Partner Migration - Changes to Sponsorship from 1 July 2017

After the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) introduced changes to Partner visa sponsorship requirements in November 2016 (where DIBP reserves the right to request a Sponsor to provide an Australian police clearance certificate as evidence of their good character), DIBP has now announced plans to significantly change the Partner Migration process as soon as this year.

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DIBP would also require that the sponsorship be approved before a Partner visa application could be lodged.

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This may have a major impact on on-shore applicants and their ability to lodge a Partner visa application in situations where there is a visa expiring and timing is critical.

DIBP advises that they intend to process sponsorship applications ‘within 3 weeks’ unless there are sponsorship or character issues of concern.

If you are eligible for a Partner (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) or Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa to Australia and you are considering applying, we would highly recommend ensuring you lodge prior to 1 July 2017 in order to avoid these changes.

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Heenan and Browne Visa and Migration Services is happy to provide an assessment on your eligibility for Partner Migration, as well as advice and assistance with lodgement. If you are a sponsor with a relevant offence and/or significant criminal record, we recommend speaking with a Migration Agent before submitting a Partner application.