Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

General Skilled Migration Programme — increased emphasis on English and work experience

1. Non-tax revenue.

The Government will implement changes to the general skilled migration programme to place greater importance on English language proficiency and skilled work experience. This will include an increase in base English language requirements, the allocation of additional points to applicants who achieve high levels of English, and a greater emphasis on skilled work experience in the points test. To allow time for applicants to obtain work experience, the Graduate Skilled (temporary) visa will be extended from 6 to 18 months. These changes will commence on 1 July 2007.

It is expected that some applications will be brought forward prior to the reforms, which will result in increased revenue in 2006-07. The changes will result in a net reduction in revenue from visa application charges of $16.0 million over four years, because of applications being deferred while applicants obtain work experience.

Visas — new work and holiday arrangements

1. Non-tax revenue.

The Government will expand the current work and holiday visa arrangements. This will allow persons from additional countries to apply for work and holiday visas. A new visa class will also be created which will extend post-qualification work experience opportunities to overseas students who have completed post‑secondary studies in Australia. In addition, a temporary working visa will be formulated to attract graduates of prestigious overseas universities to work in Australia. These initiatives will lead to additional revenue through visa fees of $24.6 million over four years.

The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs will be provided with $11.1 million over four years to administer the new visa arrangements.