Australia has announced a two-year waiting period for applicants seeking the Partner visa subclass 801, effective in 2026. The policy aims to ensure the stability of relationships before granting permanent residency. Exemptions will be made for long-term relationships and cases involving family violence.
The new rule applies to all applicants except those in specific exempt categories. The government stated the measure is part of broader efforts to improve the integrity of the visa system. Officials emphasized that the waiting period will help identify genuine partnerships.
The policy has sparked debate among immigration advocates. Some argue it may discourage couples from applying, while others support the move as a way to prevent fraudulent applications. The exact implementation details are expected to be released in the coming months.
