Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa holders can breath a sigh of relief. Entering Australia will now be possible through a dedicated Covid-19 travel exemption category.
Prospective Marriage visa (PMV) holders have been at the centre of the public debate around Australia's travel restrictions. Unlike Partner visa holders, they are generally not considered immediate family members of their Australian fiancé.
Since March 2020, most PMV holders have been unable to obtain travel exemptions to enter Australia. This lead to prolonged periods of separation and visas expiring without being able to enter Australia. Public pressure and media attention covered stories of separated couples longing to reunite yet repeatedly refused travel exemptions. All this is about to change.
On 18 August 2021, a new exemption category appeared on the Department of Home Affairs Covid-19 website. According to the addition, the Department may grant an individual exemption to PMV holders if their visa application was lodged at least 12 months before submitting their travel exemption request.
For example, a person who applied for a Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300 visa on 18 August 2020 and been granted visa; is eligible for an inwards travel exemption on 18 August 2021.
The 12 months period since lodgement requirement appears to be a rolling date. That is, people have lodged a PMV application less than 12 months ago and the visa has been granted will need to wait until 12 months have passed since lodgement before submitting a travel exemption request.
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For more information please Contact Us or email elan@ryshermigration.com.au
Elan Rysher is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Student Counsellor. He is the main Writer for ImmiUpdates and the founder of Rysher Migration. Elan has many years of experience working in immigration, finance and health. Being a former migrant himself, Elan is passionate about helping others fulfil their Australian dream.
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