Federal Budget 2021: What is Means for You
Are you an considering applying for a partner visa? Contact Alan and the team today: 02 9635 5333
Changes to partner visas (subclass 820/801, 309/100) due to take effect later this year could significantly increase processing times for families and spouses trying to reunite. They may also place more conditions on both sponsors and visa applicants.
These changes will impact onshore partner visa applicants (subclasses 820 and 801), as well as offshore partner visa applicants (subclasses 309 and 100).
If you are considering applying for a partner visa don’t wait, do it now before these new rules come into effect.
Under the current process the sponsorship and visa applicant can be lodged and considered at the same time. That won’t be possible under the new rules. Sponsors will have to be approved first, then the visa candidate can lodge their application.
In addition, partner visa applicants must remain in Australia lawfully while the sponsorship is being considered by the Department of Home Affairs under the new rules. There is no indication by the Department of how long sponsorship approvals will take. So, if you are eligible and/or considering applying for a partner visa, do it now.
The Federal budget handed down on May 11 heralded good news for some visa applicants. The government said it plans to prioritise processing visas for thousands of people trapped outside the country whose partners are already in Australia.
At the same time, many will be disappointed by the Australian government’s decision to delay the re-opening of the nation’s borders by another 12 months, until the second half of 2022.
Partner Visa Applications | For more updates on Subclass 820/801 and 309/100 changes contact us today