Australian Migration – Partner Visa FAQ

A Partner Visa allows spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live, work, and study in Australia.

Partner visa for onshore applicants are Subclass 820/801 and for offshore applicants are Subclass 309/100.

Your partner, who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, can sponsor you for your Partner Visa application.

Your sponsor must be willing to provide financial and other support for a specified period and meet character requirements.

Yes, you can apply while in Australia (Subclass 820/801). There are extra eligibility criteria and your current visa or any visa refusals may impact your ability to make an onshore application.

Onshore visas (Subclass 820/801) are applied for from within Australia, while offshore visas (Subclass 309/100) are applied for from outside Australia. There are more requirements if you are applying onshore, for example the visa that you currently hold, any visa refusals etc can have an impact on your eligibility.

You must fulfil one of the below to apply for a Partner visa:

– you should be legally married 

– you should be in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months

– you should have your relationship registered under Australian law

Evidence can include shared financial responsibilities, joint accounts, shared living arrangements, social recognition of the relationship, and evidence of mutual commitment.

Processing times vary, but it generally takes between 9 to 24 months.

Yes, you can include your dependent children in your application.

Applicants must undergo health examinations to ensure they meet the health requirements. The main health exams include HIV test, medical examination, chest x-ray and Serum Creatinine/eGFR. However, there could be other tests required based on your circumstances. 

You need to fulfil character requirements for a Partner Visa. Applicants must provide police checks from all countries where they have resided for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.

Your visa application may be affected, and you should notify the Department of Home Affairs if your relationship ends. There are provisions in the Migration law to grant the visa if you were subject to domestic violence or if your partner has died.

Yes, if you have applied for an onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820), you may be granted a bridging visa that allows you to work.

Registration is not mandatory but can be beneficial if you do not meet the 12-month de facto relationship requirement.

You may be eligible to appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) if your visa is refused.

Yes, but you must ensure you have the appropriate visa to return to Australia if you leave.

The visa application fee is approximately AUD 8,850, but additional costs for health checks, police certificates, and other documentation may apply.

There are limitations on sponsoring multiple partners. Your partner must not have sponsored another person within the past five years and one sponsor cannot sponsor more than two partners.

If your sponsor withdraws their support, your visa application may be refused.

You may be required to attend an interview to provide further evidence of your relationship. Generally, if you have provided sufficient evidence supporting your relationship, you may not be called for an interview.

You can provide joint bank account statements, shared bills, combined assets and liabilities, lease agreements etc showing shared financial responsibilities.

Evidence such as photos, social media interactions, joint invitations, and statements from friends and family recognizing your relationship can be provided. Moreover statements of support from friends and relatives can also be provided.

You can provide evidence of shared living arrangements, joint household responsibilities, and daily living routines.

Gather all required documents, submit your application online, pay the necessary fees, and await a decision from the Department of Home Affairs.

Navigating the Australian Partner Visa application process can be complex and daunting. Hiring a Migration Agent can significantly simplify this journey, ensuring that your application is thorough, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner. Here are several compelling reasons why engaging a Migration Agent is beneficial:

1. Expert Knowledge and Experience: Migration Agents are well-versed in the latest immigration laws, regulations, and policies. They possess a deep understanding of the requirements and procedures involved in Partner Visa applications. This expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls and errors that could delay or jeopardize your visa approval.
2. Personalized Guidance and Support: Each migration journey is unique. A Migration Agent provides personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They will guide you through every step of the process, from gathering necessary documents to preparing for potential interviews.
3. Efficient Documentation and Submission: One of the critical aspects of a successful visa application is the proper documentation of your relationship. Migration Agents help ensure that all required evidence, such as financial records, social proof, and household details, are accurately compiled and presented in a convincing manner.
4. Handling Complex Cases: If your case involves complexities such as previous visa refusals, legal issues, or specific health and character concerns, a Migration Agent can provide the expertise needed to address these challenges effectively. They can offer strategies and solutions that improve your chances of success.
5. Peace of Mind: The visa application process can be stressful and time-consuming. Hiring a Migration Agent allows you to focus on your personal and professional commitments while the agent manages the intricacies of your application. This peace of mind is invaluable, knowing that a professional is handling your case.
6. Increased Success Rates: Statistics show that applications lodged with the assistance of Migration Agents have higher approval rates compared to those submitted independently. Agents ensure that your application meets all legal requirements and is free of errors, thereby increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
7. Post-Application Support: After submitting your application, a Migration Agent continues to provide support, responding to any requests for additional information from the Department of Home Affairs and keeping you informed about the progress of your application.

Conclusion: Hiring a Migration Agent can be a wise investment in your future, providing expertise, efficiency, and peace of mind throughout the Partner Visa application process. At Ten Heads Immigration, our experienced agents are committed to helping you achieve your migration goals with personalized and professional support. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you on your journey to Australia.