The Department has authorised release of the partner visa information discussed during the MIA’s recent meeting with Wendy Davenport, DIBP Director Onshore Partner Migration, held at the MIA National Office.

Wendy met with the MIA National President, Angela Julian-Armitage, National Vice President, Jonathan Granger and various members of the NSW/ACT Committee, to discuss the onshore partner program and visa processing.

The information provided to the MIA included: the total onshore pipeline currently contains 88,000 applications; offshore processing is faster than onshore processing; and 80% of applications are now e-lodged.

New information included that a validity of three years is to be introduced for first stage visas, as well as a separate application fee for second stage applications.