Australian partner visas facilitate partners or spouses of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reside in Australia. Each partner visa type is different and has unique requirements.
Key Features:
Residency: Reside in Australia with your partner.
Work Rights: Full permission to work and study in Australia.
Potential Permanent Stay: A pathway to permanent residency and potentially Australian citizenship.
Medicare: Access to Medicare immediately upon applying for the visa.
Detailed Overview of Partner Visas:
1. Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309 and 100):
Requirements: Starts with a temporary visa (309) that allows applicants to come to Australia to live until the permanent visa (100) is granted. The permanent 100 visa may be granted if the relationship criteria are met after at least 2 years.
Validity: Two-stage process, beginning with temporary residency and leading to permanent residency if criteria are met.
2. Partner visa (subclass 820 and 801):
Requirements: Applicants must be in Australia for the initial application, which allows applicants to wait for the processing in Australia on a bridging visa. Starts with a temporary visa (820) and can lead to a permanent visa (801) after two years if relationship criteria are met.
Validity: Two-stage process, beginning with temporary residency and leading to permanent residency.
3. Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300):
Requirements: Intention to marry an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen in Australia. You must be outside Australia for the initial application. After the 300 visa is granted, you can come to Australia to get married, then apply for the 820/801 Partner visas to have a pathway to permanent residency.
Validity: The subclass 300 prospective marriage visa is valid for 9 months from the date of grant. You must marry and then apply for a subclass 820 visa to continue onto permanent residency.
General Requirements Across Partner Visas:
Relationship Proof: You must either be in a marriage recognized by Australian law or be in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months. Married applicants should have a mutual commitment to their spouse, live together, and not be related by family. De facto partners should share a mutual commitment, live together or not be permanently apart, and can bypass the 12-month rule in certain compassionate circumstances or if the relationship is officially registered in eligible states/territories.
Sponsorship: All applicants, along with any associated family members, must have a sponsor when they submit the application and for the duration of their time on this visa. The Australian government must also approve your sponsor.
Health & Character Requirements: Adhere to set health and character standards. You will likely be requested to complete medical/police checks to meet these standards.
Eligibility: Must not have any previous Australian visa cancelled or refused, no outstanding debts to the Australian government, and be at least 18 years of age.
Cost & Processing Times:
Partner Visa Application Fee: Starts at AUD $8,850
Australia Federal Police Check for the Sponsor: AUD $98.00
Processing Time: To check the processing time for your specific partner visa, refer to the home affairs processing page for up to date processing times.
Health Examinations: Starts at AUD $441.70
Budget: Approximately $200 for translations or other costs relating to official documents
Steps to Follow:
Step 1 - Before You Apply:
#1 – Determine Suitable Partner Visa Type For You:
Begin by matching your circumstances with the appropriate visa category. If you're uncertain about what partner visa is right for you, book a free consultation with us here, so we can help you through the process.
Onshore Partner visas (subclass 820/801): This is for people who are in Australia when they apply.
Offshore Partner visas (subclass 309/100): This is for people who are outside Australia when they apply.
Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300): This is for people who are outside Australia and want to come to Australia to marry their partner.
#2 – Compile Your Documents: Begin assembling your documents that reflect the history and authenticity of your relationship, as well as your identity and character documents. This can include shared financial documents, marriage certificates, passports, overseas police certificates, and more.
#3 – Prepare Your Documents: Make sure that all your documents are translated into English prior to your application. Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
Translators outside Australia do not have to be accredited. On each translation, they must include their:
Full name.
Address and telephone number.
Qualifications and experience in the language they are translating.
These details must be in English.
Step 2 - When You Apply:
#4 – Fill in the Visa Application Online: Lodge your application using ImmiAccount. Remember, certain visas might require a sequential application, like the subclass 300, where after marriage, you'll need to apply for a different visa. Always double-check your submissions for accuracy to expedite approval. Once you have attached your documents, you will need to pay the application charge. Be sure to note down your transaction reference number (TRN) for future reference.
Step 3 - After You Apply:
#5 – Await Response from the Department: Patience is key. If you feel that this process sounds overwhelming, the Skylark team has a combined 57+ years of experience helping people apply for partner visas, and proudly maintains a 100% success rate for partner visas. Contact us to book a free consultation so we can help you with your partner visa application.
For unparalleled service and affordable rates in Australian migration assistance, choose Skylark Migration. We're here to support you on your journey to making your Australian migration dreams a reality!
Why Choose Skylark Migration for Your Partner Visa Application?
Former-Department of Immigration With a former Immigration officer on our team, we have unique insight into what a strong application looks like and red flags you should avoid.
100% Partner Visa Success Rate Yes, every single Partner Visa application of ours has been successfully granted.
100% Money-back guarantee Which is why we are confident enough to offer you 100% Money Back Guarantee - We get your visa, or you get your money back*
Competitive, all-inclusive fees We are transparent with our pricing and are fiercely against charging exorbitant fees.
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