Partner visas are designed for individuals in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia. These visas are available in both temporary and permanent stages and can be applied for by both onshore and offshore applicants. The primary benefit of these visas is the ability to live together in Australia while the relationship is being assessed, with a
pathway to permanent residency for those who continue to meet the visa conditions.
To be eligible for a partner visa, applicants must be in a genuine, continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The relationship must either be de facto (living together for at least 12 months) or married. Both partners must be at least 18 years old and meet health and character requirements. Additionally, applicants must provide supporting evidence of their relationship, such as joint finances, living arrangements, and other documents demonstrating the authenticity of their relationship.
The temporary partner visa (Subclass 820) is usually granted first, allowing applicants to live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for the decision on the permanent visa. After holding the temporary visa for the required period and showing that the relationship is still genuine, applicants may be granted the permanent partner visa (Subclass 801).
There are specific conditions that apply to partner visas. Applicants must notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to their relationship status or personal circumstances and must not engage in fraudulent behavior. Failure to comply with these conditions could jeopardize the visa application.
The application process begins with preparing documents to prove the legitimacy of the relationship. This includes personal identification, evidence of the relationship (such as joint leases, financial documents, and photos), and health and character checks. Applicants then submit their application either online or through paper, depending on their circumstances. Once the temporary visa is granted, applicants can stay in Australia while their permanent visa is processed. If additional information is requested, applicants must provide the necessary documents or attend an interview.
Additional considerations include the requirement for de facto couples to have lived together for at least 12 months before applying. The more compelling the evidence of the relationship, the better the chances of success. Both the applicant and the sponsor must provide supporting documentation. Dependent children can be included in the application, though they may need to meet additional criteria.
The cost of applying for a partner visa starts from AUD 9095.00 but this can vary depending on the subclass and individual circumstances.