Lyla Lindsey
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 has experienced successive waves of immigration over the past few centuries, with each wave characterized by a different predominant country or region of origin. The country has a range of visa programs to facilitate immigration, including skilled occupation visas, student visas, family visas, and working holiday visas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the most immigrants to Australia | England (964,000) |
| Second most common country of origin | India (916,000) |
| Third most common country of origin | China (700,000) |
| Fourth most common country of origin | 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 |
| Overall migration in 2022-23 | 739,000 |
| Net permanent and long-term arrivals in the 12 months to May 2024 | 482,450 |
| Types of visas | Skilled Occupation, Student, Family, Working Holiday |
| Australia's ranking among Western nations in terms of receptiveness to immigration | 1st |
| Australia's ranking in the world in terms of foreign-born population | 8th |
| Australia's ranking in the world in terms of foreign-born residents per capita | 11th |
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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, each wave characterized by a different predominant country or region of origin.
Net overseas migration has increased from 30,042 in 1992–93 to 178,582 in 2015–16, and 536,000 in 2022–23. In 2023-24, the number of migrant arrivals decreased to 667,000, down from 739,000 the year before. This equates to an annual decrease of 10%. The majority of arrivals in the five years before the pandemic arrived on temporary visas (307,000 on average per year compared to 92,000 on permanent visas). In 2023-24, temporary visa holders (465,000) recorded lower volumes than the previous year (557,000). However, permanent visa holder arrivals (91,000) recorded higher volumes.
The largest components of immigration are skilled migration and family reunion programs. In 2023, BCG ranked Australia as the top country of destination for individuals seeking to work and live a high-quality life. Australian working visas are most commonly granted to highly skilled workers, who are assessed against a points-based system. These visas are often sponsored by individual states or Australian businesses.
There are a range of views in the Australian community on the composition and level of immigration, and the effects of varying the level of immigration and population growth. Some environmental movements believe that as the driest inhabited continent, Australia cannot sustain its current rate of population growth without becoming overpopulated. There are concerns about the impact of population growth on climate change, natural ecosystems, and the capacity to sustain a large population. On the other hand, in the 1990s, the former Federal Treasurer Peter Costello stated that Australia is underpopulated due to a low birth rate, and that negative population growth will have adverse long-term effects on the economy as the population ages and the labour market becomes less competitive.
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Australia's skilled migration program
Australia has long been described as a traditional country of immigration, with each wave of immigration over the past few centuries characterised by a different predominant country or region of origin. In recent years, Australia's skilled migration program has become a significant component of immigration to the country. The program is designed to attract highly skilled workers who can make a substantial contribution to the Australian economy and fill positions where there is a shortage of Australian workers.
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program offers skilled visas to individuals or families looking to permanently migrate to Australia. These visas are typically points-tested and can be independent, state/territory sponsored, or family-sponsored permanent visas. The Skilled Occupation List determines which occupations are eligible to apply for permanent residency through the GSM program. Qualified and experienced migrants from around the world are in demand in Australia to fill certain skill shortages, particularly in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The ACT Critical Skills List identifies the occupations in current demand in the ACT, and successful applicants are obligated to live and work in Canberra for at least two years.
The Australian Government actively encourages foreign students to study in Australia and offers various categories of student visas, most of which require a confirmed offer from an educational institution. Additionally, working holiday visas are residence permits that allow travellers to undertake employment or study to supplement their education. Family visas are also commonly granted, with several options available, including Contributory Parent visas, Child visas, and Partner visas.
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$20.34 $35
Family reunion visas
Australia has seen successive waves of immigration over the past few centuries, with each wave characterised by a different predominant country or region of origin. One of the largest components of immigration to Australia is family reunion programs. Refugees previously resettled in Australia or those granted permanent protection can apply for their family to join them in Australia through the country's Offshore Humanitarian Program.
There are a number of different types of family reunion visas available, including:
- Contributory Parent Visas
- Child Visa
- Partner Visas
The Community Support Program is another option for family reunification. This program allows communities, businesses, families, and individuals to sponsor applicants with job prospects and support them in settling in Australia. It is important to note that there are costs involved with this option, and the demand for family reunification under this program is very high, which may result in significant delays in processing times.
Another option for family reunification is through regular Migration Programs outside the Humanitarian Program. Refugees can sponsor family members through this stream, and an example of a visa in this category is the partner visa and child visa. However, applying for this visa will incur costs, and there may be long delays in processing times due to the limited number of visas available for refugees each year.
It is recommended to seek legal advice or consult migration agents to understand the most suitable pathway for family reunion visas and navigate the application process.
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Student visas
Australia has historically encouraged immigration for permanent settlement, which has been essential for the country's founding and development. In recent years, Australia has been ranked as the top country for individuals seeking to work and live a high-quality life. The country has also been described as the most receptive to immigration among western nations.
One of the ways to immigrate to Australia is through a student visa. The Australian government actively encourages foreign students to study in the country. There are several categories of student visas, most of which require a confirmed offer from an educational institution. Here is a simple guide on how to apply for a student visa:
- Choose an educational institution and apply for a course: Once your course application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer from your chosen educational provider. This letter will include your course details, enrolment conditions, and fees. Read the letter carefully and understand your rights, including refund arrangements.
- Meet the health and character requirements: The Australian government requires all international students to be in good health. You may need to undergo a health examination and meet certain character requirements. In some cases, you may also need to provide a police background check.
- Prepare the required documents: You will need to include a copy of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in your student visa application as proof of your registration in the course. If your course is taught in English, you may need to provide a certificate of results from an approved English language test to prove your proficiency in the language.
- Apply for the student visa: You can apply for the student visa online using the ImmiAccount. You do not need an agent to lodge your application, but you can seek professional immigration assistance from a registered migration agent or legal practitioner if needed.
It is important to note that the requirements and application process for student visas may change, so it is recommended to check the Department of Home Affairs' Student Visa website for the most up-to-date information.
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Australia's population growth
Australia's population has grown by an average of 1.4% per year over the past 3 decades, from 17.8 million in 1994 to 27.2 million in 2024. Net overseas migration has been the primary driver of this growth, with an increase from 47,000 people in 1993-94 to 435,000 in 2023-24. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a net outflow of migrants in 2020-21, but the easing of international border restrictions in 2022 led to a recovery in population growth.
In 2023-24, overseas migration contributed a net gain of 445,640 to 446,000 people to Australia's population. Every state and territory recorded a net gain, with Victoria leading at 132,860, followed by Western Australia, which is forecast to be the fastest-growing jurisdiction due to elevated net overseas migration. The top countries of birth for migrant arrivals in 2023-24 were India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Net overseas migration has been a significant source of population gain for Australia, with more people migrating to the country than leaving each year. Historically, Australia, Canada, and the United States are considered traditional countries of immigration, encouraging settlement on a large scale essential for their founding and development.
Population growth in Australia has sparked debates about its impact on the environment and infrastructure. Some argue that Australia, as the driest inhabited continent, cannot sustain its current growth rate without becoming overpopulated, leading to a decline in natural ecosystems and increased greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, immigration is seen as a solution to Australia's ageing population, boosting the economy and filling gaps in the labour market.
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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, China with 700,000, and New Zealand with 618,000.
As of 2024, immigrants account for 30% of the population in Australia, which equates to around 7,502,000 people.
Australia has one of the highest immigration rates in the world, both in terms of total numbers and per capita. In 2015, it had the 8th highest foreign-born population, with the United States in first place.
There are several types of visas that immigrants to Australia can use, including skilled occupation visas, student visas, family visas, and working holiday visas.
