Highlights
- 140,366 permanent residency visas granted in 2019-20
- 70 per cent of PR visas were granted to skilled migrants
- 27 per cent increase in regional visas granted
The figures released by the Department of Home Affairs has revealed Australia’s permanent migrant intake fell to its lowest in the decade and by 12 per cent compared to 2018-19.
Australia granted 140,366 permanent residency visas in 2019-20, down from 160,300 in 2018-19.
The Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs said seventy per cent of the visas (95,843 visas) were granted through the skilled stream, including 4,109 places under the highly skilled Global Talent – Independent program, launched in November 2019.
There were 23,372 regional visas delivered, from the 25,000 places allocated. This compares to 18,308 regional visas granted in 2018-19 – an increase of 27 per cent.
The family program which includes partner and parent visas saw 41,961 visas granted with a majority 37,118 granted to partner visas.
‘Two-thirds of permanent visas were granted to individuals already in Australia who transitioned from a temporary visa to permanent residency,’ Acting Minister Tudge said.
2019-20 Migration Program Outcome Source: Department of Home Affairs
Indians emerge as top recipients of Australian permanent residency
India has once again emerged the top source of migrants to Australia, with 25,698 permanent residency visas granted to Indian citizens in 2019-20.
Of 25,698 PR visas granted to Indians, 22,170 were granted in the skilled stream, 3,226 were granted in the family stream, 5 were granted under special eligibility and 297 visas were granted to children.
China came in second with 18,587 visas and the United Kingdom ranked third-largest source of migrants with 10,681 visas. 
Top 10 countries of citizenship by stream, 2019–20 Migration Program Outcome Source: Department of Home Affairs
There were also 13,171 visas granted in the Humanitarian Program in 2019-20, including 4,765 visas (45 per cent) for those who were referred for settlement in regional areas.
The size and composition of the 2020-21 Migration and Humanitarian programs will be announced as part of the Budget process in October.
