Australian Partner Visa

One of the first stages in starting a life together in Australia with your spouse is to apply for an Australian spouse Visa. The spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualifying citizen of New Zealand may reside in Australia with this visa. We will cover all you need to know about the Australian Partner Visa in this in-depth guide, including the many kinds of visas that are available, the application procedure, associated expenses, and success strategies.

Australian Partner Visa Types

Depending on your relationship status and future goals, there are three primary categories of Australian Partner Visas available:

Visa for Temporary Partner (Subclass 8210)

With this visa, you can temporarily reside in Australia while the processing of your Subclass 801 permanent partner visa gets underway. This initial stage of the partner visa application process confers temporary residency.

Class 801: Permanent Partner Visa

If your subclass 801 visa is approved and you fulfill all the requirements, you can apply for permanent residency after receiving your temporary visa. With this visa, you can access a range of social services and remain in Australia indefinitely.

Visa for Potential Marriage (Subclass 300)

With the help of this visa, engaged couples can visit Australia and get married within nine months of arriving. You can apply for a partner visa after being married.

Eligibility Criteria

Who is Eligible to Apply?

You must be in a sincere relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a citizen of another qualified country in order to apply for an Australian Partner Visa. Both married and de facto couples (including same-sex couples) can apply, provided you meet specific criteria.

Relationship Conditions

You must demonstrate that your partnership is sincere and ongoing. Photographs, testimonies from friends and family, joint bank accounts, and shared leases are examples of evidence. Before applying, de facto couples must demonstrate that they have been together for at least a year, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Sponsorship Requirements

Your sponsor will be your Australian partner. After your visa is approved, they must be able to provide for you financially for a maximum of two years and be at least eighteen years old. One of the responsibilities of sponsorship is to see to it that you have sufficient lodging and financial assistance.

Procedure for Applications

Several procedures must be taken in order to apply for an Australian Partner Visa:

Step 1: Compile Records

Documents proving your identity, status as a couple, and financial circumstances are required. Birth certificates, passports, and documentation of your partnership (such as joint utility bills and wedding pictures) are examples of this.

Step 2: Send in your application

The Department of Home Affairs website is the online portal for submitting all applications. Prior to submission, make sure you double-check the necessary paperwork and the due dates.

Step 3: Hold Off on Processing

Processing times can change based on certain situations. You might be given a Bridging Visa during this period, allowing you to remain in Australia while your application is being handled.

Costs of a Partner Visa

The Australian Partner Visa isn’t inexpensive. The initial application fee is around AUD 8,085. Police checks, medical examinations, and, if required, English translation of paperwork could incur additional expenses.

Time Spent Processing

The processing time for a temporary visa (Subclass 820) is typically 20–25 months, and it may take an additional 20–25 months for a permanent visa (Subclass 801) to be issued. Extended timescales can be caused by insufficient paperwork, among other things.

Managing Visas While Waiting for a Companion Visa

If you’re applying for a partner visa while already in Australia, you’ll likely receive a Bridging Visa, which permits you to stay in the country while your application is processed. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may also be granted employment rights under bridging visas.

Common Challenges in the Application Process

Processing a companion visa might be difficult to navigate. Typical difficulties consist of:

Complicated Documentation

The documentation can be excessive, ranging from submitting financial information to providing proof of personal relationships. Maintaining organization is essential to avoiding delays.

Authenticity in Relationship Proving

For the authorities to verify that your relationship is real, sufficient proof is needed. One of the main grounds for denying a visa is insufficient evidence.

Advice for a Winning Application

Arranging Records

Make sure you have a timeline of your relationship with important milestones (such holidays, moving in together, etc.) and keep all your papers organized. This will support and bolster your argument.

Getting Expert Assistance

In order to assist you with the procedure, think about employing a migration agent. They can guarantee that your application is accurate and meets all necessary requirements.

What Takes Place Following Visa issuance?

Depending on the status of your visa, you may be able to live in Australia either permanently or temporarily when your partner visa is approved. Following a few years of obtaining a permanent visa, you can be qualified to petition for Australian citizenship.

Appeals and Refusals

The Reasons Behind Refused Applications

Applications for visas may be denied for a number of reasons, including inadequate supporting evidence, noncompliance with health standards, or inability to establish the validity of the relationship.

How to Challenge a Denied Visa

You have the right to file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) if your visa application is denied. Although this procedure can take some time, it presents an opportunity to provide fresh evidence.

Cohabiting in Australia alongside a spouse Visa

The same rights that apply to Australian permanent residents also apply to holders of partner visas: social services, healthcare, and employment rights. If your relationship ends within two years, you might be required by your visa terms to notify immigration officials.

Conditions and Obligations for Visas

Requirements for the Candidate

The primary requirement is to keep up a sincere and continuous contact with your sponsor. Should the relationship fail, you can have your visa revoked.

Sponsor’s Obligations

Throughout the visa application procedure, the sponsor is required to give the applicant financial support and housing arrangements.

Conclusion

Couples can live together in Australia with the help of the Australian Partner Visa, although there are certain difficulties in the application procedure. You can improve your chances of having your application accepted by being patient, submitting complete documentation, and adhering to the correct procedures. This guide will assist you in navigating the process of starting a life together in Australia, regardless of whether you are seeking for a temporary or permanent visa.