Although most Australia visas have remained unaffected, in May 2009 a number of alterations were made to Australia’s 457-visa programme. This will change the immigration policy for skilled workers within the travel, clerical and agricultural industries. Although the changes appear to be only minor, they are certain to affect applicants who are using their experience in these fields to obtain a visa.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, drew attention to sponsorship programmes and the need to create a balance between employing skilled migrant workers and Australian citizens. The changes have resulted in more strict regulations for sponsors who employ migrants. It is believed that the recent decline in the Australian economy has been the reason for the changes.

There is now concern that the continuing decrease in Australian employment opportunities will affect other sectors commonly open to skilled migrants. Currently people working in the medical profession are being sought to work in the less developed areas of the country, and this is seen as an industry that will be least affected by any changes.

It was recently reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics that 60 percent of recent immigrants had come from Britain, with 5.5 million Australian citizens having been born overseas. With over 230,000 emigrating from the UK to Australia in 2008, there are now 1.2 million Britons permanently residing in Australia, with the majority between the ages of 15 and 34. This, of course, is good news for applicants from the UK and shows a distinct trend of UK citizens’ visa applications being approved.