Increase and success of skilled migrants to Australia

Australia are attracting more skilled migrants than ever before, granting a record number of skilled visas at 71,243, which arrived in 2003-04 compared to 66,050 in 2002-03.

The reports also evidence the success of Australia’s skilled migration selection and points system, as many of the migrants not only find employment and successfully settle - they actually enjoy their jobs and are happy with their new lives in Australia.

This may also have a lot to do with the efforts that the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs have made to attract skilled migrants to regional areas of Australia. Skilled migrants who do not currently meet the pass mark of 120 may be eligible to apply for skilled visas under State Nomination programmes or the Skilled Independent Regional visa. Migrants that apply under these visa categories are usually welcomed by a State or Territory representative upon arrival and are regularly checked in to see how they are getting on.

The reports find that skilled migrants are also more likely to find employment with a competitive salary compared to other migrant visa categories.

The reports also highlight the fact that migrants who are fluent English speakers are more likely to settle and commence employment in Australia quicker than those who are not fluent in Australia’s mother language.