Perth – (08) 6260 2340|Christchurch – (03) 741 4401|Manila – (02) 8231 2550|[email protected]

Changes to Australia's Partner Visa Program this November 2021

Introduction of the English Language Requirement for Partner Visa Applicants and Permanent Resident Sponsors | New Sponsorship Framework for the Partner Visa Program

The Department of Home Affairs will commence the new reforms of Australia’s Partner visa program this November 2021.

Introduction of the English Language Requirement for Partner Visa Applicants and Permanent Resident Sponsors*

The Partner visa applications now do not require an English language requirement.

However, the new English language requirement will apply to primary and secondary Partner visa applicants aged 18 to retirement age and sponsors who are permanent residents.

Key point:

  • Permanent resident sponsors will need to meet the English language requirements as part of the sponsorship assessment that corresponds to the new sponsorship framework for the partner visa program.
  • Applications for Partner visas are processed in two stages. Only Partner visa applicants will need to meet the English language requirement at the stage (permanent) of the visa process – often two years after the provisional Partner visa application is lodged.

On the provisional visa, partners will be permitted to travel and stay in Australia. Also, they can access government-funded Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) classes to improve their English.

This new English language requirement will be introduced to the Partner program on November 2021 and will apply to the applications lodged on or after the date of implementation.

New Sponsorship Framework for the Partner Visa Program* 

Currently, the sponsorship and Partner visa applications are lodged at the same time.

The new sponsorship framework set out in the Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Act 2018 to the Partner visa program requires the sponsorship to be approved before their partners apply for the Partner visa.

This new framework will:

  • separate the sponsorship and visa application processes;
  • support information disclosure relating to domestic and family violence to the sponsor or the applicant; and,
  • enable sanctions to be imposed on sponsors who breach sponsorship obligations.

In the pre-approval stage, the two processes are likely to increase the timeframe for the Partner visas. Also, this change will impact the onshore applicants (subclass 820) adversely as they will be restricted from lodging their visa application until their sponsor has been approved.

Key points:

  • Partner visa sponsorship application will need to be lodge first and be approved before lodging your partner visa application
  • If you cannot lodge the visa application or your visa expires without an approved Partner visa sponsorship, you will not be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to stay lawfully in Australia.
  • Suppose you are not granted a BVA. You must leave Australia before your current visa expires then wait for the partner visa sponsorship application to be approved first before lodging the partner visa application. However, even if your Partner visa sponsorship application is granted, you may need to request a travel exemption to enter Australia due to border restrictions if you wish to lodge the application onshore.

Origin Migration strongly advises that you settle your Partner visa requirements and applications before November to avoid unnecessary circumstances.

*May be subject to change depending on the actual government implementation. We will keep you posted for further immigration updates.

Source: Department of Home Affairs

Origin Migration

Origin Migration

Stay tuned for more blogs! Interested about Australian visas? Email us now at [email protected].

Leave A Comment

ORIGIN MIGRATION

Origin Migration offers immigration services tailored to Filipinos subclass 457 visa holder, conducting its operation to high commercial and ethical standards required by Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection and other government department and concerned agencies.

Origin Migration

Contact us Now!

Don’t hesitate, it’s free!

ABOUT ORIGIN MIGRATION

Origin Migration offers immigration services tailored to Filipinos subclass 457 visa holder, conducting its operation to high commercial and ethical standards required by Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection and other government department and concerned agencies.

Inspiring Individuals.
Empowering Your Future.
Celebrate Success!

SOCIAL

YOUR INFO IS PROTECTED

@2020 Origin Migration and Education Visa Specialists.