‘I’m not asking for special treatment’: the would-be migrants waiting to start their new lives in Australia
News Source
•Fri, 06 Nov 2026 14:00:46 GMT
📰 What Happened
A small change to visa rules has left thousands of families waiting to reunite in Australia. In July, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told his department to process some visa applications from inside Australia first. The aim was to cut net overseas migration. People who applied from overseas now sit at the back of the queue.
The change hits partners of Australian citizens hard. Tebin, a 28-year-old engineer in Queensland, married Sara in India in August. Her visitor visa was refused. Their partner visa is now at the lowest priority. The couple have spent just one week together since the wedding.
🔍 The Backstory
Partner visas used to take about 15 months for people applying from overseas. People who applied while already in Australia could stay on a bridging visa while they waited.
Migration numbers have become a big political issue. Both major parties promise to bring net overseas migration down. Officials say the onshore-first rule is a quick way to lower the headline number.
Critics say the rule punishes people who followed the rules. Some couples are now considering a court challenge over the delays.
🎯 Why It Matters
Thousands of Australian citizens are separated from husbands, wives and children. The rule changes their lives without changing any law.
A small change to visa rules has left thousands of families waiting to reunite in Australia. In July, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told his department to process some visa applications from inside Australia first. The aim was to cut net overseas migration. People who applied from overseas now sit at the back of the queue.
The change hits partners of Australian citizens hard. Tebin, a 28-year-old engineer in Queensland, married Sara in India in August. Her visitor visa was refused. Their partner visa is now at the lowest priority. The couple have spent just one week together since the wedding.
Partner visas used to take about 15 months for people applying from overseas. People who applied while already in Australia could stay on a bridging visa while they waited.
Migration numbers have become a big political issue. Both major parties promise to bring net overseas migration down. Officials say the onshore-first rule is a quick way to lower the headline number.
Critics say the rule punishes people who followed the rules. Some couples are now considering a court challenge over the delays.
Thousands of Australian citizens are separated from husbands, wives and children. The rule changes their lives without changing any law.