A parliamentary committee has recommended that a bill on a strengthened character test for visa applicants be passed in the Senate.
The measures would widen the grounds for visa cancellation and refusal; and make it easier to deport tens of thousands of migrants.
Under the proposed changes to Section 501 of the Migration Act 1958, visa-holders who have committed a crime that carries a maximum sentence of at least two years, such as common assault, will automatically fail the character test, even if they are not sentenced to jail.
Immigration Minister David Coleman introduced the bill to the lower house of parliament in July, saying the changes are needed to protect the community.