To take tougher measures against population growth, permanent immigration visas will wait longer and longer, not only for family visas but also for employer-sponsored visas.
Companies have warned that the two main parties are "playing with fire" because they have shut down employee corridors that contribute to the economy.
In the year to June, the number of family visa applications, including couples married to Australians, fell to 125000, but only 47000 were approved, with thousands waiting for a final decision.
The number of skilled immigrant visa applications fell to 145000 during the year, but only 111000 were approved, underscoring how many employers are likely to lose overseas workers.
In the year to June 30, Interior Secretary Dutton (Peter Dutton) cut the number of permanent immigrants from 183608 to 162417, cutting the number of skilled immigrants and family visas.
"I want to make sure that we review every application carefully so that we can have the best immigrants," Darden said last week.
Fairfax Media surveyed the number of applications for the past year and was told that the number of home visa applications fell by 12.6 percent, while the number for skilled immigrants dropped 17.7 percent.
Government said the rejection rate increased 46 percent as a result of a "greater emphasis on integrity," and applications for withdrawal increased 17 percent, but the most approved rate was about the same.
The figures reveal the hidden side of the government`s tougher stance on permanent residency, with many applicants waiting for permanent residency decisions in Australia on other visas.
Both parties have stepped up language aimed at foreign workers, opposition party chieftain Schotton accused the government of inaction against the 1.6 million overseas workers who have the right to work in Australia.
"the government didn`t want to talk about people who came to Australia with temporary work visas and the growing problems they brought, and they didn`t do anything about it," he said.
James Pearson (James Pearson), chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said companies and jobs faced the risk of "skills shortages" from visa reform.
"they are inciting unfounded fears among some people in the community that skilled immigrants will take Australian jobs," Pearson said.
Australians have the right to give their spouses a visa, but are often asked to wait more than a year, while the Home Office says 75 percent of applications are processed within 23 months and 90 percent within 32 months.
Carla Wilshere (Carla Wilshire), chairman of the Migration Board, said cuts to permanent immigration programs could create a backlog, prolong waiting times for family and employer visas, and create uncertainty and insecurity.
"in general, the recent changes to our immigration framework have the potential to create a large number of permanent temporary immigrants who are unable to acquire citizenship or settle in Australian communities," Wilshere said.
Former Deputy Secretary of Immigration and Australian Immigration Program Public Service Medal winner Rizway (Abul Rizvi) said the trend was a sign that the system was "in trouble."
"the cuts in this program will indeed lead to extended family visa times," Rizway said.
"We will see these three scenarios: more spouse applicants will enter the country through a tourist visa and then apply for a spouse visa within the country; an increasing number of employers will allow employees to hold short-term visas first and then apply for work visas in the country; "more students, former 457 visas and working vacation visas will be forced to find other ways to stay or eventually leave."
In Australia, the number of people holding bridge visas is about two hundred thousand, which will rise as a result of government`s approach, Mr. Rizway said.
