News

From 18 November 2016, Australian citizen and permanent resident Sponsors of Partner Visa and Prospective Marriage Visa applications (“a partner visa”), are subject to character testing.

The Migration Regulations 1994 contain pathways to permanent residency for people who have applied for a partner or a business skills visa and can prove that they have been the victim of family violence by their partner.

An application for a Partner (Temporary) visa is also an application for a Partner (Permanent) visa.

This article provides a short summary of the types of relationships that are recognized by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for many visa purposes, especially permanent visas. 

On 27 March 2010, the Department announced welcome changes to the definition of “long term partner relationship” under the partner visa scheme.

There are now strengthened policies aimed at protecting minors from high risk situations, such as when the sponsor has convictions for offences of a sexual or violent nature.