If you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can bring your spouse or partner to Australia through a Partner Visa. The Australian government provides two main pathways for this visa: one for applicants already in Australia and another for those applying from overseas. At VisaTasker Pty Ltd, our migration experts help you navigate the complex requirements and process of securing a Partner Visa, ensuring a smooth reunion with your loved one.
What Is a Partner Visa?
A Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The visa process typically involves two stages—applying for a temporary visa first, followed by permanent residency.
There are two types of Partner Visas:
- Partner Visa (Temporary) Subclass 820/309 This is the first stage of the Partner Visa process. Once granted, it allows your partner to stay in Australia temporarily while the permanent visa is being processed.
- Partner Visa (Permanent) Subclass 801/100 After meeting the requirements for the temporary visa and living in Australia for two years, your partner becomes eligible to apply for permanent residency under Subclass 801 (if applying onshore) or Subclass 100 (if applying offshore).
Eligibility for the Partner Visa
To apply for a Partner Visa, you and your partner must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Relationship Status You must be either:
- Married: You must be legally married to your partner, with the marriage recognized under Australian law.
- De Facto: You must prove that you and your partner have been living together in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying.
- Sponsor Eligibility The sponsoring partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They must also meet certain sponsorship criteria, including financial capacity and no previous history of sponsorship for other partner visas.
- Genuine Relationship You need to provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing. This includes showing proof of shared living arrangements, financial commitments, and social connections. Documents like joint bank statements, utility bills, rental agreements, and photographs together can help support your case.
- Health and Character Checks Both you and your partner must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This typically involves undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates.
Onshore vs. Offshore Partner Visa Applications
There are two primary pathways for applying for a Partner Visa, depending on where the applicant is located:
- Onshore (Subclass 820/801) If you’re already in Australia on a temporary visa, you can apply for a Partner Visa onshore. Once you lodge the application, you will be granted a bridging visa that allows you to stay in Australia while your Partner Visa is processed. After the temporary visa is granted, you can apply for permanent residency after two years.
- Offshore (Subclass 309/100) If you’re outside Australia, you can apply for an offshore Partner Visa. Like the onshore process, the offshore visa grants temporary residency first (Subclass 309), followed by permanent residency (Subclass 100) once the two-year waiting period is completed.
Key Requirements for a Partner Visa Application
To ensure your Partner Visa application is successful, you must provide comprehensive evidence of your relationship. This includes:
- Identity Documents: Passport, birth certificates, and any change of name documents.
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificates, joint bank accounts, shared leases, photos, travel itineraries, and social media posts showing your relationship.
- Financial Evidence: Joint bank statements, shared bills, or proof of financial commitments made together.
- Character Evidence: Police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months.
- Health Examination: A health examination that meets Australia’s requirements.
Why Choose VisaTasker Pty Ltd for Your Partner Visa?
At VisaTasker Pty Ltd, we know how important it is for couples to be together. The Partner Visa process can be complex, with multiple stages and requirements, but we’re here to help. Our team of MARA-registered migration agents provides expert guidance on preparing your application, gathering evidence, and ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria.
Our Services Include:
- Eligibility Assessment: We help determine whether you and your partner meet the visa requirements and the best pathway to take—onshore or offshore.
- Document Preparation: We assist in gathering and organizing the necessary documents to strengthen your application.
- Application Submission: Our team manages the entire application process, from filling out forms to lodging the visa application.
- Post-Visa Support: We offer ongoing support during the waiting period and assistance with transitioning from the temporary to permanent visa.
Processing Time and Costs
The processing time for a Partner Visa can vary based on the complexity of your case and the volume of applications being processed by the Department of Home Affairs. On average:
- Temporary Visa (Subclass 820/309) takes 12 to 20 months to process.
- Permanent Visa (Subclass 801/100) can be granted 24 months after the initial temporary visa approval.
The application fee for a Partner Visa starts at AUD 8,085, though additional costs may be incurred for health checks, police clearances, and translations.
Reunite with Your Partner in Australia
If you’re ready to reunite with your partner in Australia, VisaTasker Pty Ltd is here to help you through every step of the Partner Visa application process. Contact us today to book a consultation and start your journey towards living together in Australia.