Changes to Australia's Partner Visa Program for 2021 [Updated 8 November 2021]
July 19, 2021

Country / Territory
Related offices
Related content
Related offices
Related content
We provide a recap of the upcoming changes to Australia’s Partner visa program.
While the changes were set to come into effect in or around November 2021, roll out will likely be delayed due to the Department of Home Affairs’ ongoing consultations on the proposed program settings. The exact date of implementation of the changes has yet to be confirmed.
What are the proposed changes?
Currently, sponsorship and Partner visa applications are lodged at the same time. As part of the Partner visa reforms, the Department of Home Affairs will be introducing a new sponsorship framework, requiring sponsors to be approved before their partners can apply for the Partner visa. The framework will also impose obligations on sponsors and provide civil penalties and administrative sanctions for breach of obligations.
Should processing timeframes for the sponsorship component be quite lengthy, this change will adversely impact onshore Partner visa applicants wanting to lodge a visa application prior to their substantive visa expiring.
While the Partner visa program does not currently have any English language requirements, the upcoming Partner visa reforms will require visa applicants and their permanent resident sponsors to provide evidence of a functional level of English or to demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to learn English at the time of the permanent Partner visa stage. Reasonable efforts are intended to include completion of 500 hours of free English language classes through the Adult Migration English Program (AMEP). The requirements will apply to passport holders from countries other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
These new measures will complement existing family violence provisions within the Partner visa program and provide further opportunities for migrants to maximise opportunities in Australia, including job opportunities and social cohesion.
How Fragomen can help
If you intend to lodge a Partner visa in Australia prior to your substantive visa expiring in the next three to four months or anticipate that you or your permanent resident sponsor may have difficulties in meeting the functional English language requirement, please contact Fragomen to discuss the possibility of applying for the Partner visa prior to the reforms coming into effect.
Need to know more?
For further information and advice on upcoming changes to Australia’s Partner visa program set to come into effect in or around November 2021, please contact your Fragomen immigration professional.
This blog was published on 19 July 2021 and updated on 8 November 2021, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 site, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Country / Territory
Related offices
Related content
Related offices
Related content
Explore more at Fragomen

Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.

Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Awards
Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.

Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.

Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Awards
Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.