Update (October 2026)
The English requirement described below was proposed in the October 2020 Federal Budget but was never introduced. As at October 2026, there is no English language requirement and no English language charge for partner visa applicants or sponsors, for either the temporary or the permanent stage. See our current English requirements for Australian visas and the latest partner visa processing update.
The federal government announced their 2020-21 budget on 6 October 2020. Based on the budget, we will be seeing new changes to partner visa applications. One of the most significant changes to the partner visa is the English requirement. Applicants and sponsor will be required to pass the English language requirement. The aim of the test is to promote social cohesion and economic participation. Whilst the full details of the English language requirement are not released yet, we have summarised the information we have so far below:
- The language requirement will NOT be in place for subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa, Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional- offshore) visa and Subclass 820 Partner (Provisional-onshore) visa. It is only a requirement for the permanent subclass 801 or subclass 100 stage.
- If you are on the provisional partner visa, you may have to sit the English language test. Whilst the difficulty of the test is not yet determined, it will likely be a basic English test, and the applicant has to show functional English.
- An alternative to the English language test is that the applicant undertakes about 500 hours of English language classes through the Adult Migration English Program (AMEP).
- Permanent resident sponsors will be required to show the same level of English language proficiency as the visa applicant.
- Australian citizen sponsors do NOT need to show English.
- Couples who meet the long-term relationship definition are usually granted the Subclass 801 visa Partner visa (Permanent) without having to wait for the two years on the provisional visa. As such, the language requirement might not be applicable.
- If you hold a passport form USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand or Ireland, exemptions may apply.
- The English requirement for partner visas will NOT apply to lodged applications.
- It is likely these changes will come into effect from 1 July 2021.
- Most partner visas are a provisional visa of two years before becoming eligible for a permanent visa. The requirement will have to be met at the time of the granting of the permanent visa.
- These new measures will provide further opportunity for migrants and new citizens to maximise their opportunities in Australia.
Additional changes include:
- DoHA will give onshore visa applications a priority over offshore applications.
- If your sponsor lives in a regional area, your visa application will be given priority.
What this means in 2026
The English requirement described above never became law. If you are applying for, or already hold, a partner visa today, you do not need to sit an English test and your sponsor does not need to prove English ability. This applies to the onshore Subclass 820/801, the offshore Subclass 309/100 and the Prospective Marriage Subclass 300.
| Proposed in October 2020 | Position in October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Functional English for permanent partner visa applicants (801 and 100 stage) | Not introduced. No English test at either stage. |
| Permanent resident sponsors to show the same English level | Not introduced. Sponsors do not need to show English. |
| 500 hours of AMEP classes as an alternative to a test | Not required. AMEP classes remain available to eligible migrants on a voluntary basis. |
| Expected start date of 1 July 2021 | The start was delayed and the measure was never introduced. |
What partner visa applicants do need to show
- A genuine and continuing relationship, supported by financial, household, social and commitment evidence.
- An eligible sponsor who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Health and character requirements, including police certificates.
- Payment of the visa application charge, which is $11,710 for the main applicant of an 820/801 or 309/100 from 1 July 2026 (see our visa fee guide).
Where English still matters
English is still assessed for many skilled and employer sponsored visas, and the Australian citizenship test is taken in English. If your long-term goal is citizenship, it helps to build your English while you hold your partner visa. Read our English requirements for Australian visas and citizenship practice test questions.
Next steps
- Check which partner visa fits your situation: onshore, offshore or prospective marriage.
- Start collecting relationship evidence early, including Form 888 statutory declarations.
- Check current processing priorities. Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 set processing priorities from 19 September 2026; see our October 2026 migration news.
- Book a consultation if your relationship history, character or visa status is complex.
Do I need an English test for an Australian partner visa?
No. As at October 2026 there is no English requirement for partner visa applicants or their sponsors.
Will the English requirement come back?
The government has not announced any plan to bring it back. Any new requirement would need new legislation, and would usually not apply to applications already lodged.
Do I need English for Australian citizenship?
The citizenship test is in English and tests your knowledge of Australia and its values. Most applicants aged 18 to 59 must sit it.
Applying for Another Visitor Visa From Inside Australia
Visiting Australia While Your Partner or Parent Visa Is Being Processed
Sponsored Family Visitor Visas: Who Can Sponsor and How Security Bonds Work
Visitor Visa Conditions Explained: 8101, 8201, 8503, 8531 and 8558
Studying on a Visitor Visa: The 3 Month Rule and Your Options