Partner visa holders, applicants, and Coronavirus – as at March 16th, 2020.
The Migration Institute of Australia supplied the following information on March 16th, 2020, regarding Coronavirus and its potential affect on visa applicants and visa holders:
Travel Bans
- The current travel bans for those arriving from Mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy remain in place.
- As of midnight 15 March 2020, all those arriving in Australia are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Some states have already introduced heavy penalties for those who do not comply.
Australian citizens and permanent residents
Australian citizens and permanent residents are not prevented from entering Australia at this stage.
Those arriving in Australia will also be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Immediate family – spouses, minor dependants or legal guardians only – holding permanent visas may travel to Australia, however, will be required to follow self-isolation guidelines.
Partners and immediate families of Australian citizens and permanent residents holding temporary visas
Partners and immediate families of Australian citizens and permanent residents – spouses, minor dependants or legal guardians only – holding temporary visas are being dealt with on a case by case basis by the Department.
- Before attempting to travel contact should be made with the relevant post using the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form provided on the Department’s website.
Visa holders offshore required to enter Australia by a specified date
Visa holders required to enter Australia by a specified date and prevented from doing so by the travel restrictions should contact the section of the Department that issued the visa and request an extension to the entry date.
Bridging Visa B holders offshore
- Bridging Visa B holders offshore unable to return before expiry date may consider applying for a visitor visa to return to Australia. Bridging Visas A should then be applied for again when onshore.
I hope this information is of assistance.
Take care out there!
Best wishes, Ross McDougall. Solicitor & Registered Migration Agent.
Tel: 08 8528 9187
This information is correct at March 16th, 2020. But, keep in mind that the situation is changing and being updated regularly.
Information (or the lack of it) contained here does not take into account anyone’s individual circumstances and should not be relied upon as immigration assistance or legal advice.
