In addition to indicating introduction of new requirement to learn English language for partner visa applicants and their sponsors from late 2021, the Government has also indicated some changes to the Partner visa framework to protect the visa applicants against family violence.
These changes are aimed at countering family violence by assessing Partner visa sponsor against character and sponsorship obligations, which would need to have been approved before a Partner visa application can be made. In addition, the sponsors will be required to agree to their character checks, including information on charges and convictions of a violent nature, being shared with their partner before the visa application can be lodged.
The Hon Alan Tudge MP, Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, said, “The changes build on existing provisions in Australia’s migration laws to allow provisional Partner visa or Prospective Marriage visa holders who experience family violence to continue with their permanent visa application even if their relationship breaks down.”
The new English language requirements, where partner visa applicants and their sponsors will be required to meet functional English requirements or demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to learn English, also aim to support women and migrant families in Australia.
