunification remains a key focus.
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From 2025–26, Australia will transition to a four-year migration planning model to align with infrastructure and housing needs.
Migration Program and Net Overseas Migration (NOM)
The permanent Migration Program is only one aspect of Australia’s net overseas migration (NOM), which also includes temporary migrants such as international students and working holiday makers. Approximately 60% of permanent visas are granted to individuals already residing in Australia, minimising immediate impacts on housing and infrastructure.
Future Outlook: Multi-Year Migration Planning
Starting in 2025–26, the Australian Government will implement a four-year migration planning cycle. This new approach aims to:
Better align migration policies with national infrastructure and housing plans.
Provide greater certainty for businesses and state governments in workforce planning.
Ensure a more sustainable and structured approach to long-term migration.
Public consultations on the first four-year migration cycle (2025–26 to 2028–29) will commence later this year.
Conclusion
The 2024–25 permanent Migration Program reflects the Government’s commitment to a well-balanced migration system. By prioritising employer-sponsored pathways, maintaining strong family reunification initiatives, and transitioning to a structured multi-year planning model, the program aims to support long-term economic growth, social cohesion, and regional development in Australia.
For more information, visit the official Subclass 407 Training Visa page on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Contact Information
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Website: visamigo.com.au
DISCLAIMER: Important notice for all our social media followers as well as website readers. Content shared here by Visamigo Lawyers and its affiliates is not to be considered as immigration or legal advice. It's intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance. This material offers general insights (accurate at the time of posting, subject to updates) and is not exhaustive. Prior to any application, it's recommended you consult an Australian Lawyer for personalised advice. Your journey matters, so ensure you're properly informed.
