For couples who are in a committed relationship and want to live together in Australia, a Partner visa may be the solution. This visa allows partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to come and live in Australia with their partner. This article will provide you with a complete guide on how to apply for a Partner visa in Australia.
What is a Partner Visa?
A Partner visa is a type of visa that allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to come and live in Australia. This visa is designed for couples who are in a committed relationship and want to live together in Australia.
The Partner visa is divided into two stages: the temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) and the permanent Partner visa (subclass 801). The temporary visa is granted first, and then after two years, the permanent visa is granted if the relationship is still genuine and ongoing.
Eligibility Criteria for a Partner Visa
Before applying for a Partner visa, both you and your partner must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:
- You must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- You must be outside of Australia when you apply for the visa.
- You must meet health and character requirements.
- You must meet the relevant criteria for the temporary and permanent Partner visas.
If you meet these criteria, you can proceed with the application process.
Application Process for a Partner Visa
The application process for a Partner visa is divided into several stages:
Stage 1: Lodge the Application
To apply for a Partner visa, you must lodge an application with the Department of Home Affairs. You can do this either online or by mail. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship, including details of how you met, how long you have been together, and evidence of your living arrangements.
Stage 2: Temporary Partner Visa
Once your application has been lodged, you will be granted a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820). This visa allows you to live and work in Australia for up to two years while your application for the permanent Partner visa is being processed.
During this time, you will need to provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This can include joint bank accounts, shared bills, and evidence of your living arrangements.
Stage 3: Permanent Partner Visa
After two years, if your relationship is still genuine and ongoing, you will be eligible to apply for the permanent Partner visa (subclass 801). This visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely and provides a pathway to Australian citizenship.
Once your application for the permanent visa has been approved, you will be granted full permanent residency in Australia.
Processing Times for Partner Visas
The processing times for Partner visas can vary depending on a range of factors, including the complexity of the application, the quality of the evidence provided, and the number of applications being processed at the time.
As of October 2021, the average processing times for Partner visas are as follows:
- Temporary Partner visa (subclass 820): 21 months
- Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801): 19 months
Cost of a Partner Visa
The cost of a Partner visa varies depending on the type of visa and whether you apply online or by mail. As of October 2021, the cost for a Partner visa is as follows:
- Temporary Partner visa (subclass 820): AUD 8,820
- Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801): AUD 1,485
Additional costs may apply for health checks, police checks, and other requirements.
Tips for a Successful Partner Visa Application
Here are some tips to help you prepare a successful Partner visa application:
- Provide as much evidence as possible to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship.
- Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date.
- Be honest and transparent in your application.
- Seek professional advice if you are unsure about any aspect of the application process.
- Submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for processing times.
Conclusion
If you are in a committed relationship and want to live together in Australia, a Partner visa may be the solution. This visa allows partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to come and live in Australia with their partner. The application process can be complex, but by following the tips outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of a successful application.
