The second addendum to the 11th edition of The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs paper is now available. 

The second addendum is complementary to the 11th edition and first addendum publications. It provides updated figures and information on the management of Australia’s immigration program, with data updated to the end of Quarter 2 of the 2023-24 program year (31 December 2023). 

Key highlights from the paper

Migration Strategy

• The Australian Government has taken significant steps forward in reforming Australia’s migration system as outlined in the Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023.
• To achieve the objectives set out in the Migration Strategy, the Government is delivering on 8 key actions, supported by 25 new policy initiatives in addition to existing commitments made by the Government. 
• These reforms will ensure Australia’s migration system is better targeted to build on our economic prosperity and security. 

75 years of Australian Citizenship

• Over 6 million people from 200 countries welcomed as Australian citizens since 1949, marking 75th anniversary.
• From 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023, a 13% increase in citizenship by conferral applications finalised compared to the same period in 2022.​
• In December 2023, a 14% improvement in average processing time for citizenship application decisions compared to December 2022.
• Of the 42,447 applications submitted between 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023, 15,937 applications have been approved under the new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens.

Stronger Humanitarian Program

• 2022-2023 Refugee and Humanitarian program delivered in full with 17,875 visas granted. The 2023-2024 program has been increased to 20​,000 places.
• 12,937 Subclass 851 Resolution of Status (RoS) visas granted as at 31 December 2023, providing a permanent visa pathway for Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV) visa holders. 

Addressing skill and labour shortages

• Over 26,000 new applications for temporary skilled visa applications since 1 July 2023.
• 34 Aged Care Industry Labour Agreements in effect as at 5 January 2024.
• Designated Area Migration Agreements in effect increased by over 90% as at 31 December 2023, compared to 2022.
• 13,073 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM) visas granted as at 31 December 2023.
• From 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023, 122,388 Working Holiday Maker visas granted.

Visitor visas supporting tourism​

• 1​3.3% increase in Visitor visa holders compared to 2022.
• From 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023, a 40% increase in Visitor visa application lodgements and 28% increase in finalisations, compared to the same period in 2022. 

The Department’s management of Australia’s immigration program anticipates and responds to changes in the international environment, in a way that delivers for workers, businesses and all Australians.​​

For a copy of the paper and previous editions, visit The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs Paper.