Some categories of visas require applicants to be outside of Australia at the time the visa is granted. The Department of Home Affairs is aware that COVID-19 travel restrictions are affecting visa applicants, particularly applicants for family visas who have come to Australia.  The Department is taking disruptions arising from … ...

Government changes parent visa rules amid COVID-19 restrictions, allowing applicants to stay in Australia. People who have applied for a parent visa will now be allowed to stay in Australia while their applications are processed, under a temporary change announced by the Federal Government. Under the previous rules, applicants who … ...

The TGA has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia. (TGA: Therapeutic Goods Administration) The first priority groups in Australia will start receiving a vaccine in February. This registration means Pfizer’s vaccine has met the TGA’s rigorous standards for safety, quality and efficacy, and will be provided for free … ...

Australia is unlikely to fully open its borders in 2021 even if most of its population gets vaccinated this year as planned, says a senior health official. The comments dampen hopes raised by airlines that travel to and from the country could resume as early as July. Department of Health … ...

Be aware of scammers who impersonate the Department of Home Affairs by phoning on their behalf or copying one of their websites. We are aware of a current scam where people are receiving a phone call with an automated voice claiming to be from the Department of Home Affairs. The … ...

What is family and domestic violence? Family and domestic violence is not acceptable under any circumstances. Family and domestic violence is any conduct that makes you fear for your or your family’s safety and wellbeing. Physical violence includes any violent behaviour that is directed at you, your family, pets or … ...