Changes were introduced in late 2020 or early 2021 to support Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa holders, former visa holders and visa applicants unable to enter Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

On 29 October 2021, further extensions of visa validity periods and VAC refunds were introduced. These support Prospective Marriage visa holders who continue to face difficulties entering Australia due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions.

Visa Extensions

• On 10 December 2020, Prospective Marriage visa holders or former visa holders outside Australia on that day and who held a Prospective Marriage visa at any time between 6 October 2020 and 10 December 2020 had their visa validity period extended to 31 March 2022.
• On 29 October 2021, Prospective Marriage visa holders who held a subclass 300 visa and were outside Australia on 15 September 2021 had their visa validity period extended to 31 December 2022.

Visa Application Charge (VAC) refunds for those whose visas were extended

Refunds are being provided where COVID-19 related travel restrictions have impacted the ability of the visa holder to travel to Australia and marry their partner.

If your Prospective Marriage visa validity period was extended on 10 December 2020, the payer of your VAC might be able to request a refund if:

• you have not travelled to Australia after 10 December 2020 as a holder of this visa; and
• at the time of request for the refund, either:
• Your visa has ceased to be in effect or was cancelled at your request; or
• If your visa is currently in effect, you have asked the Minister to cancel your visa.

If your Prospective Marriage visa validity period was extended as part of the changes introduced on 29 October 2021, the payer of your VAC may request a refund if:

• you held a Prospective Marriage visa and were outside Australia on 15 September 2021; and
• you have not travelled to Australia after 15 September 2021 as a holder of this visa; and
• at the time of request for the refund, your visa has ceased as you asked the Minister to cancel your visa.

Generally, a refund request can only be made by the person shown as the ‘payer’ on the original VAC receipt. Refund requests must be made by 31 December 2022.

VAC refunds are not available if:

• your Prospective Marriage visa was cancelled by the Minister (unless you have requested for it to be cancelled), or
• you had lodged an application for a Partner (subclass 801) visa and paid a reduced VAC because you held a Prospective Marriage visa, or
• at the time your visa ceased, you or your sponsor had advised the Department that you no longer intend to marry.

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Source: Australian Government | Department of Home Affairs