Moving to Australia is a dream come true for many people. Whether it is for a new job opportunity, to study in one of their reputable universities, or to start a new life, Australia is a top choice for many applicants seeking a new adventure. However, for people who want to move with their partners, the process can be a bit more complicated. Australian immigration law requires a partner visa for those moving to Australia with their partner/spouse. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about partner visas in Australia.
Partner Visa Eligibility
The first step in applying for a partner visa is to check if you meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, your partner must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Moreover, you must have a genuine relationship – showing evidence of living together, meeting each other’s family and friends, and travelling together. The applicant must also prove that they are not barred from entry to Australia due to medical, criminal, or military concerns
Types of Partner Visas
There are two types of partner visas in Australia – Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820) and Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801). The temporary visa is granted initially for two years, after which the applicant can apply for a permanent visa. The permanent visa is granted when the applicant’s relationship is still genuine and has continued from the date of the temporary visa application until the date of the grant of the permanent visa.
The Application Process
The application process for a partner visa is broken down into two stages. Firstly, the applicant must lodge the application for the temporary partner visa, after which, they will be assessed. If the applicant’s visa is granted, they may apply for a permanent visa. The applicant should apply for both visas at the same time. The Australian immigration department recommends lodging applications for temporary and permanent visas at the same time. This could save the applicant time and money.
Partner Visa Application Requirements
A partner visa application generally takes around 12 to 14 months or longer to finalize. With accurate and comprehensive documentation, including proof of relationship, identity and character documents, the processing time may be reduced. Partners must be legally married, or if unmarried, they must have a de facto relationship and belong to one of these categories: same-sex partners, opposite-sex partners or interdependent partners. Applicants also must go through police checks and have a medical appointment before submitting their applications.
Seeking Assistance from an Australian Immigration Firm
Seeking advice from an Australian Immigration Firm- Gold Medal Visa can make the partner visa application process straightforward and successful. A knowledgeable Australian experienced immigration lawyer can identify any potential issues with a case and help gather opposite documents. Also, an immigration lawyer can explain confusing laws and regulations and create arguments to support the claim.
Conclusion
Finally, to successfully attain a partner visa in Australia, the applicant must have a genuine relationship with their partner, and meet the necessary requirements and documentations. An immigration lawyer can help ensure that you have complete and well-packaged paperwork for your visa application. Follow our tips above, and you’ll find that your application for partner visas will be simple, smooth, and comfortable.
