Australia’s Migration Trends 22/23

Summary of Australia’s Migration Trends 2022-23

Australia’s migration landscape in 2022-23 was marked by significant recovery and growth following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening of international borders led to an increase in both permanent and temporary visa grants. This report, prepared by the Department of Home Affairs, provides a comprehensive overview of these trends, highlighting key statistics and developments across various visa categories.

Permanent Migration

In 2022-23, Australia’s Migration Program delivered 195,004 permanent places, a 35.8% increase from the previous year. The Skill stream dominated the program with 142,344 places, accounting for 73% of the total. The top three nationalities in this category were India (25.5%), China (9.5%), and Nepal (7.9%).

Family Stream Visas

The Family stream saw 52,500 places, a slight decrease from the previous year. This category includes Partner, Parent, and Child visas. The largest contributors were nationals of China (19.8%), India (9.3%), and the Philippines (7.5%).

Humanitarian Program

The Humanitarian Program granted 17,875 visas, comprising offshore resettlement (15,875 visas) and onshore protection (2,000 visas). The largest groups resettled were from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Myanmar.

Temporary Visas

A substantial increase was observed in temporary visa grants, with over 7 million visas issued, a 205.9% rise from the previous year. Visitor visas alone accounted for more than 3.8 million of these grants. Significant contributors to this category included nationals from the UK, USA, and India.

Student Visas

Student visas reached a record high of 577,295, reflecting a 118.9% increase. The majority of these were granted to nationals of India, China, and Nepal. This growth underscores the pivotal role of international students in Australia's migration and education sectors.

Working Holiday Maker Visas

The number of Working Holiday Maker visas granted also saw a notable rise, reaching 224,431. Nationals from the UK, France, and Ireland were the primary recipients.

Labour Market Outcomes

Migration continues to be a critical component of Australia’s labour market, with new migrants contributing significantly to employment growth. In 2022-23, the Australian workforce included a substantial number of skilled migrants, particularly in professions such as software engineering, nursing, and accounting.

Net Overseas Migration (NOM) and Population Growth

Net Overseas Migration (NOM) remains a key driver of Australia’s population growth. In the decade leading up to December 2022, NOM accounted for over half of the population increase. In 2022-23, NOM reached 387,000 people, the highest in recent years, driven primarily by international students and temporary visa holders.

The 2022-23 financial year marked a robust recovery in Australia’s migration trends, with significant increases across all major visa categories. The data highlights the crucial role of migration in supporting Australia’s demographic and economic growth, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery. The continued emphasis on skilled migration, family reunification, and humanitarian assistance underscores the multifaceted approach of Australia's migration policy.

For a detailed breakdown of the statistics and further insights into Australia’s migration trends, refer to the full report by the Department of Home Affairs.