The Government will maintain the 2020-21 Migration Program planning level at 160,000. Family Stream places will increase from 47,732 to 77,300 places on a one-off basis for the 2020-21 Migration Program year, and Employer Sponsored, Global Talent, Business Innovation and Investment Program visas will be prioritised within the Skilled Stream. Onshore visa applicants and Partner visa applicants where the relevant sponsor resides in a designated regional area will also be prioritised for the 2020-21 Migration Program.

These changes will help maximise the economic benefits of the Migration Program, and enhance the responsiveness of the program to evolving health and economic challenges.

The increased number of places for Partner visas and the prioritisation of onshore migrants is expected to reduce receipts by $320.0 million over the forward estimates period, and the additional demands for English language services and income support by Partner migrants are expected to increase payments by $123.1 million over the forward estimates period. This is partially offset by reduced GST payments to the States and Territories of $55.0 million over the forward estimates period.

BUDGET UPDATE - PARTNER VISA - ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED FOR APPLICANT AND SPONSOR - STRICTER CHECKS OF SPONSORS

The Government will apply the family sponsorship framework to Partner visas which will mandate character checks and the sharing of personal information as part of a mandatory sponsorship application, and subject the sponsor to enforceable sponsorship obligations. These changes will complement existing family violence provisions within the Partner visa program.

The Government will introduce English language requirements for Partner visa applicants and their permanent resident sponsors. These changes will help support English language acquisition and enhance social cohesion and economic participation outcomes.

This measure is estimated to increase receipts by $4.9 million over the forward estimates period.