Major changes announced for family visa applicants in Australia

·

The Morrison Government is making further changes to the Family visa program to support applicants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

From early 2021, the Government will allow certain Family visas which have been applied for outside Australia, to be granted while the visa applicant is in Australia. 

This temporary concession will be for people who are in Australia and are not able to travel offshore to be granted the visa due to COVID-19 related border closures.

READ MORE: Citizenship appointments resume in all states and territories.

The Government estimates the change will benefit about 4000 visa applicants currently in Australia, predominately Partner applicants.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge, said the changes would be temporary.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge, said the changes would be temporary and will be reviewed in line with any changes to Australia’s international travel restrictions.

“These are common sense changes to reduce the impact that the travel restrictions are having on our immigration program,” Mr Tudge said.

READ MORE: Migrants to Australia required to learn English to be granted a permanent visa.

“Importantly, this will allow a foreign national who is a partner of an Australian citizen to progress their visa, without having to leave the country. 

“I know this will be a relief to those Australians who were concerned that their loved one may have to leave the country with no certainty as to when they could return.”

These changes are in addition to the Government’s decision to almost double the number of Partner visa places in 2020-21.

It is expected that three quarters of these visas will go to those already onshore, with the increase in numbers addressing nearly all the present applicants awaiting for finalisation of their visa.

READ MORE: Since when does speaking English determine your worth?’ Community reacts to compulsory English learning.

The temporary concession to allow applicants to remain in Australia to progress their visa will apply to the following Family visa subclasses:

  • Partner (subclass 309) visa
  • Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa
  • Child (subclass 101) visa
  • Adoption (subclass 102) visa
  • Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa

Further information will be made available in early 2021 on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari commit early to Australia’s United Cup 2025

Greece’s [12] Stefanos Tsitsipas and[9] Maria Sakkari, China’s [7] Zheng Qinwen and Norway’s [9] Casper Ruud have committed to United Cup.

Kayla Itsines opens up on pregnancy and motherhood

The founder of BBG and the Sweat app, Itsines has shifted from her earlier intense workout focus to a more holistic approach to fitness.

Greek Australian university students flocked to Melbourne for annual NUGAS Gala Ball

On Sunday, September 1, the National Union of Greek Australian Students (NUGAS) hosted its annual Gala Ball at Crown in Melbourne, Victoria.