A Comprehensive Guide to Australia Partner Visas: Requirements, Process, and Tips

Do you want to start a life with your partner in beautiful Australia? Getting an Australia Partner Visa might seem complicated, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. We’ll explain all the visa options, go through the application steps, and give you essential advice. This article is here to guide you every step of the way.

The process of obtaining an Australian spouse visa is intricate and demands a significant investment of time and energy. You must compile supporting documentation before applying for a spouse visa and satisfy specific qualification prerequisites.

Introduction to Australia Partner Visa

An Australian partner visa lets your spouse or partner join you in Australia if you’re an Australian citizen or resident. It’s for couples in committed relationships.

Australia provides various partner visa choices for bringing partners together in the country. These options include the Subclass 820/801 visa for married and de facto couples, the Subclass 309/100 visa for those genuinely in a relationship with an Australian citizen, and the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) for couples planning to marry in Australia.

Read More: Guide to Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in Australia. 🌟🌟

Understanding the Requirements

Before you start the visa application process, it’s important to know the key criteria for a successful application:

• Genuine Relationship Evidence: Your application centers on proving your true and lasting partnership. This involves gathering evidence that demonstrates your life together, like shared finances, living arrangements, travel records, photos, and communication.
• Financial and Character Standards: Both you and your partner must meet set financial and character criteria for an Australia Partner Visa. Having a clean criminal record and meeting financial benchmarks are vital prerequisites.

How long does it take to get a Spouse Visa in Australia?

Getting a Spouse Visa in Australia takes time. The processing duration can vary. It might range from several months to over a year. The exact time depends on factors like the type of visa and how busy the processing system is. Remember that processing times can change, so it’s best to check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs for the most current information.

Visa Type	Processing time of 75% of applications	Processing time of 90% of applications
309- Provisional Visa	11 months	15 months
100- Permanent Visa	20 months	23 months

As per the year 2023, the estimated processing time for an Australia spouse visa are:

25% of applications	4 Months
50% of applications	8 Months
75% of applications	15 Months
90% of applications	30 Months

How much does a Spouse Visa for Australia Cost?

Australia spouse visa fees are listed below:

Visa Type	Details
Spouse or De-facto Visa Application (Application lodged outside of Australia – SC 309/100)	Visa Application fee of main applicant – $7,715 Child accompanying over 18 years – $3,860 each Child accompanying below 18 years – $1,935 each
Prospective Spouse Application (Lodged Outside Australia-Sc300)	Visa Application fee of main applicant – $7,715 Child accompanying over 18 years – $3,860 each Child accompanying below 18 years – $1,935 each
Spouse Or De Facto Visa application (Lodged Inside Australia-Sc820/801)	Visa Application fee of main applicant – $7,715 Child accompanying over 18 years – $3,860 each Child accompanying below 18 years – $1,935 each
Eligible New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Application (Sc461)	Visa Application fee of main applicant – $365 Child accompanying over 18 years – $185 each Child accompanying below 18 years – $90 each
Medical Examination	Approximately $350 per adult and $300 per child
Police Checks	The fee for this depends on the police authorities in your country.
Transition of Documents	This is considered if you have concerned any person for translating your documents or certificates.

 

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How to apply for an Australian Spouse Visa?

1. Research and Choose Your Visa

Start by researching the available partner visa options. Pick the one that matches your relationship and future plans.

2. Collect Your Documents

Make a complete list of documents to prove your partnership. These can include shared leases, financial commitments, messages, and references from loved ones.

3. Apply Online

Begin the process by submitting your application on the official Australian immigration website. Fill out the forms accurately and pay the required fee.

4. Medical Check and Biometrics

For some visas, you might need a medical check and biometric information.

5. Application Review

The immigration department carefully examines your application and documents. The proof of a genuine relationship is crucial here.

6. Get Your Visa

If approved, you’ll receive a visa to live, work, and study in Australia with your partner.

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Partner visa options for different relationship types

 

1. Provisional Partner Visa (Subclass 309)

Visa Type: Temporary visa

• Eligible for conversion to Permanent Residency via Subclass 100
• Granting may occur after one year of application

Who is it for?

• Married or de facto relationship with sponsor
• Applying from outside Australia
• Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen

2. Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100)

Visa Type: Permanent visa

• Application possible after at least 2 years of Subclass 309 grant

Who is it for?

• Holds Subclass 309 visa
• Maintains a relationship with an Australian sponsor
• Shared residence in Australia for over 2 years

3. Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)

Visa Type: Temporary visa

• Convertible to Permanent Residency via Subclass 801

Who is it for?

• Married or de facto relationship with sponsor
• Applied for within Australia
• Sponsor: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen

4. Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

Visa Type: Permanent visa

• Application possible 2 years after Subclass 820 grant

Who is it for?

• Holds Subclass 820 visa
• Continues relationship with Australian Sponsor
• Shared residence in Australia for over 2 years

5. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

Visa Type: Non-immigrant Temporary visa

• Stay up to nine months
• Marriage with a partner if possible.
• Upgradeable to Temporary partner visa (Subclass 820)

Who is it for?

• Engaged with Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens
• De facto relationship with 12 months of cohabitation
• Intends to marry partner within 9 months in Australia

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6. Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

Visa Type: Temporary visa

• A child can be added to the Subclass 100 or Subclass 801 application.

Who is it for?

• Child, stepchild, or adopted child under 25
• Can provide for child’s stay and financial needs for 2 years in Australia

Note: Choosing the right visa is crucial for success. Evaluate your profile and your partner’s before applying. Seek guidance from our Australian spouse visa experts for a thorough evaluation and advice on your best options.

Tips for successful application

• Start Early: Kick off the procedure by gathering proof and finishing forms well ahead of time to meet important timelines.
• Arrange Your Papers: Establish an orderly collection for all your papers to guarantee a smooth application procedure.
• Collect Varied Evidence: Include various documents covering various aspects of your relationship, including financial connections and personal ties.
• Maintain Openness: Sincerity and openness are crucial throughout the application. Any contradictions could result in complexities during the process.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the process of getting an Australia Partner Visa might seem overwhelming, but armed with the insights from this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to take on the journey. Remember, every relationship is special, so tailor your evidence to showcase your unique bond. With this knowledge, you can navigate the steps, seize opportunities, and create wonderful memories with your partner in Australia.

Apart from the partner visa, we at CDRWritersAustralia provide documentation services such as CDR report, ACS RPL report, KA02 reports, and skilled migration services. If you need any assistance, contact us for free consultation and guidance.

FAQs

Q1. Who is ineligible for a Spouse visa?

• Marriages involving multiple partners (Polygamous Marriages)
• Marriages within a prohibited degree of relationship
• Relationships involving parent and child or grandparent and grandchild
• Sibling relationships
• Marriages involving underage individuals

Q2. What advantages come with acquiring a Dependent Visa?

By obtaining the Spouse Dependent Visa, you gain access to a range of benefits, including:

• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship
• Qualification for social security payments.
• Permission to travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years

Q3. What are the necessary prerequisites for applying for a dependent child visa?

For a dependent child visa application to be considered:

• The child must be the biological, adopted, or stepchild of the sponsoring parent.
• The same person who sponsors the partner parent should also sponsor the child.
• The child must be under 18 years of age and unmarried or unengaged.

However, there are exceptions for children over 18:

• They must be financially dependent on the parent holding a temporary visa.
• They must have physical or mental disabilities.

Q4. What if my current visa expires before processing?

If your visa expires before your temporary partner visa is granted, you can remain in Australia by obtaining a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This temporary visa allows you to reside in Australia if your existing visa expires, and no separate application is necessary.

Q5. Is it possible for a qualified citizen of New Zealand to support a partner in Australia?

Typically, citizens of New Zealand don’t meet the general criteria for becoming Australian citizens. Consequently, they lack the capability to act as sponsors for relatives or potential spouses applying for Australian PR visas, Partner visas, or Parent visas.

Q6. Which categories of Family, Partner & Spouse visas are available in Australia?

Here’s a brief rundown of dependent visas:

• Prospective Marriage Visa (Fiance Visa)
• Application for a Partner Visa from outside Australia (Offshore Partner Visa)
• Application for a Partner Visa from within Australia (Onshore Partner Visa)
• Aged Parent Visa
• Parent Visa
• Contributory (Temporary) Parent Visa