What are the pros and cons in the proposed changes to Australia’s Partner Visa application process?

The rules for getting a partner visa have changed. One change is the requirement to demonstrate English language proficiency.

True love. Sponsors and their partners may face a new obstacle in getting a partner visa and need to get to know the new rules. Source: Photo by JohnONolan / Creative Commons.

Among several recent changes to the Partner Visa application process, the Federal Government announced that applicants will need to prove they have functional English language proficiency or undertake some English language training. This announcement provoked some angry responses.


Konfir Kabo is an immigration lawyer. He outlines the possible reasons behind the Government’s proposed English language testing of Partner Visa applicants.  Konfir Kabo also considers the fairness of the new policy and explains why there was anger at the government’s announcement.  How will the changes really impact on Partner Visa applicants? 

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Konfir Kabo is an immigration lawyer. He outlines the possible reasons behind the Government’s proposed English language testing of Partner Visa applicants.  Konfir Kabo also considers the fairness of the new policy and explains why there was anger at the government’s announcement.  How will the changes really impact on Partner Visa applicants? 

Listen to  every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3 pm. Follow us on  and catch us on 

And you can keep abreast of the latest information about the corona virus in your language at sbs.com.au/coronavirus

.com.au/coronavirus
Sponsors and their partners may face a new obstacle in getting a partner visa and need to get to know the new rules.
The rules for getting a partner visa have changed. One change is the requirement to demonstrate English language proficiency. Source: Photo by Yeshe/Creative Commons - Hands .

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