Partner Visa Australia

Partner Visa to Australia: Essential Information

Australia’s Partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This visa is a pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. Here’s a concise overview of the key aspects of the Partner visa.

Types of Partner Visas

Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309)

Subclass 820: For applicants who apply onshore (within Australia).
Subclass 309: For applicants who apply offshore (outside Australia).

Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100)

Subclass 801: For those who have held a Subclass 820 visa.
Subclass 100: For those who have held a Subclass 309 visa.

The application process typically involves first applying for the temporary visa and then for the permanent visa approximately two years later.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an Australian Partner visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Relationship: You must be married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Marriage: The marriage must be legally valid under Australian law.
De facto: Generally, you must have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months.

Sponsorship: Your partner must sponsor you, providing support and assurance to the Australian government.

Genuine Relationship: You need to prove that your relationship is genuine and continuing. This includes providing evidence such as:

Joint financial commitments (bank accounts, loans)
Shared household responsibilities
Social acceptance as a couple (photos, statements from friends/family)
Commitment to a shared life (plans, future commitments)

Health and Character: Applicants must meet health and character requirements. This involves undergoing health examinations and providing police certificates.

Application Process

Lodgement: Applications can be lodged online through the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to submit comprehensive documentation to support your relationship claim.

Assessment: The Department of Home Affairs assesses the application, reviewing all evidence provided. This may include interviews and requests for additional information.

Temporary Visa Grant: If the application is successful, a temporary visa (Subclass 820 or 309) is granted, allowing you to live in Australia.

Permanent Visa Application: Approximately two years after the initial application, you can apply for the permanent visa (Subclass 801 or 100). Additional evidence of the continuing relationship is required.

Permanent Visa Grant: If approved, the permanent visa allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely.

Processing Times

Processing times can vary depending on the completeness of your application and the Department’s workload. Generally:

Temporary visas: 15 to 28 months
Permanent visas: 19 to 24 months

Visa Fees

The cost of the Australian Partner visa is significant, with the primary application fee currently set at AUD $8,850. Additional costs may include health examinations, police certificates, and translation of documents.

Rights and Benefits

As a Partner visa holder, you enjoy several rights and benefits:

Work and study in Australia
Enroll in Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare
Travel to and from Australia
Pathway to Australian citizenship

Conclusion

The Australian Partner visa is a vital pathway for couples looking to build their lives together in Australia. Ensuring a thorough and well-documented application can significantly enhance your chances of success. For detailed guidance and assistance, consulting with an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent is advisable.