Australia Family Visa- Expected Changes in 2021

In Oct 2020, the government of Australia had announced some possible changes in several visa streams, including Australia family visa class. The changes will implement soon in 2021.

Let’s take a look at all possible changes for Family Class and Partner Visa stream in 2021.

In November, the Morris government announced some temporary changes to the Family Visa program to support the COVID-19 crisis applicants. The changes will come into effect in the first half of 2021. As per the changes, selected family class visa applicants who have already lodged visas offshore will no longer to travel overseas to get their visa grants.

This way candidates can continue holding their visas despite their inability to travel to Australia due to the border closures and international travel restrictions.

The government announced that the latest changes will allow at least 4, 000 applicants currently living in Australia, especially those who have applied for offshore partner visas (Subclass 309/100).

The government announced that the migration program level would remain at 160,000 for the 2020-21 program year. There will be changes in the distribution of quota. The family stream will increase from 47,732 places to 77,300.

The changes will make it easier for applicants who are partners of Australia residents or citizens to apply for a partner visa or Australia immigration without leaving the country.

The concession is allowed under the following visa categories:

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

The Morrison government has now introduced a requirement for partner visa applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English while applying for the visa. The requirement applies to all applicants who are passport holders of countries other than Australia, UK, USA, Ireland, Canada or New Zealand. Applicants must undertake a test to prove their skills in the language or they can take at least 510 hours of free classes conducted by Adult Migration English Program. The aim is to promote social cohesion and economic participation.

Apart from this, the government will perform mandatory character checks on the sponsor to reduce the risk of family violence.

Want to apply for Australia Family Visa? Get in touch with our expert team and get the best advice on your family migration.

To know more information, you can connect with us on 8595338595 or drop an email at web@abhinav.com.