Understanding the Partner Visa Australia: Eligibility, Benefits, Requirements, and Application Process

Tues, 03rd October 2023

No matter how welcoming a country may be, being separated from your partner can be a lonely experience. If you're an immigrant who has settled in Australia and wishes to bring your partner to the country, this comprehensive blog on Partner Visa Australia is tailored for you.

It covers everything from explaining the application process to delving into the eligibility criteria for the Partner Visa Australia. So, let's begin by understanding what the Partner Visa Australia entails.

The Partner Visa Australia permits spouses, de facto partners, and fiancés of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reside and work in Australia. It provides a means for couples to come together and build a life in Australia.

Living apart from your partner can lead to a dull and isolated existence. Through the Partner Visa Australia, you have the opportunity to invite your partner or spouse to join you in the splendid northern land. Essentially, it establishes a legal avenue for partners to reunite and establish a life together within the country.

It's important to note that Australian laws do not discriminate between partners and spouses. This visa offers both committed and married partners the chance to reunite with their loved ones. Whether you are already in Australia or planning to move there, understanding the Partner Visa process is essential for couples aiming to share their lives in this culturally diverse and geographically varied nation.

Partner Visa Australia: Who Is Eligible? The eligibility criteria for the Partner Visa are not overly complex. We've highlighted some key questions to help you determine if you qualify for this visa. If your answer to all these questions is 'yes,' then you are definitely eligible to apply for this visa.

1. Are you in a genuine, committed, and exclusive relationship with your partner or spouse?
2. Has your partner (sponsor) been approved as an eligible sponsor by the Department of Home Affairs?
3. Have you been in a de facto relationship or married for at least 12 months?
4. Can you provide comprehensive evidence of your genuine relationship?
5. Have both you and your partner met the health and character requirements?
6. Are you free of any visa breaches or immigration offenses?
7. Are you certain that you have no outstanding debts to the Australian government?

For more information on Partner Visa eligibility for couples in 2023, refer to our detailed guide.

Partner Visa Australia Benefits Partner Visas are becoming increasingly popular as more residents are inviting their partners to live with them in Australia. Here are the advantages:

• Residence and Work Rights: While your partner visa application is being processed, you are free to work and live in Australia.
• Study Opportunities: You can pursue education in Australia, opening doors to various institutions and courses.
• Multiple Entries: Holders of this visa can enter and exit Australia as they please, facilitating family and international visits.
• Access to Healthcare: Eligible applicants can apply for Medicare.
• English Language Support: If eligible, you can participate in 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 in progress.

Refer to our comprehensive guide for more details on Partner Visa benefits for couples in 2023.

1. Partner Visa Australia: Requirements and Documents Before you start packing your bags and booking your ticket, it's crucial to understand the required documents and prerequisites for Partner Visa Australia.
2. Sponsorship: You must have an eligible sponsor who is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
3. Relationship Status: The nature of your relationship with your partner must be genuine, whether you are married or in a de facto partnership. This includes same-sex relationships.
4. Health: You and all family members included in the application must meet health requirements, which may involve medical examinations and health insurance.
5. Character: Applicants must meet character and police clearance requirements, including providing police records from countries where they have resided for 12 months or more in the last decade.
6. Age: While there is no specific age requirement for this visa, you must be at least 18 years old to sponsor a partner.
7. No Prior Visa Cancellation: Eligibility may be affected if you've had a previous visa rejection.
8. No Outstanding Debts: You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
9. No Previous Partner Visa: If you have previously held or applied for a Partner Visa, there may be waiting periods before applying for another one, depending on the circumstances.

Partner Visa Australia Application Process Enlisting the assistance of a registered Migration Agent can simplify the Partner Visa Australia Application process. Here's an overview of the steps to achieve a favorable visa outcome:

1. Determine Eligibility: Verify if you meet the eligibility criteria, including having an eligible sponsor and being in a genuine relationship.
2. Gather Documents: Compile all relevant documents, such as identity papers, character references, and health certificates. Also, provide evidence demonstrating your committed relationship with your partner.
3. Online Application: Create an ImmiAccount and complete the online application form for the appropriate Partner Visa subclass (820/801 or 309/100). This process can be daunting, so consider seeking professional assistance.
4. Attach Documents: Upload scanned copies of all supporting documents to your online application.
5. Pay Application Fee: Submit the visa application fee based on the specific subclass you are applying for.
6. Sponsorship Application: If applying from within Australia, your sponsor must also complete a sponsorship application and gain approval.
7. Health Examination: Undergo a health examination as instructed by the Department of Home Affairs.
8. Police Clearance: Provide police clearance certificates from all countries where you have resided for 12 months or more in the past decade.
9. Biometrics (if requested): Attend a biometrics appointment if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
10. Waiting Period: Be prepared for a waiting period as the visa application is processed. Various factors, including application volume, can influence processing times.
11. Visa Grant Notification: Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification containing information about your visa's start date and outcome status.
12. 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 initially receive a temporary visa, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia while awaiting a decision on your permanent visa.
13. Permanent Visa (if applicable): If you applied for a permanent partner visa, you will become 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 specific visa subclass you apply for and the completeness of your application. Here are the processing times for different visa types:

Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820):

Approximately 75% of applications are processed in around 21 months.

Approximately 90% of applications are processed in around 27 months.

Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801):

Approximately 75% of applications are processed in around 25 months.

Approximately 90% of applications are processed in around 31 months.

Please note that these processing times are approximate and can change due to various factors, including application volume and government policy changes.

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 in 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 and 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.