Australian Immigration: What You Need to Know About Partner Visas

It doesn’t just happen in the movies. You, too, can unexpectedly meet the love of your life, and it turns out that they live in a completely different country from yours. Once you’ve gotten past the hurdles of maintaining a long-distance relationship, you might start wondering what’s next in store for you as a couple. So, if you’re a foreigner in a romantic relationship with an Australian and you’re both considering taking things to the next level, then it’s time to become familiar with partner visas. A partner visa will allow you to live in the country with your Australian partner or spouse as you make a lasting commitment to each other. Here’s the breakdown of the top things you need to know, courtesy of the experts over at Results Migration.

There are two subclasses of partner visas: temporary (subclass 820) and permanent (subclass 801).

Temporary Partner Visa

Getting this type of visa is the first step towards ultimately qualifying for a permanent one. It will allow you to temporarily stay in Australia while your application for the permanent visa is being finalised. Most applicants will need to pay approximately $9,095 AUD, while those with prospective marriage visas (subclass 300) will pay around $1,515 AUD. Once you qualify for this visa subclass, you can live, work, and study within Australia while you process your permanent application, as well as apply for access to Medicare. If you’re not proficient in the language, you can attend free English classes under the Adult Migrant English Program. You’ll also be able to travel to and from the country as many times as you wish.

Permanent Partner Visa

This subclass lets you stay permanently in Australia, and it’s combined with your application for the temporary visa. The entire journey to permanent residency begins with a temporary application, which is known as the 820 Partner Visa, as the relationship must continue for at least two years after this initial application date before the permanent stage is assessed. The processing time for the permanent visa starts from the eligibility date, two years after you’ve applied for the combined temporary visa. Once you’ve qualified for it, you’ll be able to stay indefinitely in Australia and sponsor your eligible family members to visit the country. You’ll also be able to apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Important Notes to Remember

Your relationship with your Australian partner needs to be committed and genuine since the Department of Home Affairs will assess its authenticity. So, it’s crucial for you to provide them with comprehensive and accurate evidence. Your partner’s background will also be assessed for suitability, including any history of sexual or domestic abuse as well as criminal offences. You should also note that a speedy resolution is not guaranteed and processing times can differ based on the type of visa you’re applying for and the complexity of your application.

Visa applications can be a complicated and challenging process, so it’s highly recommended that you engage the services of immigration agents to help you navigate through these waters. Results Migration is a leading firm based in Brisbane with a great reputation and a high success rate of helping couples take this important journey together, so contact us today.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.