Latest Visa Figure Updates

Recently, the Australian Government issued an addendum to the eleventh edition of the

Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs. This document showcases figures and statistics relating to Australia’s immigration program and offers valuable insights and trends in this domain. The updated addendum provides information dated up to August 31 2023, marking the first dissemination of information for the 2023-2024 financial year. Here at AustraliaMigrate, we have compiled a selection of some of the most intriguing insights from this release.

Increased Visa Refusal Rates

Our current visa refusal rate stands at approximately 8%, marking a doubling of the rate compared to the 2020-21 fiscal year. This rise can be attributed to the finalisation of visa applications submitted either before or during the pandemic. The increased rejections are suggested to be primarily a result of the following factors: 

• Change in Circumstances: This includes situations where applicants no longer have intentions to travel to Australia.
• Socioeconomic Conditions: There has been a decline in the quality of visa applications from Australia’s main source countries due to changes in socioeconomic conditions.
• Enhanced Risk Management: The implementation of more robust risk management measures, including the establishment of specialised risk and integrity units during the pandemic, has contributed to higher rejection rates.
• Government Crackdown: Some of these rejections may also be linked to the government’s efforts to combat fraudulent activity in the visa application process.

Student Visas Have More than Doubled

One major revelation in the document pertains to the significant growth in student visa applications, surpassing the 50% mark. To be specific, there have been approximately 247,000 additional lodgments and finalisations, signifying a major 59.9% increase. However, to counteract this surge is the considerably higher visa refusal rate, which currently stands at approximately 18%. This has doubled compared to the preceding financial year’s statistics. This upward trend in rejections is suggested to be attributed to an upswing in non-genuine and fraudulent activities within the visa application space. Malpractice in this area has consequently resulted in a reduced grant rate, which is reflected in the higher refusal rate and serves as a noteworthy insight that showcases the ever-changing landscape of Australian immigration.

Working Holiday Visas Have Surged

A striking trend illuminated in the data is the remarkable surge in Working Holiday Maker visas. The figures reveal an astonishing jump of nearly 150% when comparing the financial years from 2021-22 to 2023-24. This period witnessed the successful lodgment and finalisation of approximately 79,000 additional visas, marking a resurgence that has finally eclipsed the pre-pandemic levels. The significance of this growth extends beyond mere statistics; it underscores the role of these visas in promoting cultural exchange and fostering interpersonal connections between young adults from Australia and a diverse array of 47 countries.

A parallel revelation within this context is the noteworthy decline in the refusal rate for these visas. During the pandemic, the refusal rate hovered around 3%, a figure that has now dwindled to less than 1%. This signifies a favourable shift in the visa application sphere, indicating a greater acceptance of Working Holiday Makers. These insights serve as a testament to the program’s enduring appeal and its pivotal role in facilitating international cultural exchange.

Bridging Visas Nearly Halved

There has been a significant and noticeable change in the numbers of those on bridging visas over the past 12 months. With ~163000 fewer than the previous year. This negative change of 46.5% indicates an increase in the number of finalised onshore visa applications. This shows that the number of bridging visa holders has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

A remarkable shift in the dynamics of bridging visas has come to the forefront over the past 12 months. The statistics indicate a substantial reduction of approximately 163,000 visa holders compared to the preceding year, amounting to a notable 46.5% decline. What this data conveys is a pronounced increase in the finalisation of onshore visa applications. This transformation highlights that the amount of individuals holding bridging visas has reverted to levels akin to the pre-pandemic era. The decrease in bridging visa holders signals a shift in the immigration sphere, possibly reflecting more efficient processing or a shift in the types of visas being pursued.

The evolving dynamics of Australia’s immigration landscape underscore the complexities that applicants face when navigating the visa process. The statistics we’ve explored reveal both challenges and opportunities. The changes explored emphasise that the path to securing a visa remains a challenging journey. At AustraliaMigrate, we understand the intricacies of this process, and we’re here to guide you through the maze of regulations and requirements. Our expertise can help you navigate the complex visa world, ensuring your best chance of success. So, when you’re ready to embark on your immigration journey, remember – visas can be challenging, but when you contact us at AustraliaMigrate, they don’t have to be.