Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has one of the highest immigration rates in the world, with immigrants accounting for 30% of the population, the highest proportion among major Western nations. In 2024, the four most common countries of birth for overseas-born Australians were England, India, China, and New Zealand. Australia's high immigration rate has contributed to the growth of its population, with the overseas-born population increasing from 23.8% in 2004 to 31.5% in 2024. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of Australia's population growth, especially in the context of climate change and its potential impact on natural ecosystems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the most immigrants to Australia | England |
| Number of immigrants from England | 964,000 |
| Second most common country of origin | India |
| Number of immigrants from India | 916,000 |
| Third most common country of origin | China |
| Number of immigrants from China | 700,000 |
| Fourth most common country of origin | New Zealand |
| Number of immigrants from New Zealand | 618,000 |
| Total number of immigrants in Australia | 8.6 million |
| Percentage of immigrants in Australia's total population | 30% |
| Net overseas migration in 2022-23 | 536,000 |
| Net permanent and long-term arrivals in the 12 months to May 2024 | 482,450 |
| Types of visas available for immigrants | Skilled Occupation visas, Student visas, Family visas, Working holiday visas |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's high immigration rate
Australia has historically encouraged immigration for permanent settlement on a significant scale, which was essential for the country's founding and development. The country has experienced successive waves of immigration over the past few centuries, with each wave characterised by a different predominant country or region of origin.
In 2022-23, net overseas migration reached a record level of 536,000, up from 170,900 in 2021-22. The overall migration was 739,000 in 2022-23, with temporary visa holders being the largest contributors to migrant arrivals. The number of migrant arrivals decreased to 667,000 in 2023-24, a 10% decrease from the previous year. However, this still represented a significant number of individuals seeking opportunities in Australia.
The largest components of immigration to Australia are skilled migration and family reunion programs. Australian working visas are most commonly granted to highly skilled workers, with visas often sponsored by individual states or Australian businesses. The Australian government actively encourages foreign students to study in the country, and student visas are typically granted to those with a confirmed offer from an educational institution. Family visas are also prevalent, with visas granted based on family ties in Australia, including partner, child, and contributory parent visas.
There are mixed views on Australia's high immigration rate and its potential effects. Some believe that immigration can alleviate concerns related to an ageing population, as migrants are younger on average than the resident population, reducing the rate of population ageing. Additionally, businesses in search of skilled labour support higher immigration rates to meet their specific needs. On the other hand, there are concerns about the impact of high population growth on housing, the environment, and natural resources. Groups like Sustainable Population Australia argue that Australia, as the driest inhabited continent, cannot sustain its current rate of population growth without adverse consequences.
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Immigration policy and history
Australia has historically encouraged immigration for permanent settlement, which has been essential to the country's founding and development. The country has experienced successive waves of immigration, with each wave characterised by a different predominant country or region of origin.
European colonisation began in 1788 with the establishment of a British penal colony in New South Wales. Between 1788 and the mid-20th century, the vast majority of settlers and immigrants came from Britain and Ireland, with significant immigration from China and Germany during the 19th century. The Gold Rush era, beginning in 1851, led to an enormous expansion in population, including large numbers of British and Irish settlers, followed by smaller numbers of Germans, other Europeans, and Chinese. The latter group faced increasing restrictions and discrimination, making it impossible for many to remain in the country.
One of the first acts of the new Commonwealth Government after federation in 1901 was the Immigration Restriction Act 1901, known as the White Australia Policy. This policy restricted non-White settlement and was the official policy of all governments and mainstream political parties from the 1890s to the 1950s, with elements surviving until the 1970s. The White Australia Policy was gradually relaxed after World War II and was abolished entirely in 1973, under the Government of Gough Whitlam.
After World War II, Australia launched a massive immigration program, believing that the country must "populate or perish". Hundreds of thousands of displaced Europeans migrated to Australia, including over 1,000,000 British subjects under the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme, known as Ten Pound Poms. The scheme initially targeted citizens of Commonwealth countries but later extended to other countries such as the Netherlands and Italy. In 1973, multiculturalism largely displaced cultural selectivity in immigration policy, and Australia adopted a policy of multiculturalism.
In recent years, Australia's mandatory detention policy for unauthorised boat arrivals has attracted controversy. Net overseas migration has increased significantly, with skilled migration and family reunion programs being the largest components. A 2014 sociological study concluded that Australia is one of the most receptive countries to immigration among Western nations. However, some environmental movements argue that Australia, as the driest inhabited continent, cannot sustain its current population growth without becoming overpopulated and that immigration is a significant factor in the growth of domestic greenhouse gas emissions.
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Visa types and requirements
Australia has experienced successive waves of immigration over the past few centuries, and the country is generally receptive to immigration. The largest components of immigration are the skilled migration and family reunion programs. There are several types of visas available for those seeking to immigrate to Australia, each with its own requirements and purpose. Here are some of the common visa categories:
Skilled Occupation Visas
Australian working visas are most commonly granted to highly skilled workers. These visas are often sponsored by individual states, which recruit workers according to specific needs. Visas may also be granted to applicants sponsored by an Australian business.
Student Visas
The Australian government actively encourages foreign students to study in the country. There are various categories of student visas, most of which require a confirmed offer from an educational institution.
Family Visas
Australia often grants visas based on family ties within the country. There are several types of family visas, including Contributory Parent Visas, Child Visas, and Partner Visas.
Working Holiday Visa
This visa is a residence permit that allows travelers to undertake employment and, in some cases, study in Australia. This visa is typically for those under 30, or 35 in certain cases, and is part of Australia's Working Holiday Maker program.
Visitor Visas
These visas allow individuals to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. The Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) permits multiple visits to Australia for up to a year, with each stay lasting no more than three months. The eVisitor (subclass 651) is a free visa that allows multiple visits for tourism or business for up to three months within a 12-month period. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is for tourism or business visits and can be extended.
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Top countries of origin
Australia has one of the highest immigration rates in the world, with immigrants accounting for 30% of the population, the highest proportion among major Western nations. In 2024, the four most common countries of birth made up over a third of Australians born overseas.
The largest group of foreign-born residents in Australia are from England, with 964,000 people in 2024, up from 1 million in 2013. The second-largest group is from India, with 916,000 people in 2024, an increase over the previous three years. The third-largest group is from China, with 700,000 people in 2024, surpassing the previous peak of 661,000 in 2019. The fourth-largest population is from New Zealand, with 618,000 people in 2024, up from 598,000 the previous year.
Other countries that are among the top sources of immigrants to Australia include Italy, which was in the top 10 until 2024, and the Netherlands, which was included in the scheme after World War II. Australia also has a large number of student visa holders, with the Australian government actively encouraging foreign students to study in the country. Additionally, family visas are often granted, and working holiday visas are available, allowing individuals to work and sometimes study in the country.
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Impact on population growth
Australia has historically been a country of immigration, with each wave of immigration characterised by a different predominant country or region of origin. In 2023-24, overseas migration contributed a net gain of 445,640 people to the Australian population, with every state and territory recording a net gain. This is a significant increase from the 30,042 net overseas migration figure recorded in 1992-93.
In 2023, Australia was ranked as the top country for individuals seeking to work and live a high-quality life. The country's immigration policy has been a significant source of population gain, with skilled migration and family reunion programs being the largest components of immigration. Student visas are also a popular pathway to immigration, with the Australian government actively encouraging foreign students to study in the country.
The impact of immigration on Australia's population growth has been a subject of debate. On the one hand, migration boosts patenting in Australia, with a positive correlation between the employment of higher-educated migrants and regional patent applications. Australia had the second-highest share of migrants in the OECD in 2019, at 30% of the population.
However, some environmental movements argue that Australia, as the driest inhabited continent, cannot sustain its current rate of population growth without becoming overpopulated. Climate change is expected to deteriorate natural ecosystems, reducing the country's capacity to sustain a large population. Additionally, the Australia Institute has concluded that the increase in immigrants has contributed to the growth in domestic greenhouse gas emissions as their lifestyles align with the average Australian.
In summary, immigration has significantly impacted Australia's population growth, with both positive and negative consequences. While it has boosted patenting and contributed to a net population gain, there are concerns about the country's ability to sustain this growth due to environmental and emissions considerations.
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Frequently asked questions
As of June 2024, the country with the most immigrants to Australia is England, with 964,000 people. This is followed by India with 916,000 people, China with 700,000 people, and New Zealand with 618,000 people.
Immigrants account for 30% of Australia's population, or around 7,502,000 people as of 2020. This is the highest proportion among major Western nations.
The number of immigrants to Australia has generally increased over time. In 1891, 32% of the population was born overseas, decreasing to 10% in 1947 due to World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. Since then, the proportion has increased due to high levels of post-war migration. From 1954 to 2020, there was a steady increase in the overseas-born population, and the proportion rose from 23.8% in 2004 to 31.5% in 2024.
Australia has one of the highest immigration rates in the world and is considered the most receptive to immigration among Western nations. The Australian government actively encourages foreign students to study in the country and offers various visa pathways for immigrants, including skilled occupation visas, student visas, family visas, and working holiday visas.
The main sources of immigration to Australia vary by state and territory. As of the 2016 Census, Western Australia had the largest population of overseas-born individuals. New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania also have significant populations of overseas-born residents, with the top 10 countries of birth represented in each state.
