17 December 2007

More skilled immigration for Australia

Australia has increased the proportion of Australian visas granted to skilled migrants working in areas experiencing labour shortages, according to the annual report just released by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Overall Australia granted 148,200 Australian visas to migrants and 132,761 temporary Australian visas in 2006-07.

The department reports that the level of targeting has been increased to give priority to employer-sponsored visas and migrants who have occupations listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (Australian MODL). Collectively these groups made up 60 per cent of the skill stream in 2006-07 compared to 51 per cent in 2005-06.

The report also revealed that after six months in Australia, 80 per cent of Australian immigrants were employed and 49 per cent of those coming to Australia on a family visa were working. After 12 months, 92 per cent of skilled Australian immigration applicants were working.

The number of permanent employer sponsored visa grants rose to 16,585 in 2006-07 as compared to 15,226 in 2005-06. State governments sponsored almost 7,000 migrants who were granted visas after an assessment by State governments that they had skills in demand in their labour markets.

Australia welcomes skilled immigrants: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.