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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COVID-19: Lifting travel restrictions for international students slated for consideration in July 2020

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COVID-19: Lifting travel restrictions for international students slated for consideration in July 2020

As Australia begins to lift restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, step 3 of the roadmap unveiled late last week, which is hoped to be implemented in July 2020, includes considering allowing international students to enter Australia and travel with New Zealand and unspecified Pacific Island nations.

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COVID-19: Temporary workers to access super early; WHMs to self-isolate and register before regional work; 457/482 workers to be allowed to work part-time for sponsor

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COVID-19: Temporary workers to access super early; WHMs to self-isolate and register before regional work; 457/482 workers to be allowed to work part-time for sponsor

Major temporary changes were announced yesterday to a raft of visa programs to support critical industries that may be affected during the coronavirus pandemic and temporary visa holders in Australia. This includes early access to superannuation for all temporary visa holders, exemptions to the 6-month work limitation for working holiday makers in some sectors and the possibility of renewal should their visa expire in the next six months, and the ability for sponsored workers to work part-time.

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