November 22, 2021

Australian international borders open from 1st December 2021!

From 01 December 2021 onwards, eligible visa holders (including subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa holders and Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa holders) may travel to Australia, so long as they can prove they are fully vaccinated.

Numerous fiancés/fiancées and parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents have struggled to enter Australia since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, mostly owing to the fact that they for a majority of the time have not been regarded as "immediate family members" under Australian immigration law. The writer is relieved that these families are finally given a fair opportunity to reunite with their loved ones in Australia, especially following the recent change in policy allowing for parents to be regarded as "immediate family members". The writer notes that parents who are subclass 600 visa applicants and holders will still need to be granted a travel ban exemption in order to travel to Australia.

All in all, great news for these eligible visa holders who are now able to travel to Australia without having to stress about a travel ban exemption! Travellers to Australia are urged to review the Department of Home Affairs' website for detailed rules pertaining to entering Australia.

Need help with deciding on which one is more suited to your circumstances? Have some burning questions about the 482 visa or 494 visa that are still unanswered? The content on this page does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Australian immigration doesn't have to be complex and we can help with your unique circumstances. To seek legal advice or information that is specific to your situation, please contact us.

Writer: Avelyn Chen

Founder of Kin Migration, registered migration agent and former Queensland lawyer, Avelyn lives and breathes advocacy. Fluent in Mandarin and Singlish, she's your go-to for family visas, skilled visas, and complex matters.

Having lived in Singapore for over a decade as a first-generation immigrant before calling Australia home in 2012, she truly understands what is like to try assimilating into a totally foreign environment. Outside of helping clients reunite with their families or achieve their Aussie dreams, you'll find her soaking in nature or planning her next overseas adventure. Always up for a good debate on immigration policies over a wintermelon tea.

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