Australia: New Flexibilities Introduced for Partner Visas and Temporary Graduate Visas
November 29, 2023

As of November 25, 2023, the Department of Home Affairs now allows visa applicants in the Partner (Subclass 309 and 820) and Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visas to be in or outside Australia at the time their visa is granted. Prior to COVID-19 concessions, Subclass 309 Partner applicants were required to be outside of Australia when their visas were granted and Subclass 820 Partner and Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate applicants were required to be inside Australia when their visas were granted. Furthermore, Subclass 309 Partner visa applicants now have standing to apply for a review of their application on its merits in their own right, rather than the sponsor, to facilitate better access to this process for domestic violence victims and other compassionate circumstances. This change mirrors arrangements already in place for Subclass 820 Partner visa applicants.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.

Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazilβs new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UKβs higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.

Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazilβs new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UKβs higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.
