Published On :  
July 18, 2023
Proposed Changes For PARTNER VISAS Permanent Stage (SC100/820)

PARTNER VISAS -Subclass 100/801-English requirements

Proposed Changes For PARTNER VISAS Permanent Stage (SC100/820)

Recently The federal government announced proposed significant changes in partner visa (Permanent Stage) eligibility. This changes not implemented yet and most probably it will come in effect at the middle/ end of 2021.

What are the proposed changes?

Applicants and Sponsor will be required to pass the English language requirement only for Permanent stage partner visa (subclass 100/801).

Whilst the level of English is not yet determined, it most likely is a basic English test. The applicant may need to show functional English (IELTS band score 4.5. no less than 4 on each band).

Who will not get affected by these changes?

    • Applicants for prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300)

    • Applicants for partner (Provisional-Offshore) visa (Subclass 309)

    • Applicants for partner (Provisional-Onshore) visa (Subclass 820)

    • Couples who meet the long-term relationship usually granted the Subclass 801 visa Partner visa without waiting for two years on the temporary visa. In this case, the language requirement might not be applicable.

    • Passport holders from the USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand or Ireland, my get exemptions

    • Australian Citizen Sponsor

An alternative way to meet these requirements!

    • All temporary partner visa holder eligible for 500 hours of English language classes through the Adult Migration English Program (AMEP). Completion of this course may pass the English test. How worried should you be?

    • The proposed requirement will have to be met at the time of the granting of the permanent visa (Subclass 100/801).

    • Applications could be lodge without English requirements

    • Applicants can apply and granted provisional partner visa (Subclass 309/820) and prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300) without English requirements

Most partner visas are a provisional visa of two years before becoming eligible for a permanent visa. Therefore, the applicant will have the chance to develop their English while they are on their provisional partner visas.

Provisional partner visa holders in Australia may complete their AMEP courses to meet the English requirements.

Why this changes?

These new measures will provide further opportunity for migrants to maximize their career opportunities, social integration in Australia.

What you could/should do?

    • If you are already eligible for the permanent stage partner visa, lodge your application as soon as possible before proposed changes come in effect.

    • Develop your English skills through AMEP(if available) courses while on your provisional partner visa

Announced Priority processing

    • Onshore visa applications will get priority over offshore applications.

    • The sponsor who lives in a regional area, their spouse visa application will be given priority.