For Partner Visa applicants, the Australian Federal Budget 2020-21 has delivered some good news. The number of spots available under the Partner Visa program has been increased in the Budget to 72,300 (up from 47,000) in 2020-21. Furthermore, the Budget has said that applicants who are onshore will receive priority processing. In addition, if the sponsor lives in one of Australia’s areas, authorities will give him or her priority processing.

However, there is some bad news as well. Another adjustment made in the Partner Visa as a result of the Budget is the English Language Requirement. New candidates for Partner Visas, as well as their Permanent Resident sponsors, will be required to demonstrate a functional level of English beginning in late 2021. Alternatively, they must show that they made a reasonable effort to learn English.

How do they manage to do this? One option is to enroll in the Adult Migration English Program and complete 500 hours of free English language classes (AMEP). The Australian government recently lifted restrictions on migrants’ access to free English classes through the AMEP program, allowing individuals to attend for as many hours as they need to achieve vocational English.

Before being awarded a permanent visa, the government expects applicants to complete these requirements. Provisional partner visas usually have a two-year waiting period before being finalized. During this time, applicants can improve their English skills. The government encourages candidates to enhance their English language abilities in order to increase their economic involvement and career opportunities, as well as to lessen their vulnerability to domestic violence and workplace abuse.

Details regarding Australian Visa Pathways for Spouses

Onshore Visas

You can apply for Subclass 820 if you’re onshore and married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or eligible NZ citizen. This is only the first step; after two years from the date of your application, the visa authorities will need additional proof of your ongoing relationship.

If you have all of the necessary documentation and the authorities believe your connection is real, you will be given Subclass 801, which is a permanent Partner Visa.

Offshore Visas

Subclass 309 is a provisional partner visa for offshore applicants who are married to (or in a de facto relationship with) an Australian permanent resident or citizen, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. The 309 visa allows the spouse or de facto partner to live in Australia.

The stay is just temporary and will end when the Permanent Partner Visa is granted (Subclass 100).

After two years, the applicant will be required to present supporting documentation, much like in the onshore process. They will be granted the Permanent Partner Visa if their application is approved (subclass 100).

Prospective Marriage Visas

Offshore applicants who are engaged to marry an Australian citizen, PR, or qualified New Zealand citizen can apply for a fiance visa in Australia.

The subclass 309 visa allows applicants to enter the country and marry their partners within nine months of receiving the visa. Applicants can apply for an Onshore Partner Visa after this term expires (as above).

Important Things to Note

It is not enough to be in a relationship with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible New Zealand citizen to qualify for a Partner Visa. Applicants must be able to construct a logical, consistent, and authentic timeline of their relationship, highlighting significant life events. Documents, bills, bank statements, and other formal proofs are important. Documents must be updated till the visa is issued.