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Budget updates & English requirement for partner visa

The Australian government released some details into its immigration planning for 2020 – 2021.

The planned ceiling for the Migration Program will remain at 160,000 places with strong focus on attracting the best and brightest migrants


from around the world. The new budget will bring increase in allocations for the Global Talent Independent program and the Business Innovation and Investment Program.


The Family stream planning level has been set at 77,300 places, including 72,300 within the Partner category. While overall the government has placed greater emphasis on the family stream, most of these are people already in Australia. Of the new permanent residents coming into the country, we still anticipate that approximately two thirds will be in the skilled stream and one third from the family stream. The Government will also offer Visa Application Charge refunds, waivers or visa extensions to visa holders who have been unable to travel to Australia due to COVID-19. This includes waiving the VAC for Working Holiday Makers and Visitors to boost tourism once the borders re-open.


However, the biggest surprise was the announcement of an English language requirement for partner visa applicants and their permanent resident sponsors.






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