Australia’s federal budget in October included a surprise announcement that an English language test would be introduced for applicants for a “Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage” spousal visa.
This visa – which currently costs at least $8,000 and typically can take two years to process – allows the fiancé of an Australian to move there to marry their partner. There will also be an English test for the sponsor of a Prospective Marriage visa applicant if the sponsor is a non-English speaking permanent resident.
Federal budget documents promised that the move, “will help support English language acquisition and enhance social cohesion and economic participation.”
Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, condemned the new test, which he said came, “without any warning, consultation or explanation,” adding that, “English proficiency isn’t a test of whether someone’s in love.”
