Partner Visas: Your Smooth Passage to Australia
The Australian Partner Visa is a pathway for couples to reunite or for partners to join their Australian spouses. It’s a life-changing journey, but one that can be complex. In this blog, we’ll provide details on partner visa and give essential tips and facts to help you navigate the Australian Partner Visa process with confidence and clarity.
Here are the three Partner Visa options available for your consideration.
- Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa):
The Subclass 309/100 Partner Visa is for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application and are married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa follows a two-stage process.
. Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309): The first stage involves applying for a temporary visa, which allows you to enter Australia and live with your partner. Subclass 309 partner visa will be valid until a decision is made on the second stage (100 visa). You can apply for the 100 visa two years after applying for the 309 visa.
To be eligible for this visa, you must meet all the necessary requirements, including proving the genuineness of your relationship.
. Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100): After a waiting period, which is usually two years from the date of application for the temporary visa, you can apply for the permanent partner visa. The same ongoing relationship requirements apply, and once granted, this visa will allow you to live in Australia permanently with your partner.
2. Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa)
The Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa is specifically for the applicants who are already in Australia and are married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa also has a two-stage process.
. Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820): The initial stage involves applying for a temporary visa, which allows you to live in Australia with your partner.
Similar to the offshore visa, you must meet the relationship and eligibility requirements to be granted this visa. The Partner visa (subclass 820) is a temporary visa. It lasts from the date it is granted until a decision is made on your permanent Partner visa (subclass 801).
. Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801): In most cases, applicants are not eligible to be granted a permanent visa until two years after their applications are made. That is, Subclass 820 visa holders usually must wait two years before their Subclass 801 application is finalized. To be eligible for this, you must continue to meet the requirements and prove that your relationship is ongoing and genuine. Once granted, the permanent partner visa allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely and provides access to various entitlements, including Medicare, Eligibility to apply for Australian Citizenship, Assistance from Centrelink and many more.
To be eligible for this, you must continue to meet the requirements and prove that your relationship is ongoing and genuine. Once granted, the permanent partner visa allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely and provides access to various entitlements, including Medicare, Eligibility to apply for Australian Citizenship, Assistance from Centrelink and many more.
3. Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)
The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is an Australian visa designed for individuals who wish to marry an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and then live in Australia. This visa allows the holder to enter and stay in Australia for up to 9 months to get married. After the marriage, the visa holder can apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) to continue living in Australia with their spouse.
. This visa is a suitable option for individuals who are in a genuine and ongoing relationship but lack the necessary documentation to submit a Partner visa application. The Prospective Marriage Visa places a lighter burden of proof compared to a Partner visa. Unlike a Partner visa, the Prospective Marriage Visa does not necessitate that the applicant and their sponsor have lived together or engaged in any formal relationship registration at the time of application.
. Various forms of communication like letters, phone calls, faxes, emails, or internet exchanges are acceptable. To assess the depth of the couple’s familiarity with each other.
Eligibility Criteria-
Before applying for an Australian Partner Visa, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria. Here are some conditions to be fulfilled by you.
- You must be married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The relationship should be genuine, committed and long-term.
- You must not be below age 18.
- All applicants are required to meet specific health and character requirements, which often involve medical examinations and police clearances.
Tips for applying a Partner Visa
1. Two-Stage Process: As the Australian Partner Visa involves a two-stage process, including a temporary visa and a permanent visa. Therefore, meeting the requirements for both visas is essential for a successful application.
2. Evidence- Providing substantial evidence of your relationship is crucial. This includes proof of shared financial commitments, living arrangements, social connections and joint responsibilities.
3. Seek Professional Assistance: Navigating the Partner Visa process can be complex. Consider hiring a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to help prepare and submit your application correctly.
4. Keep Records: Document conversations, keep records of joint responsibilities, and continue building your narrative of a genuine and ongoing relationship.
5. Budget Wisely: The Partner Visa application can be costly, so it’s essential to budget for the visa application fees, health examinations, police clearances, and other related expenses.
6. Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about any changes in immigration policies and visa processing times. Staying up to date will help you navigate the process more effectively.
7. Open Communication: Maintain open and honest communication with your partner throughout the process. Discuss your relationship history, future plans, and any changes in circumstances.
8. Professional Translation: If any of your documents are in a language other than English, ensure they are professionally translated to meet the visa requirements.
9. Prepare for the Waiting Period: The Partner Visa process can be lengthy, often taking several months or even years. Plan ahead, consider the timeframes, and be prepared for possible separation from your partner during the waiting period.
10. Character and Health Checks: Be proactive about meeting health and character requirements to avoid unnecessary delays.
11. Plan for Life in Australia: While focusing on the visa application, also plan for your life in Australia, including accommodation, employment, and social integration.
12. Patience is Key: The Partner Visa process can be emotionally challenging and requires patience. Stay positive and focused on your goal of being together with your loved one in Australia.
Thus, these are the essential details on a Partner Visa which can lead to a smoother application process and increase the chances of success.
Also, we hope this article has provided adequate information up to you. Should you require further clarification or additional details, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team at Vision Overseas Group. Our team of experts is always eager to provide assistance and meet our clients’ specific needs.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article!