Making it Official: How to Apply for a Partner Visa in Australia
Australia is a wonderful country with plenty to offer. It’s no wonder that many people from around the world dream of starting a new life with their partners in this beautiful country. Fortunately, Australia offers partner visas that allow people to join their loved ones in Australia and start their new life together.
If you’re planning to apply for an Australian partner visa there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for a partner visa in Australia.
Step 1: Check your eligibility for a Partner Visa
Before you apply for an Australian partner visa you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for a partner visa in Australia you must be in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen. You must also meet the health and character requirements and have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
Step 2: Choose the right type of partner visa
The types of partner visas are:
- Partner (subclass 820/801) visa: This visa allows you to live in Australia with your partner if you’re already in a relationship with an Australian citizen and are physically in Australia
- Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa: This visa allows you to come to Australia to marry your partner and then apply for a partner visa.
- Partner (subclass 309/100) visa: This visa allows you to live in Australia with your partner if you’re outside Australia and in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
Step 3: Gather the required documents to prove your relationship
When applying for a spouse or partner visa to immigrate to Australia it is essential to provide evidence that proves the existence of the relationship. The Australian immigration authorities require evidence to establish the genuineness of the relationship and ensure that the visa applicant and their partner are in a committed and ongoing relationship.
The following are some of the ways that an applicant can prove their relationship to the Australian immigration authorities:
- Relationship history: The applicant must provide a detailed history of their relationship which includes how and when they met, how the relationship developed, the current status of the relationship and proof that the relationship is continuing and is enduring. It is important to provide as much information as possible such as photos, emails, travel documents, social media posts and any other correspondence that supports the relationship.
- Joint financial documents: Joint financial documents are a crucial piece of evidence that demonstrates the commitment of the partners to the relationship. Such documents include joint bank statements, joint credit card statements, joint insurance policies, and joint ownership of property or joint leases and rental agreements. Transfers between bank accounts of each party can also be used to evidence that they have a relationship where they share costs.
- Social and family ties: The applicant can provide evidence of social and family ties with their partner, such as invitations to social events, family gatherings and joint memberships in clubs or organizations. The applicant can also provide evidence of visits to each other’s families or evidence of regular communication with their partner’s family members.
- Statutory declarations: A statutory declaration is a written statement made under oath or affirmation. The applicant can provide statutory declarations from friends, family members, or other individuals who can attest to the genuineness of the relationship.
- Communication history: Communication history is an essential piece of evidence that demonstrates the ongoing nature of the relationship. The applicant can provide evidence of regular communication with their partner, including phone records, email exchanges, messages and social media records.
- Joint travel history: If the partners have traveled together they can provide evidence of their joint travel history, including travel documents, hotel bookings and receipts.
- Photographs: Photographs are a vital piece of evidence that can demonstrate the genuineness of the relationship. The applicant can provide photographs of themselves with their partner.
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate: If the couple is married or in a civil partnership, they can provide a copy of their marriage or civil partnership certificate as evidence of their relationship. Some State in Australia allow you to ‘register a relationship’ and if applicants have the opportunity to do this they should so do.
- Other evidence: Other evidence that can demonstrate the genuineness of the relationship includes joint memberships in gyms, clubs or any other relevant evidence that supports the existence of the relationship.
It is essential to provide as much evidence as possible to demonstrate the ‘genuineness’ of the relationship. Australian immigration takes the process of assessing relationship evidence extremely seriously and any doubts about the genuineness of the relationship usually result in the visa application being refused.
Step 4: Apply for the Partner Visa
Once you have all the required documents you can start your application for an Australian partner visa. You can apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Make sure you fill out the application form accurately and completely, and attach all the required documents.
Step 5: Wait for a decision
After you submit your application you’ll need to wait for a decision from the Department of Home Affairs. The processing time for partner visas is 9 months on average.
Step 6: Receive your Partner Visa
If your application is successful you’ll receive your partner visa and you can start planning your move to Australia. The partner visa allows you to live and work in Australia for two years. After two years, you can then apply for a permanent partner visa which allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely.
