Moving to Australia with your partner is a dream for many couples. The Australia partner visa allows spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live together in Australia. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
However, obtaining a partner visa involves several steps, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements. Understanding the process is crucial to ensure a successful application. This guide will help you understand the partner visa process, eligibility, and requirements in a simple and easy-to-follow manner.
What is an Australia Partner Visa?
A partner visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The visa is issued in two stages:
1. Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309): This is the first step in the visa process and allows the applicant to stay in Australia while the application for the permanent visa is being processed.
2. Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100): After fulfilling the necessary conditions, a temporary visa holder can apply for permanent residency.
The type of visa you apply for depends on whether you are applying from inside or outside Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Partner Visa
To apply for an partner visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Genuine Relationship: You must prove that your relationship with your partner is genuine and continuing.
- Sponsorship: Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who can sponsor you.
- Age Requirement: You and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
- De Facto Relationship: If you are not married, you must have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying.
- Health and Character Checks: You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
- No Previous Visa Issues: Applicants must not have a history of visa refusals or cancellations.
Process of Applying for an Australia Partner Visa
Applying for a partner visa involves multiple steps. Below is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Gather Documents
You need to collect all the required documents, including:
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
- Relationship proof (marriage certificate, photos, joint bank statements, etc.)
- Character documents (police clearance certificate, etc.)
- Health check reports
Step 2: Lodge the Application
The Australia partner visa application can be submitted online via the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to create an ImmiAccount and submit the required documents along with the visa fee.
Step 3: Temporary Partner Visa Grant
After submitting the application, you will first receive a Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820 or 309). This visa allows you to live and work in Australia while waiting for the permanent visa.
Step 4: Two-Year Waiting Period
There is usually a two-year waiting period before applying for a Permanent Partner Visa. During this time, you must continue to provide proof of your ongoing relationship.
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Partner Visa
Once the two-year period is completed, you can submit your application for the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801 or 100). If approved, you will become a permanent resident of Australia.
Documents Required for Australia Partner Visa
To apply for an Australia partner visa, you need to provide the following documents:
- Personal Documents: Passport, birth certificate, national identity card
- Relationship Proof: Marriage certificate, de facto registration, photos, messages, joint bank accounts, and shared assets
- Character Documents: Police clearance certificate from every country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years
- Health Assessment: Medical examination reports from an approved panel physician
Processing Time for Partner Visa
The processing time for an Australia partner visa can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as:
- Completeness of the application
- Time taken for background checks
- Complexity of the relationship assessment
On average, it takes:
- Temporary Partner Visa: 12 to 24 months
- Permanent Partner Visa: An additional 12 to 24 months after receiving the temporary visa
Cost of Australia Partner Visa
The cost of a partner visa is approximately AUD 8,850 for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for dependents, health checks, and police clearances.
Benefits of Australia Partner Visa
Holding an Australia partner visa comes with multiple benefits:
- Live and Work in Australia: Temporary visa holders can live and work in Australia while waiting for their permanent residency.
- Medicare Access: Partner visa holders are eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After holding a Permanent Partner Visa for a few years, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
- Travel Freedom: You can freely travel in and out of Australia while holding the visa.
Common Reasons for Australia Partner Visa Rejections
Some applications for an Australia partner visa get rejected due to:
- Insufficient relationship proof
- Failure to meet health or character requirements
- Incorrect or incomplete application forms
- Sponsorship ineligibility
- Previous visa violations
To avoid rejection, ensure all required documents are complete, and your relationship proof is strong.
Applying for a partner visa is a detailed process that requires careful documentation and patience. By meeting the eligibility requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and following the correct steps, you can increase your chances of obtaining this visa successfully.
If you and your partner are serious about building a future together in Australia, this visa is an essential step toward permanent residency and citizenship. Make sure to prepare well and seek professional advice if needed to avoid any errors in your application.
