Currently a visa applicant and sponsor are assessed almost simultaneously. This enables the visa applicant to obtain a bridging visa to remain in Australia until both are assessed.
Soon sponsors will be assessed and approved first, prior to the visa applicant making an application for a visa. Therefore, if the visa applicant is in Australia you cannot file your partner case last minute as you can only commence your case once the sponsor is decided as suitable. Thus, you will not obtain a bridging visa to remain in Australia until you have an approved sponsor.
This change is anticipated to occur in the first half of 2019.
Therefore, we encourage all partner visas clients to file your case now, as the new legislation is fast approaching
Partner visa change coming soon
Useful Links
Member Organisations
