Partner Visa:
Last year, the Department of Home Affairs flagged important changes affecting both offshore and onshore Partner visa applications as part of the 2020-2021 Federal Budget. Starting this November 2021, two new requirements, functional level of English language and pre-approval of Australian partner sponsor, for a Partner Visa will come into effect.
New English Language requirement
Under the new Partner visa program, both permanent resident sponsors and Partner visa applicants will need to satisfy the new English language requirements when they reach the Permanent stage of the Partner Visa application process (Subclass 100 or 801).
The sponsor and visa applicant will need to demonstrate that they have functional level English, or, if unable to do so, prove that they have made reasonable efforts to learn English. For the Department’s purposes, this may include the completion of 500 hours of free English language classes provided through the Adult Migration English Program (AMEP).
New Sponsorship application requirement
With the new family sponsorship framework, the Department must first approve the Australian partner as a sponsor before an application for a Partner visa can be made.
This means we can no longer lodge a Partner visa application and a sponsorship application at the same time.
The new framework aims to impose statutory obligations on the approved family sponsors, mandate character checks and standards for sponsors, and provide sanctions if sponsor obligations are not met.
We are here to help
Considering the upcoming changes to Australian Partner visa, we highlight the need to act quickly before the changes take effect!
Please reach out to us for assistance. We are experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyers who pride ourselves on achieving positive outcomes for our clients. This means that you can take comfort in knowing that your application will be handled professionally and with the maximum prospects of success.
If you have any questions regarding the above, or require any other immigration assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by phone on +61 7 3229 4025. We offer a competitive fixed price on all types of visa applications, which means that there are no hidden costs!
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