Partner Visas: The 4 Crucial Relationship Elements You Need to Know
The Partner Visa in Australia allows spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. These visas help partners who live in different countries. They allow them to build a life together in Australia.
There are various types of partner visas, including temporary and permanent partner visas, which cater to different situations and relationship stages. Every kind of visa has unique privileges and eligibility restrictions. It is important to choose the one that fits your situation.
Types of Partner Visas
- Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): The Subclass 820 visa lets you stay in Australia temporarily while your permanent visa (Subclass 801) is processed. You can work, study, and access healthcare during this time. The temporary visa helps prove the authenticity of your relationship. Once eligible, you can transition to a permanent visa (Subclass 801), granting indefinite stay, access to more benefits, and a pathway to citizenship.
- Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100): The Subclass 309 visa allows your partner to stay in Australia temporarily while awaiting their permanent visa (Subclass 100). This temporary visa lets them live, work, and study. Once eligible, the permanent visa (Subclass 100) provides indefinite residency, access to social benefits, and a path to Australian citizenship.
- Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300): If you’re engaged to be married, this visa allows you to enter Australia and marry your partner within nine months. It is ideal for couples who have yet to formalize their relationship but are committed to doing so. This visa allows you to plan your wedding and prepare for a future together in Australia. It shows a commitment that goes beyond borders.
The Four Main Aspects of a Relationship
When applying for a partner visa in Australia, you need to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your relationship based on four key aspects.
Understanding these aspects is essential, as they form the foundation of your visa application.
By thoroughly addressing each area, you can present a compelling case that underscores the depth and sincerity of your partnership.
1. Financial Aspects
The financial aspect of your relationship is a significant factor in your partner’s visa application. You need to show that you share financial responsibilities and that your finances are intertwined.
Evidence may include joint bank account statements, shared bills or expenses, joint ownership of significant assets, and financial support for each other.
Demonstrating financial integration not only proves co-dependence but also highlights mutual trust and shared goals. It’s crucial to present a clear narrative of your financial journey together, showcasing how you manage money collaboratively.
2. Social Aspects
The social aspect examines how you present yourselves as a couple to the outside world. This includes your interactions with family and friends and participation in social activities together.
You can provide evidence such as invitations to events addressed to both of you, social media posts or photos together, statements from friends or family confirming your relationship, and memberships in clubs or organizations as a couple.
Social proof plays a pivotal role in reflecting the authenticity of your relationship, as it shows the extent to which you are perceived as a unit by those around you.
Engagement in community activities and the endorsement of your relationship by others strengthen your application.
3. Household Aspects
The household aspect focuses on how you share domestic responsibilities and live together as a unit.
Here are some ways to demonstrate this aspect: lease agreements or mortgage documents with both names, correspondence addressed to both of you at the same address, shared responsibilities for household chores, and joint purchase of household items.
Living together is a strong indicator of a committed relationship, and evidence of shared domestic life can substantiate the seriousness of your partnership.
By showcasing how you manage a household together, you provide tangible proof of your collaboration and mutual support.
4. Commitment to Each Other
Commitment is the emotional bond between you and your partner, showing that you intend to have a long-term relationship.
Evidence may include statements of commitment to each other, long-term plans together, such as travel or relocation, correspondence during periods of separation, and evidence of mutual decision-making.
Commitment is often seen as the cornerstone of a lasting relationship, and demonstrating it through concrete plans and emotional support can be compelling.
By providing a comprehensive view of your future aspirations and past experiences, you illustrate the depth of your commitment and the resilience of your partnership.
Partner Visa Requirements
To apply for a partner visa in Australia, you must meet specific requirements.
These include the relationship requirement, where you must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The age requirement mandates that both partners must be at least 18 years old.
Health and character requirements are also crucial, as you must meet health and character checks as part of the application process.
Lastly, the sponsor requirement dictates that your partner in Australia must be willing and eligible to sponsor you. Each requirement serves as a safeguard to ensure that the visa is granted to deserving applicants, maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.
The Partner Visa Application Process
The partner visa application process can be lengthy and requires careful preparation. This is a detailed guide to help you go through it.
Understanding the process can alleviate stress and help you anticipate the requirements at each stage, ensuring a smoother journey toward securing your visa.
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Collect all necessary documents to support your application, including identity documents, evidence of your relationship, and any other relevant paperwork.
Thorough documentation is key to a successful application; missing or incomplete documents can lead to delays or rejections.
Ensuring that all documents are accurate, up-to-date, and well-organized can significantly enhance your application’s credibility.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Applying online is possible via the Department of Home Affairs website.
To avoid delays, make sure all the information is correct and complete. This will help prevent any hold-ups.
Double-checking your application for errors before submission can prevent unnecessary complications.
Online submissions are generally more efficient, providing you with a platform to track your application’s progress.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
The partner visa application fee can be substantial, so be prepared for this cost. Payment must be made at the time of application submission.
Planning for this expense ahead of time can help avoid financial stress. It also makes sure you are ready to move forward when you have all the needed documents.
Understanding the fee structure and payment process is crucial for timely submission.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing times can vary, so patience is essential. During this period, you may be required to provide additional information or attend an interview.
Being proactive in responding to any requests from the immigration department can expedite the process.
Maintaining open communication with the authorities and staying informed about any changes in processing times or requirements is beneficial.
Step 5: Grant of Visa
If your application is successful, you will receive a temporary visa initially, followed by a permanent visa once the Department is satisfied with your ongoing relationship.
Receiving a visa is a momentous occasion, marking the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
Understanding the conditions of your visa and complying with them is crucial for maintaining your residency status.
Partner Visa Double Grant
In some cases, applicants may get a “double grant.” This means they receive both temporary and permanent partner visas at the same time.
This typically occurs when the couple has been in a long-term relationship before applying.
A double grant can significantly reduce the waiting period, allowing couples to settle into their lives in Australia sooner.
It serves as an acknowledgment of the relationship’s robustness and the couple’s readiness for permanent residency.
Need Help with Your Partner Visa Application?
Applying for a Partner Visa can be complicated and takes a lot of time. This is especially true if you want a double grant. However, with the right guidance, you can boost your chances of success.
If you are not sure if you can get a double grant, Emigrate Lawyers can help. We can also assist you in creating a great application.
Our team will help you at every step. We will prepare the needed evidence and make sure your application is perfect.
Take the Next Step—Lodge Your Partner Visa Now!
At Emigrate Lawyers, we specialize in helping couples navigate the Partner Visa process. Whether you want a Partner Visa double grant or to apply the regular way, we are here to help. We will make sure your application is complete and strong.
Book a Consultation with Our Partner Visa Expert Today!
Let us simplify the journey and maximize your chances of success. Reach out now to take the next step towards securing your future in Australia!
Disclaimer: The information provided here does not provide legal advice; it is simply informational. For personalized assistance, consult with a qualified migration lawyer at Emigrate Lawyers.
