Things to Consider While Applying for Partner Visa

The partner visa will allow the de facto partner or spouse (married) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen to reside in Australia.

This article will describe things to consider while applying for an Australian partner visa and help the person understand the process before processing their visa applications.

Partner Visa (Onshore & Offshore)

The partner visa is both (a temporary & permanent visa), which enables the de facto partner & spouses (married) of Australian citizens or permanent residents and New Zealand citizens on their basis of relationship to reside in Australia.

There are both onshore & offshore partner visa subclasses as follows:

For OnshoreSubclass 820 (temporary) visaSubclass 801 (permanent) visaFor OffshoreSubclass 309 (temporary) visaSubclass 100 (permanent) visa

Both visa applications can be applied simultaneously; the temporary visa is usually granted first. After two years of lodgement of the initial application, the person becomes eligible for permanent residence.

Things to Consider

Processing Duration

The current subclass 309 partner visa processing duration is between 18 to 23 months, and if applying from Onshore (subclass 820/801 partner visa), the current processing duration is 23-28 months.

De Facto Partner & Marriage

De facto partner means you and your partner must be together for at least 12 months, but for married, it is not required. De facto partners should register their relationship at a federally recognized state or territory department of birth, marriage and death, and the waiting period is 12 months.

Evidence

The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence, like financial proof, social evidence, assets, living together & sharing life, photos of family and social gatherings are also considered, etc., of one's relationship. One needs to show that they are in an honest and continuing relationship.

Long Distance Relationship

If someone is in a long-distance relationship, it will be hard to provide proof or evidence, but they can share proof of their family gatherings, social media posts, skype or video calls, friends and more. In some cultures, like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, marriages are semi-arranged or arranged, requiring less relationship evidence.

Do not Lie

While processing the partner visa applications, be genuine because if one lies, one can get barred from future applications for up to 3 years. So, talk to professionals and take assistance from migration agents.

Health and Character Considerations

One needs to get a complete body health check-up, submit the reports, and have good character. The government will not accept applications if one has criminal or immoral records.

Cannot Sponsor

If the spouse or sponsoring partner has sponsored two other partners in migrating to Australia, they become ineligible to sponsor anyone. However, it is exceptional for those whose partner has died or abandoned the relationship.

Interviews

The Department of Home Affairs generally do not interview every applicant; they invite some applicant for in-person or phone interview.

Changes to Circumstances

If someone is facing any complications, including break-up, separation, divorce or anything duration the time of visa application processing or two years of the provisional period, they need to report immediately to the Department of Home Affairs.

Eligibility Criteria

Applying for an Australian partner visa, one must:

over the age of 18meet all the relationship criteriafulfil the health & character requirementssponsored by their partner/fiancé/fiancéerepay any outstanding debts owed to the Australian Government

Conclusion

Before applying for a partner visa, one must read the information mentioned above; it will help one understand the process of visa applications. If someone is planning to take assistance, we recommend Asia Pacific Group; their education & migration agents in Melbourne have been working since 2009 and assisting in all visa and education-related services.

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