Net Australian immigration is forecast to drop by 20 per cent this year, partly as a result of the worldwide economic downturn.The fall can also be partly attributed to changes the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have made to immigration procedures, such as tougher requirements for the Australian student visa. According to the DIAC, net overseas migration to Australia peaked in 2008-09 and is now on a downwards trend. The continuing economic turmoil is also thought to play a part in the expected immigration slowdown.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans said the country was being careful to issue temporary Australian visas only to those migrants who would fill skills-gaps: “Net overseas migration is already falling as reforms to the 457 visa program help to ensure that temporary overseas workers complement and not compete with Australian workers.” The Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported that migration rates reached an all-time high between March 2008 and March 2009 at nearly 306,000. The DIAC predicts that net overseas migration will fall this year to between 230,000 and 250,000.There will be a cap on some general skilled migration visas until July 2010 when the new Skilled Occupation List comes into effect. Skilled workers in many occupations are still able to move to Australia and are advised to speak to experienced immigration experts to ensure their visa applications are completed correctly.