Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visas are designed for individuals who wish to come to Australia and get married with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible NZ citizen. Once the visa is granted, the couple has 9 months to get married and apply for Partner visa.
One of the challenging aspects of Australia's Covid travel restrictions has been the exclusion of subclass 300 visa holders from entering Australia. This issue has received significant media attention.
Although there is no sign of the travel restrictions easing at this stage, the Department of Home Affairs is taking measures to assist Prospective Marriage visa holders. In a legislative change dated 10 December 2020, the Department has extended the subclass 300 visa period for some holders.
The Regulations extend the duration of Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage) visas to 31 March 2022, if the visa holder or former holder was outside Australia on 10 December 2020, and the visa was in effect at any time during the period from 6 October 2020 to 10 December 2020.
This is a significant extension of visas that otherwise expire nine months after the date of grant. It also covers individuals whose visa has already expired, if it was in effect from 6 October 2020 to 10 December 2020.
According to Home Affair's website, individual visa holders will be directly notified by the Department. Holders who receive an extension to their visa validity period, but do not travel to Australia as holders of a Prospective Marriage visa, may become eligible a refund of the Visa Application Charge (VAC) paid.
The Department is currently working to finalise arrangements around how VAC refunds will be managed, with refunds expected to be available by late February 2021.
ImmuUpdates posts information about changes to Australia's visa system as it comes to hand. Subscribe below to receive the latest ImmiUpdates by email.
Have any questions? Write them below in the comments or email Elan at elan@ryshermigration.com.au
About the Writer
Elan Rysher is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Student Counsellor. He is the founder of Rysher Migration and the main Writer for ImmiUpdates. Elan has many years of experience working in migration, finance and health. Being a former migrant himself, Elan is passionate about helping others fulfill their Australian dream.
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