Australia limits the number of immigrants who can move to the country each year. This ensures that Australians and immigrants alike have a fair shot at jobs. For instance, in 2008 Australian immigration minister Chris Evans stated that the financial crisis could cause them to lower the immigrant quota for 2009 due to limited jobs. Australia has no limit on the number of student immigrants each year, whose visas allow them to stay only for the duration of their studies. While quotas vary by year, Australia typically accepts 100,000 to 200,000 non-student immigrants each year; for instance, in 2010 the quota was 168,700.
Work visa applicants must pass a points test to ensure they have the qualifications necessary to obtain visas. Age, academic qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency and personal ties to Australia all have points values that must add up to 120 for skilled migrant visas. Those with prearranged jobs in Australia need 100 points. People who are short by 20 points or fewer can still apply for visas and wait in a reserve pool until Australia changes its immigration policy.
Australia requires work visa applicants to submit evidence of job skills for approval before applying for visas. This ensures that immigrants have the job skills needed to succeed in Australia. It also aids the Australian economy by allowing the government to hand-pick applicants with skills the country needs. Applicants must choose their career field from Australia's Skilled Occupation Lists and send academic transcripts and work references to the government to prove that they are qualified workers.
Australia does not accept immigrants with certain health conditions. The government requires visa applicants to have health examinations with approved panel doctors to rule out dangerous or expensive illnesses. Visa applicants with tuberculosis are never approved unless they undergo successful treatment, according to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The government looks at other serious conditions, such as AIDS, on an individual basis. This keeps Australia free of highly contagious diseases and prevents immigrants from burdening Australian health care.
