What is a Visa Partner?
A visa partner allows foreign nationals to live in Australia with their Australian partner. This visa is available to individuals in both de facto and married relationships, whether same-sex or opposite-sex. There are two main types of partner visas:
- Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820): This visa grants you temporary residence in Australia while your application for the permanent visa is being processed. It provides a pathway to live in Australia with your Australian partner, though you’ll need to wait for your permanent visa approval.
- Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801): This visa is available after you’ve held the temporary partner visa for a required period (usually two years). The permanent partner visa allows you to live in Australia indefinitely, offering a route to Australian citizenship once you meet additional requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for a Visa Partner
To apply for a visa partner, both you and your Australian partner must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the primary requirements:
- Genuine Relationship: One of the most crucial aspects of a visa partner application is demonstrating that your relationship is genuine. You need to prove your relationship is ongoing, committed, and sincere. Evidence can include joint financial documents, proof of living together, photos, and affidavits from friends and family attesting to your relationship.
- Sponsor Eligibility: Your Australian partner must be willing to sponsor you for the visa. They must be an Australian citizen, copyright, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Additionally, your partner needs to meet character requirements and cannot have sponsored other partners in the past five years (unless there are exceptional circumstances).
- Health and Character Checks: As part of the application process, both you and your partner will be required to undergo health assessments. Police clearance certificates from any country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last ten years will also need to be provided.
- Age Requirement: Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old to apply for the visa partner.
The Application Process for a Visa Partner
Applying for a visa partner involves several steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
- Collect Required Documents: Begin by gathering all the necessary documents to prove your relationship. These may include joint bank accounts, proof of living together, identification documents, and health or police clearance certificates.
- Complete the Application: You can complete your visa partner application online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. Ensure you provide accurate and up-to-date information about both you and your Australian partner.
- Pay the Application Fee: The application fee for a visa partner can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Make sure you review the current fees and budget accordingly.
- Submit Your Application: After filling out the forms and gathering your documents, submit your application online. Double-check all information to avoid delays or rejections.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time for a visa partner application can take several months. During this period, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional documents or information from you.
- Temporary Visa Approval: If your application is successful, you’ll be granted a temporary partner visa (Subclass 820). This allows you to live in Australia with your partner while waiting for your permanent visa approval.
- Permanent copyright: After holding your temporary visa for two years, you can apply for the permanent partner visa (Subclass 801). If your relationship is still ongoing, you will likely be granted permanent residency.
Benefits of the Visa Partner
There are numerous advantages to securing a visa partner:
- Live with Your Partner in Australia: The most obvious benefit of the visa partner is the ability to live with your Australian partner in Australia. This is the foundation of the partner visa program, which helps couples unite and build a life together.
- Work and Study Rights: Once your visa partner is granted, you will have the right to work and study in Australia, providing access to career and educational opportunities.
- Access to Medicare: As a partner visa holder, you can access Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, which helps reduce the cost of medical care.
- Path to Australian Citizenship: After obtaining your permanent partner visa and living in Australia for a set period, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, provided you meet residency and other requirements.
Challenges of the Visa Partner Process
While the benefits of the visa partner are clear, there are also some challenges to be aware of:
- Proving Relationship Authenticity: Demonstrating that your relationship is genuine can be challenging. You will need to provide extensive documentation and evidence of your shared life together, which may require time and effort to gather.
- Processing Time: The visa partner process can take time, sometimes several months or longer. Applicants must remain patient and respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Cost: The application for a visa partner can be expensive. In addition to the visa fee, there may be additional costs for medical exams, police clearances, translations, and document verification.
Conclusion
A visa partner offers a fantastic opportunity for couples who wish to live together in Australia. By meeting the eligibility criteria, preparing all required documents, and following the correct application process, you can increase your chances of securing a partner visa. While it requires patience and effort, the rewards of living and building a life with your Australian partner make the visa partner a worthwhile pursuit. Consider consulting a migration agent if you need assistance navigating the application process to ensure the best possible outcome.