Australia’s appeal as a favored destination for skilled workers has been reinforced by the latest Temporary Skilled Residence Report released by the Department of Home Affairs in March 2023. The report provides crucial insights into the country’s skilled migration program, highlighting trends, and showcasing the contributions of skilled workers to Australia’s economic prosperity. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the key findings from the report, shedding light on the influx of skilled workers and their path to permanent residency.
Size of the Program
The report reveals a significant surge in the Temporary Resident (Skilled) and subclass 457 visa program during the 2022-2023 period. Primary applications lodged experienced a remarkable 31.9% increase, reaching 33,450 compared to the previous year. Moreover, primary applications granted saw an astounding 73.2% rise, with 39,460 visas granted by March 2023. These statistics underscore Australia’s attractiveness to skilled migrants and its commitment to leveraging their contributions for economic growth.
Top Occupations Granted Primary Visas
The report highlights interesting trends in the labor market by analyzing the top three occupations granted primary visas. While Software Engineers and Chefs experienced declines in primary visas granted, the ICT Business Analyst occupation saw a remarkable 123.4% increase, indicating a growing demand for professionals in this field.
Top Locations for Nominated Positions
New South Wales emerged as the leading destination for skilled migrants, accounting for 42.4% of the total program, followed by Victoria with 28.2% and Queensland with 12.8%. These figures indicate the preferred locations for skilled workers seeking employment opportunities in Australia’s diverse economy.
Top Citizenship Countries
India remained the dominant source country, contributing 62.1% of the total primary visas granted. The United Kingdom and the Philippines also featured among the top citizenship countries, reflecting fluctuations in demand for skills from these regions.
Pathways to Permanent Residence
The report provides insights into the pathways to permanent residence for temporary skilled visa holders. In the 2022-23 program year until March 2023, a total of 24,450 temporary resident (skilled) visa holders were granted permanent residence or a provisional visa, marking a remarkable 43.4% increase compared to the previous year. The economic migration stream accounted for 64.5% of all permanent visas granted, emphasizing the significance of skilled workers in supporting Australia’s economic growth and development.
For more information, access the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs report: temp-res-skilled-rpt-summary-31032023.pdf (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Temporary Skilled Residence Report for March 2023 provides valuable insights into Australia’s skilled migration program. The data showcases a growing interest among skilled workers in pursuing opportunities in Australia, as evidenced by the increase in primary applications lodged and granted. The rising number of temporary residents transitioning to permanent residence underscores Australia’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled talent. The focus on the economic migration stream further reinforces the importance of skilled workers in supporting the nation’s economic prosperity.
As Australia continues to evolve as a global destination for skilled migrants, this report serves as a valuable tool for policymakers to assess the effectiveness of the skilled migration program and make informed decisions to meet the country’s workforce needs in the years to come. The dynamic nature of Australia’s Temporary Resident (Skilled) program, with fluctuations in occupations, preferred locations, and source countries over time, showcases its responsiveness to changing economic needs and skill demands, fostering a diverse and thriving workforce that contributes to the nation’s growth and prosperity.
For individuals interested in exploring opportunities within Australia’s skilled migration program, it is essential to seek professional guidance and assistance. NB Migration Law, with its expertise in visa processing and migration matters, can provide valuable support in navigating the complexities of the migration process.