Significant Changes Imminent - Family Sponsored visas

[TeeTMI]

New Bill expected to result in Significant Changes to a number of Family Sponsored visas. 
Royal Assent was given on the 10th Dec 2018, to the 'Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2016'.

Therefore, this Bill will commence within the next 6 months - date not yet provided.

 

Anticipated changes expected include:

• - Sponsors required to undertake Character checks and require Approval, prior to a visa application being made.

 

This change therefore adds another Step into the application process. It is anticipated that before a Visa Application can be submitted that the Sponsors must first become approved.

If you are considering submitting a family sponsored visa you might consider submitting it prior to the changes occurring.

 

Visas this is anticipated to impact on include:

• - Partner Visas

• - Temporary Parent Visas

• - Potentially Permanent Resident Parent Visas

• - NB it does NOT impact the 489 Family sponsored skilled visa, or applications already submitted

 

The aim of the new Bill was to:

• - require family sponsors to be approved before a visa application is made;

• - impose obligations on family sponsors (and sanctions if not met);

• - enable sharing of personal information between Sponsor / Visa Applicants (e.g. relating to prior domestic violence);

• - enabling the Department to refuse/bar Sponsorship to some individuals

Edited December 11, 2018 by TeeTMI