Regardless of how welcoming a country is, it can be lonely to not have your partner by your side. If you are an immigrant who has settled in Australia and want to bring your partner to the country, this comprehensive blog on Partner Visa Australia is definitely for you. From highlighting the application process to delving deep into the eligibility requirements for Partner Visa Australia, this blog covers everything you need. So let’s get started.
What is Partner Visa Australia?
Partner Visa allows spouses, de facto partners, and fiancés of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia. It offers a pathway for couples to unite and build a life together in Australia.
Life can become quite boring and lonely if you and your partner live separately. Through the Partner Visa Australia, you can invite your partner or spouse to come accompany you in the majestic land down north. It essentially provides a legal pathway for partners to join their loved ones and establish a life together within the country.
It is worth noting that Australian laws do not discriminate against partners and spouses. This visa offers both committed and married partners a chance to reunite with your loved one. Moreover, whether you are already in Australia or planning to move to the country, understanding the Partner Visa process is crucial for couples seeking to share their lives in this culturally rich and geographically diverse nation. Read ahead to know more.
Partner Visa Australia: Who is Eligible?
The partner Visa eligibility is not complex. Here are some questions that we have highlighted for you. If your answer to all these questions is ‘yes’, you are definitely eligible to apply for this visa.
- Are you in a genuine, committed, and exclusive relationship with your partner or spouse?
- Is your partner (sponsor) approved as an eligible sponsor by the Department of Home Affairs?
- Have you been in a de-facto relationship/married for at least 12 months?
- Can you provide comprehensive evidence of your genuine relationship?
- Do your partner and you submit health and character requirements?
- Are you free of any visa breaches or immigration offenses?
- Are you sure that you have no debts to the Australian government?
Here is a complete guide on Partner Visa Eligibility for Couples in 2023. Read it for more information.
Partner Visa Australia Benefits
Partner Visas are gaining popularity as more and more residents are inviting their partners to come and live with them in Australia.
- Residence and Work Rights: While the department processes your partner visa application, you are free to work and live in Australia.
- Study Opportunities: You have the freedom to study in Australia, opening doors to various educational institutions and courses.
- Multiple Entries: Holders of this visa are free to come and go from Australia as they want. Enjoy your family and international visits with this visa.
- Access to Healthcare: Eligible applicants can apply for Medicare.
- English Language Support: If eligible, you can attend the free Adult Migrant English Language Program.
These benefits make Partner Visa Australia a valuable pathway for couples to reunite, build a life together, and enjoy the privileges of living in Australia while their visa application is processed. Here is a complete guide on Partner Visa Benefits for couples in 2023.
Partner Visa Australia: Requirements and Documents
Before you can pack your bags and book your ticket, it is important to note the documents and requirements for Partner Visa Australia.
- Sponsorship: You must have an eligible sponsor who is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Relationship Status: The nature of the relationship between you and your partner should be genuine. You can be either married or have a de-facto partner. This includes same-sex relationships.
- Health: You and all family members included in the application must meet health requirements. This may involve medical examinations and health insurance.
- Character: Applicants are required to meet character and police clearance requirements. Please note that applicants have to provide police records from the countries they have lived in.
- Age: There is no specific age requirement for this visa, but you must be at least 18 years old to sponsor a partner.
- No Prior Visa Cancellation: You may lose your eligibility if you have had a visa rejection before.
- No Outstanding Debts: You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
- No Previous Partner Visa: If you have held or applied for a Partner Visa in the past, you may need to wait before applying for another one, depending on the circumstances.
Check out the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.
Partner Visa Australia Documents
To submit a successful Partner Visa Australia application, you need to submit all relevant and updated documents. Here is everything you need to collect and submit.
| Required Documents | Additional Information |
| Identity Documents | – Certified copies of passport, birth certificate, and other identity documents. |
| Marriage or De Facto Relationship Evidence | – Include marriage certificates, shared financial records, joint utility bills, etc. |
| Health Documents | – Submit medical examinations and health insurance policies for all applicants. |
| Character Documents | – Provide police clearance certificates for countries of residence over the last 10 years. |
| Statutory Declarations | Your friends and family affirm that you have a genuine and authentic relationship. |
| Proof of Financial Aspects | – Show evidence of shared financial responsibilities like leases, bank accounts, and bills. |
| Photographs | – Attach recent photographs of you and your partner together. |
| Visa Application Forms | – Complete the visa application forms for both applicant and sponsor. |
| Payment | – Pay the required visa application fee. |
Partner Visa Australia Application Process
With the help of a registered Migration Agent, the Partner Visa Australia Application process becomes a walk in the park. Here is an overview of what you need to do to get a good visa outcome.
- Determine Eligibility: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria, including having an eligible sponsor and being in a genuine relationship.
- Gather Documents: Compile all relevant documents like your identity documents, character, and health certificates. Also, provide evidence proving you are in a committed relationship with your partner.
- Online Application: Create an ImmiAccount. Here is how you apply through immiaccount. Fill out the online application form for the Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) or (subclass 309/100). This can be a daunting task. To make it easy, contact us.
- Attach Documents: Upload scanned copies of all supporting documents to your online application.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the visa application fee as per the subclass you are applying for.
- Sponsorship Application: If you are applying from within Australia, your sponsor should also complete a sponsorship application and be approved.
- Health Examination: Undergo a health examination as instructed by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Police Clearance: Provide police clearance certificates for all countries you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last ten years.
- Biometrics (if requested): Attend a biometrics appointment if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Waiting Period: Wait for the visa application to be processed. Numerous factors like the volume of applications received can influence the processing time of the visa.
- Visa Grant Notification: When the department approves your application, you will receive a notification that provides information about your visa: when it starts, and outcome status.
- Initial Temporary Visa (if applicable): If you applied for a temporary and permanent partner visa (e.g., subclass 820/801 or subclass 309/100), you will first be granted a temporary visa. This allows you to live, work, and study in Australia until a decision is made on your permanent visa.
- Permanent Visa (if applicable): If you applied for a permanent partner visa, you will be eligible for permanent residency after a waiting period.
Partner Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Partner Visa Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the visa subclass you apply for and the completeness of your application.
| Types of Visas and Processing Times | |
| Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) |
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| Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) |
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Please note that these are approximate processing times and can change over time due to various factors, including the number of applications received and changes in government policies.
It’s essential to check the most up-to-date processing times on the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a migration agent for the latest information.
Tourist Visa to Partner Visa Transition
If you have a tourist visa and you are in Australia, you can apply for an onshore Partner Visa. This will allow you to extend your stay in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs will process your application and will see if you are eligible for the Permanent Partner Visa Australia. Here is how you can transition from a tourist visa to a partner visa in some easy steps.
- Get an Australian Tourist Visa: Enter the country by getting a valid tourist or other substantive visa.
- Ensure you meet the Partner Visa Australia Eligibility Criteria: The foremost requirement is that you and your partner needs to have a genuine and committed relationship.
- Collect and Compile all necessary Documents: This includes proof of identity, relationship evidence, health checks, and character documents.
- Notify Change of Circumstances: If you are already in Australia on a tourist visa and decide to apply for a Partner Visa, you should inform the Department of Home Affairs of your change in circumstances through your ImmiAccount.
- Submit your Application: After creating an Immiaccount, fill out the Partner Visa Australia application and submit it.
- Upload Scanned Copies of all the necessary documents: Make sure they are up-to-dated and recent.
- Pay Application Fees for the Partner Visa Australia: Pay the visa application fee as specified for the Partner Visa subclass you are applying for.
- Carry out the Health and Character checkups: Undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Get a Bridging Visa (if required): If your tourist visa is about to expire, and you are still waiting on your Partner Visa Application outcome, make sure to apply for a BVA or another bridging visa (according to your circumstances).
- Visa Grant: Once your Partner Visa is approved, you will receive a visa grant notification that includes details about your visa, including its conditions and the date it starts.
Depending on your application and circumstances, you will either be awarded with a temporary or a permanent visa. Here is a complete guide on the Tourist visa to partner visa Australia: Easy Transition Steps.
How can The Migration help you get your Dream Partner Visa Australia?
In the above article, we have highlighted everything you need to know about the Partner Visa Australia. You may be wondering why the application process seems so complex. This is because you do not have the right guidance and mentor helping you fill achieve your dream. Fear not, this is where we come in.
The Migration is led by Nasir Nawaz, a registered migration agent and an expert in handling Partner Visa Applications. He leads a dedicated team of onshore and offshore guides that can handle the most complex of applications. Get in touch with us and we will bring your partner to you.
FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for a Partner Visa if we are not married but in a de facto relationship?
A1. Yes. You can get a Partner Visa Australia if you are not married. The Government of Australia recognizes couples who are not married but are in a committed relationship.
Q2. Can I include my dependent children in my Partner Visa application?
A2. Yes, you can include your dependent children in your Partner Visa application. Dependent children must meet health and character requirements and be in Australia at the time you apply.
Q3. Do we need to be living in Australia to apply for a Partner Visa?
A3. No, you do not need to be living in Australia to apply for a Partner Visa. You can apply while you are both inside or outside Australia.
Q4. Can I work and study in Australia while holding a Partner Visa?
A4. Yes, holding a Partner Visa allows you to work, study, and stay in Australia. It provides multiple privileges, including the right to travel to and from Australia as many times as you want.
