Partner visas: sponsor framework and English coming late 2021; electronic passenger cards; COVID-19 visa refunds and waivers

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Partner visas: sponsor framework and English coming late 2021; electronic passenger cards; COVID-19 visa refunds and waivers

Late 2021 is when the partner visa sponsorship framework and English requirements will commence. Sponsors must be approved before a valid partner visa application can be lodged. Incoming passenger cards will be replaced by Digital Passenger Declarations in the near future. Visa application charge refunds and waivers are available for some temporary visa holders whose travel to Australia has been affected by COVID-19 border closures.

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COVID-19: Hundreds of thousands stranded Australian temporary visa holders and the lucky few allowed to enter

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COVID-19: Hundreds of thousands stranded Australian temporary visa holders and the lucky few allowed to enter

Of the 5.1 million temporary visas holders outside Australia as of 31 May 2020, roughly 255,000 temporary residents including 25,000 temporary sponsored workers or their family members were stuck overseas. As only 10,000 travel exemptions were granted up to 22 June 2020, most of which were for transiting passengers, it is an unfortunate situation that many temporary visa holders may see their visas expire without being able to return to Australia.

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Student visas offshore processing resumes but borders remain closed; COVID-19 affected students to renew for free and other benefits

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Student visas offshore processing resumes but borders remain closed; COVID-19 affected students to renew for free and other benefits

To shore up the education sector and to reassure existing and prospective international students, offshore student visa processing will re-commence despite Australia’s borders still closed to most if not all international students. Furthermore, current and future student visa holders who require a further student visa because of COVID-19 will not be required to pay an application fee. Other benefits for COVID-19-affected 485 visa applicants including counting online study, the ability to lodge their application while offshore and additional time to provide evidence of English language ability.

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