News & Events

The Department of Home Affairs provides updated information on how Covid-19 affects visa holders, sponsors and travellers.

A new Covid-19 Pandemic Visa is available for those who are employed in a critical industry
or essential service including health care, child care, aged and disability services. You may also apply if you are unable to depart Australia and have no other visa options to stay.

Contact us to discuss how the Covid-19 Pandemic affects you.

On 20 July 2020, the Administrative Appeal Tribunal made a favourable decision in Steph and Fares’ appeal case. The Tribunal Member determined that compelling reasons existed for Fares to remain in Australia with his wife. Their case was featured on the SBS documentary – “Why Gets To Stay In Australia?”. Read Our Cases to see how we won.

Our Principal Director, Paul Dizon, features in “Who Gets To Stay In Australia?” – the first ever documentary series about immigrants fighting for permanent residency in Australia. SBS captures insight into the case of Steph & Fares. Fares overstayed his visa more than 10 years before he was caught and placed in immigration detention. He was released from detention but faces deportation. His Australian wife, Steph, is expecting their first child – she is fighting to keep him in Australia. Read Our Cases to see how we helped this couple.

Watch the episode on SBS OnDemand.

Our Principal Director, Paul Dizon, appeared on SBS World News to comment on the delays to immigration changes arising from the current Covid-19 pandemic. SBS journalist, Lin Evlin, interviews Paul to highlight the effect of these delays to both immigrants and the aged care sector. Read the article.

On 6 October 2020, the Federal Government announced priorities and planning levels for migration in 2020-21. The key measures are:

1. Partner and Family visas will be increased to 77,300 places with priority for applicants onshore. Partner Visas will also require the Australian partner to apply for sponsorship approval first before lodging their foreign partner’s visa application. English requirement will be needed for the permanent partner visa.
2. Employer sponsored visas will be prioritised for those in regional areas as well as occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List
3. Increased focus and quota for Global Talent and Business Innovation and Investment visas
4. Extension of income eligibility for New Zealanders applying for permanent residency (Subclass 189 NZ visa)
5. Visa refunds and waivers for temporary visa holders (prospective marriage, TSS 482, working holiday, students, visitors) who were unable to enter Australia due to Covid-19
6. Humanitarian visas set at 13,750 places with funding and fast-tracking provisions.

Find the full Budget Statement 2020-21 paper here.