2020 - 2021 Federal Budget for Australian Migration

Migration Program Planning Levels for 2020 - 2021

On 06 October 2020, the Federal Budget was announced with information relating to the 2020 - 2021 migration program. The Australian migration program planning levels will be maintained at the same ceiling at 160,000 places. 

Changes to Family and Partner Visa Program

As opposed to traditionally focusing on skilled migration, the Government will be placing an emphasis on the family stream visas by increasing the migration program planning level from 47,732 to 77,300 for 2020-2021

Out of the 77,300 places, 72,300 places will be for Partner visas, 4,500 places for Parent visas and 500 places for other family visas.

English Language Requirements for Partner Visa Applicants

The announcements revealed a change to the partner visa program where you will need to demonstrate a functional level of English, which can be in the form of an English language examination or completion of certain qualifications in English. The introduction of meeting the English language requirement for the Partner visa program is to enhance social cohesion and economic participation. 

Priority Processing for Applicants in Designated Regional Area

There will be a continued emphasis on attracting migrants to designated regional areas of Australia. The processing of onshore visa applicants and partner visa applicants where the relevant sponsor resides in a designated regional area will be prioritised. 

Partner Visa Sponsors to Declare and Consent to Department Disclosing Conviction(s)

Sponsors for the Partner visa are now required to declare:

  • That they have read and understood the information about reducing violence in the community; and 

  • They consent to the Department disclosing their convictions to the applicant(s).

2-Step Processing for the Partner Visa Application

Lastly, let’s not forget the announcement made proposing a “2-step process” for the partner visa program where the sponsorship application will need to be approved first before the visa application can be lodged. If you are the visa applicant, it will affect you in the following ways:

  • Partner visa sponsorship application will be assessed separately from the visa application  – this means that you will need to lodge the sponsorship application first and wait for the sponsorship application to be approved before you can lodge your visa application.

  • For those whose visa is expiring and those who are looking to lodge an onshore partner visa application – if you cannot lodge the visa application you will not be granted a bridging visa A to remain in Australia.

  • If you do not hold a Bridging visa A (BVA) you will have to leave Australia before your current visa expires and wait for the partner visa sponsorship application to be approved first before you can lodge your partner visa application. However, even if your sponsorship application is granted, due to border closure, you will need to request for travel exemption to enter Australia (which is not guaranteed to be approved).

If you are looking to lodge a Partner visa, we advise lodging your application as soon as possible, in particular, those whose visa is expiring.

Changes to Improve the Business, Investment and Innovation Program

For the Business, Investment, and Innovation program, the program will focus on high-value investors, business owners and entrepreneurs in line with the economic outcomes. Places in this program will increase to 13,500. 

The application charge will also increase by 11.3% on 1 July 2021.

Global Talent Independent Program

In the past, the Global Talent Independent program was only available for 5,000 places. This has now been tripled to 15,000.

To support the post-COVID recovery and boost jobs in Australia, a new Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce has been created to attract exceptional talents and international businesses to Australia.

Visa Application Charge (VAC) Refunds and Waivers

The announcement revealed VAC refunds, waivers and visa extensions will be provided to visa holders who are unable to travel to Australia due to COVID-19 and border closure.

Prospective Marriage Visa subclass 300 holders will be eligible to access refunds for their application charge in line with the Department’s announcement not to extend the entry date for subclass 300 visa holders and will eventually move to cancel the visa for applications who are offshore.

To help boost tourism in Australia once the border re-opens, visa application charges will be waived for visitor visas and for the working holiday maker program. In addition, once travel restrictions are lifted, subsequent entry visa application charges will be waived for temporary skilled workers and visitor visa holders to allow visa holders to return to Australia.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

If you are looking to apply for any of the visas listed above, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible (especially if it is the partner visa). At Agape Henry Crux, our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyers and our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents are well trained to handle highly complex matters.  You can book one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-72002700 or email us to book in a time at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Korean, Burmese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian, and Malay. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact our office.