COVID-19 visa concessions

From 19 September 2020, a number of concessions will be available for certain visa holders impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 concessions are to help you continue on your visa pathway if you have been disadvantaged by COVID-19 border closures, business restrictions, or the economic downturn.

If you hold or held, a temporary or provisional visa listed below during the COVID-19 concession period you may be eligible for a COVID-19 concession.

The COVID-19 concession period commences from 1 February 2020 and is an interim arrangement.

Check back here for updates about when the concession period will end.

Concession for certain family visa applicants affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions

Some categories of visas require applicants to be outside of Australia at the time the visa is granted. The Department is aware that the travel restrictions and limitations associated with COVID-19 are affecting visa applicants, particularly applicants for family visas who have come to Australia.

It is intended that changes will be implemented in early 2021 that would allow certain family visas, which have been applied for outside Australia, to be granted while the visa applicant is in Australia. This temporary concession will be for people who are in Australia and are not able to travel offshore to be granted the visa due to COVID-19 related border closures.

The concession will apply to certain applicants for the following Family visa subclasses:

· Child (subclass 101) visa

· Adoption (subclass 102) visa

· Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa

· Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa

· Partner (subclass 309) visa

Further information will be available in early 2021.

Website link: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid-19-visa-concessions