The Australia 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, allowing couples to build their lives together in Australia.
Types of Partner Visas
There are two main categories of partner visas available for people seeking to live with their partner in Australia:
- Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309)
This is the first stage of the partner visa process, allowing you to live in Australia temporarily while your permanent visa is being processed.
- Duration: This visa is granted while your permanent visa (Subclass 801) is being processed.
- Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia while on this visa.
- Eligibility for Medicare: You may be eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
- Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100)
After two years from the date of your Temporary Partner visa application, you may be eligible for the permanent partner visa, allowing you to live in Australia indefinitely.
- Duration: This is a permanent visa that grants you the right to live in Australia permanently.
- Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
- Access to Benefits: You will have access to Medicare and other government services.
Onshore and Offshore Visa Applications
Depending on where you are when applying, there are different subclasses of the partner visa:
- Onshore Application: Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) visas are applied for while the applicant is in Australia.
- Offshore Application: Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent) visas are applied for while the applicant is outside Australia.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an Australia Partner Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Relationship Requirement:
- Spouse: You must be legally married to your partner.
- De facto Partner: You must be in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless there are exceptional circumstances (e.g., you have a child together).
- Sponsorship: Your partner must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen willing to sponsor you for the visa.
- Genuine Relationship: You must provide evidence to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This includes:
- Joint financial statements (shared bank accounts, bills, loans)
- Evidence of living together
- Photos and communication records
- Statutory declarations from family and friends
- Health and Character Requirements: Both the applicant and the sponsor must meet health and character requirements, including a medical examination and police clearances.
Partner Visa Application Process
The partner visa process generally involves two stages:
- Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820 or Subclass 309): Once granted, this visa allows you to live in Australia temporarily while your permanent visa is processed. You can work, study, and access Medicare during this period.
- Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801 or Subclass 100): Two years after your initial application, you may be eligible to apply for the permanent partner visa, provided your relationship is still genuine and ongoing.
Processing Time
Processing times for partner visas can vary depending on individual circumstances, but on average:
- Temporary visa processing may take 12-18 months.
- Permanent visa processing may take up to 2 years from the time the initial application is lodged.
Partner Visa Benefits
- Live and Work in Australia: With the temporary and permanent partner visas, you can live, work, and study in Australia without restrictions.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: The partner visa provides a pathway to permanent residency, allowing you to settle in Australia long-term.
- Medicare Access: Gain access to Australia’s public healthcare system during the temporary visa stage.
- Sponsor Family Members: Once you obtain permanent residency, you may be able to sponsor family members for their visas.
How We Can Help
At A Square Migration Services, we understand that the partner visa process can be complex and time-consuming. Our team is here to support you at every step, from gathering the necessary documents to lodging your application. We will:
- Assess Your Eligibility: We evaluate your relationship and ensure you meet all requirements for the visa.
- Guide You Through the Documentation: We assist in preparing the required evidence to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- Lodge and Monitor Your Application: We handle the visa submission process and keep you updated on the progress.
Begin Your Journey Together in Australia
If you are ready to join your partner and start a new life in Australia, A Square Migration Services is here to help. Our expert team will guide you through the entire partner visa application process, ensuring you and your partner can be together without delay.
Contact us today to start your partner visa application.
