Removing caps on the number of partner visas that can be granted each year

The Australian Government is set to debate whether a cap imposed on the number of Partner visas to be granted to overseas spouses/partners should not be allowed.  

Under s 87 of the Migration Act, there should not be any cap or limit imposed which may prevent a person who has applied for a visa on the grounds of being a spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of an Australian citizen or permanent resident. However, as of recent years, it is clear that the number of visas granted to overseas partners has dropped and flatlined as the Government had cut the number of permanent migrants per year from 190,000 to 160,000. 

Such numbers are announced as part of the Government’s migration program planning levels. The Government argues that such planning levels are not a cap but rather are indicative and subject to review throughout the year. The backlog of prospective marriage visa applications has increased to almost 90,000 

The budget is due to be announced in October. 

Further information on this report can be read here.

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