Early in October 2020, the Federal Budget was announced, along with various changes to partner visas for the 2020-21 migration program year.

The migration planning level was released with the Federal Budget and the Global Talent Independent Visa was the big winner of the visa subclasses.

On 06 October 2020, Australian government has handed down the federal budget 2020 which is to recover the Australian economy.  2020/2021 migration planning level has also been released shortly after the federal budget announcement.  

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Highlights

• Australia’s net Migration remain the same
• Global Talent Independent Program (GTI) allocations have been tripled
• Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) allocations have been doubled

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Australian Migration Planning Level

In 2020 – 2021, the planning level for visas will remain at 160,000 places.

Global Talent Independent Program (GTI)

The Australian government will focus on attracting highly skilled professionals to work and live permanently in Australia in this calendar year. The Global Talent Independent program (GTI) has been allocated to 15,000 places for 2020-2021.

If you believe you are eligible to apply for a GTI, take only 5 minutes to complete our free online GTI assessment form. Our lawyers and registered migration agents will assess your eligibility and get back to you soon.

Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)

Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) has increased to 13,500 places.

In 2019 - 2020, the number of BIIP was 6862.  It has increased by 6638 places in this calendar year, which has been almost doubled in comparison with the allocations in the past year.  

Business Innovation and Investment program includes:

• Subclass 188 Business Innovation stream
• Subclass 188 Investor stream
• Subclass 188 Significant Investor stream
• Subclass 188 Premium Investor stream
• Subclass 188 Entrepreneur stream
• Subclass 132 Significant Business History stream
• Subclass 132 Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream

Business innovation and Investment Program will also be targeted at Australian venture capitals and emerging small and medium size businesses to support the economic recovery. 

Try our free online business visa assessment tool to determine your business visa options:

https://businessvisacompare.com.au/ 

Family Stream & Partner Stream

The Family stream planning level has been allocated to 77,300 places in which 72,300 places are allocated for partner category which occupies 93.53% of the family stream allocations.

This leaves 5000 places for parent child and other family migration.  

General Skilled Migration - 189, 190 and 491

It is disappointing news for those that are looking to do 189, 190 and 491 visas or Employer Sponsored Permanent residency visas.

With increases to GTI, Family and Business, then there will be less places available for 189, 190 and 491 and also for employer sponsored 186. 

Australian government will increase places for above three categories Family & Partner stream, Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) & Global Talent Independent Program (GTI). This also means there are Skilled Migration Program will decrease around 30,000 places.  

We understand that a drop in GSM numbers will be very disappointing for many, who have gone to the expense and effort to get their English tested and skills assessments done. 

Migration planning level 2019/2020 Versus 2020/2021 

Visa Application Charge (VAC)

Certain visa holders who are unable to travel to Australia due to COVID 19 Pandemic, you may be eligible to:

• Refund VAC
• Waive VAC
• Extend visa period

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Congratulations to our latest Global Talent Visa client who obtained the subclass 858 visa in 6 to 7 weeks. Rob is now a proud Australian permanent resident and we are delighted to have assisted him with his visa application.

Click here to learn the criteria for the Global Talent Visa

If you think you may be eligible for a GTI visa, email your CV, a description of your prominence in one of the target sectors and your ability to attract the salary threshold to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Here are the results of the 2 most recent SkillSelect invitation rounds in July and August 2020. Chris Johnston comments on the likely future of the subclass 189 and 491 (family-sponsored) visas in the coming months.