An important change to the spouse/fiancé visa application process is imminent

Two years in the making, the Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2016 was finally passed in the Parliament on 28 November 2018 and is currently awaiting royal assent (formal finalisation). This may take several days or longer. The final version of the bill is not yet available. Changes in regulations and policy will create more uncertainty still.

Of specific concern is that the sponsor part of partner and fiancé visa applications may have to be lodged and approved prior to visa applicants making their applications. That is, those who hold short term visas such as a 3-month visitor visa, may be unable to lodge their partner visa while they are still lawful and holding a visitor visa. This could potentially force applicants to become unlawful to avoid separation from their loved ones or force applicants to leave Australia and be separated from their partners for months or years before they are granted visas to return to Australia.

If you are ready to lodge your partner and fiancé visa applications, do so immediately without delay.