If you are in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and wish to live together in Australia, you may be eligible for a Partner Visa. This visa allows the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live, work, and study in Australia. It is a pathway for those who wish to build a life together in Australia and eventually gain permanent residency.
In this article, we will explain what a Partner Visa is, the different types available, how to apply for one, and other important details you should know before starting the process.
What is a Partner Visa?
A Partner Visa is a visa that allows the spouse, de facto partner, or fiancé(e) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to enter and live in Australia. The visa is typically granted based on the relationship between the applicant and the sponsor, who must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Partner Visas are temporary or permanent, depending on the specific visa type. The visa application process generally involves proving that the relationship is genuine, ongoing, and committed.
There are two main types of Partner Visas:
Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820): This visa allows you to live in Australia while your permanent visa application is being processed. It is usually the first stage of the partner visa process.
Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801): This is the second stage of the partner visa process. It allows you to live permanently in Australia. In most cases, applicants must hold a temporary partner visa before they can apply for a permanent one.
The Process of Partner Visa Application
Applying for a Partner Visa can be a detailed process. It is important to gather the required documentation, demonstrate that your relationship is genuine, and meet the eligibility criteria. Here are the general steps involved in applying for a Partner Visa:
1.Check Eligibility
Before you start the application, ensure that you and your sponsor meet the eligibility requirements. You must be in a genuine, committed relationship, and the sponsor must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. If you are applying for a temporary visa, you will be able to stay in Australia while your application for permanent residency is processed.
2.Gather Documents
You will need to provide various documents to support your application, including:
- Proof of your identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
- Evidence of your relationship (e.g., photos, joint bank account statements, joint lease agreements)
- Police clearance certificates from your home country and any other countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
- Medical examinations for you and any dependent family members.
3.Submit the Application
Partner visa applications can be lodged online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. You must pay the application fee, which can be significant, especially if you are applying for both temporary and permanent visas. The application fee varies depending on your situation.
4.Wait for Processing
After submitting the application, the Department of Home Affairs will process it. This can take anywhere from several months to over a year. During this time, you may be required to provide additional information or attend interviews.
5.Receive Visa Grant
If your application is successful, you will be granted a Partner Visa. Initially, this will be a temporary visa (subclass 820), which allows you to stay in Australia while your permanent visa (subclass 801) is processed.
6.Apply for Permanent Visa
After holding the temporary visa for about two years, you will be eligible to apply for a permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801). If your relationship is still ongoing and you meet all the requirements, you will be granted permanent residency.
Requirements for a Partner Visa
To be eligible for a Partner Visa, you and your sponsor must meet certain requirements. Here are the key factors to consider:
1.Relationship Status
You must prove that you are in a genuine, ongoing relationship with your Australian sponsor. This can be demonstrated through:
- A marriage certificate if you are married.
- Evidence of cohabitation for at least 12 months if you are in a de facto relationship.
- Photos, shared financial documents, and social recognition of your relationship (e.g., friends and family).
2.Age Requirements
You and your partner must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit for applicants, but applicants must be able to prove that their relationship is genuine.
3.Character and Health Checks
All applicants must undergo police checks to ensure they meet the character requirements. You will also need to pass a medical examination to prove you are in good health.
4.Financial Stability
You and your sponsor may need to prove that you have the financial means to support yourself while living in Australia. This may include providing bank statements, proof of employment, and evidence of accommodation.
5.Sponsor’s Eligibility
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They should not have any history of sponsorship violations (e.g., sponsoring multiple partners who did not meet the requirements).
Types of Partner Visas
There are several different partner visa options depending on your situation. Let’s look at the most common types:
1. Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801)
As mentioned earlier, this is the most common partner visa and includes two stages. First, applicants apply for the temporary subclass 820 visa, and after two years, they can apply for the permanent subclass 801 visa. This visa is for individuals in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
2. Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)
This visa is for individuals who are engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It allows you to travel to Australia and marry your partner within 9 months. After the marriage, you can apply for a Partner Visa.
3. De Facto Partner Visa
For individuals who have been living together in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months, this visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia with their partner. A de facto relationship is one where two people live together and share a domestic life without being married. You must provide evidence that your relationship has been genuine and ongoing for a minimum of 12 months.
Costs and Fees
The cost of applying for a Partner Visa can be significant. The application fee for the subclass 820 and 801 visas is around AUD 7,850. Additional fees may apply for medical checks, police checks, and other services.
It is important to be prepared for the cost and ensure that you meet the financial requirements for the visa.
Benefits of a Partner Visa
A Partner Visa offers a wide range of benefits for you and your partner. These include:
Live and Work in Australia: The Partner Visa allows you to live and work in Australia for the duration of the visa. If granted permanent residency, you can stay indefinitely.
Study: As a visa holder, you can study in Australia.
Access to Healthcare: Partner Visa holders may have access to Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare), depending on their visa type and the specific agreement with their home country.
Pathway to Citizenship: After holding a permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) for a specified period, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Challenges and Considerations
While the Partner Visa offers many advantages, there are also challenges. The application process can be lengthy and requires significant documentation to prove the authenticity of your relationship. Additionally, the cost of the visa can be a barrier for some applicants.
Furthermore, the visa application may take several months, so it’s important to plan ahead and be patient. During this time, you may also face uncertainty about your immigration status, especially if you are awaiting a decision on your permanent residency.
Conclusion
A Partner Visa is an excellent option for individuals who want to live in Australia with their Australian partner. Whether you are married or in a de facto relationship, the Partner Visa allows you to build a life together in Australia while enjoying the benefits of living and working in the country.
However, the application process is detailed and requires careful preparation. It is important to meet all eligibility requirements, provide adequate documentation, and be prepared for a potentially lengthy processing time.
If you are considering applying for a Partner Visa, be sure to consult the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on visa types, fees, and requirements.
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