What is the process of obtaining a partner visa in Australia?

by Asia Pacific Asia Pacific Group

Australia is a popular destination for immigrants, including those who wish to move to the country to be with their partners. If you are in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a partner visa. This blog will outline the process of obtaining a partner visa in Australia.

Determine your eligibility: Before applying for a partner visa, you must determine if you are eligible. There are two types of partner visas available in Australia: the subclass 820/801 visa for onshore applicants and the subclass 309/100 visa for offshore applicants. To be eligible, you must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. You must also meet health and character requirements and be able to prove that you meet the visa's criteria.

Gather evidence: To support your application, you will need to gather evidence of your relationship. This can include joint bank account statements, evidence of joint rental or mortgage payments, photographs of you and your partner together, and statutory declarations from family and friends who can attest to the genuineness of your relationship. The more evidence you can provide, the better your chances of a successful application.

Lodge your application: Once you have gathered all the necessary evidence, you can lodge your application. This can be done online or in person at a Department of Home Affairs office. You will need to pay a fee when you lodge your application, and you may be required to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs.

Wait for processing: Processing times for partner visas can vary depending on a range of factors, including the number of applications being processed and the complexity of your case. You can check the current processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website. While you wait for your application to be processed, you can stay in Australia on a bridging visa if you applied onshore, or you can remain in your home country if you applied offshore.

Attend an interview: As part of the application process, you may be required to attend an interview with a Department of Home Affairs officer. The interview is an opportunity for you to provide additional evidence to support your application and to clarify any information that may be unclear. You may also be asked questions about your relationship and your plans for the future.

Receive a decision: Once your application has been processed, you will receive a decision from the Department of Home Affairs. If your application is successful, you will be granted a temporary partner visa that will allow you to stay in Australia for up to two years. After two years, you can apply for a permanent partner visa. If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply if your circumstances change.

Comply with visa conditions: If you are granted a partner visa, you must comply with the visa conditions. These may include not working in Australia, undertaking a health assessment, and notifying the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your circumstances. If you do not comply with the visa conditions, your visa may be cancelled, and you may be required to leave Australia.

In summary, obtaining a partner visa in Australia can be a complex process, but with careful preparation and the right evidence, you can increase your chances of success. It is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and to gather as much evidence as possible to support your application. Once your application is lodged, you will need to wait for processing, attend an interview if required, and comply with the visa conditions if your application is successful. With the right approach, you can achieve your goal of moving to Australia to be with your partner.