A partner visa is a type of visa that allows you to live and work in Australia as the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. It is a two-stage process that involves applying for a temporary visa (subclass 820 or 309) and then a permanent visa (subclass 801 or 100) after two years.
The partner visa is one of the most popular and expensive visa options in Australia, with a high demand and a long processing time. Therefore, it is important to consider some factors before you decide to apply for a partner visa, such as the strain on your relationship, the documents you need to provide, the processing time and the money involved.
The Strain On Your Relationship
Applying for a partner visa can be a stressful and challenging experience for both you and your partner. You will need to provide evidence of your genuine and ongoing relationship, such as joint bank statements, photos, travel tickets, statutory declarations, etc.
You will also need to undergo health and character checks. You may face delays, uncertainties, and frustrations during the process, which can take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. Therefore, it is important to have a strong and supportive relationship with your partner, and to communicate openly and honestly about your expectations and feelings. It’s recommended to seek professional migration assistant throughout your partner visa process, we can assist you with documentation, processing the application and be there to help alleviate your stress along the way.
The Documents You Need
One of the most crucial aspects of applying for a partner visa is to prepare and submit a complete and accurate application with all the required documents to support your relationship. The documents you need will depend on your personal circumstances, such as your country of origin, your relationship status, your health and character, etc. Some of the common documents you will need can include:
- Passport
- Visa details
- Birth certificate
- Any change of name documents
- Marriage certificate
- Partner’s passport and visa details
- Partner’s birth certificate and any change of name documents
- Partner’s Australian citizenship, permanent residency or New Zealand citizenship evidence
- Evidence of your relationship with your partner which includes financial, social, household, and commitment aspects
- Statutory declarations from you, your partner, and two Australian citizens or permanent residents who know your relationship
- Police certificates from all the countries you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years
- Medical examinations and tests from an approved panel physician
Ensure your documents are accompanied by an English translation by a certified translator. To prepare the documents, you should also scan and upload your documents online, and keep the original copies for future reference. You should check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest information and guidance on the documents you need.
The Processing Time
Another factor to consider before applying for a partner visa is the processing time of your applications. The processing time for a partner visa can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the availability of places, the quality of your application, and the workload of the immigration authorities. According to the Department of Home Affairs website, as of April 2024, for the 820 Partner visa (stage 1) the processing time for 50% of applications is 11 months, and for 90% of applications is 44 months. For the 309 visa (stage 1) the processing time for 50% of applications is 13 months, and for 90% of applications is 32 months.
This means that you may have to wait for a long time before you get a decision on your visa, and you may face some restrictions and conditions during this period, such as not being able to travel outside Australia without a bridging visa, or not being able to access certain government benefits or services.
The Money Involved
The money involved in applying for a partner visa is also significant. The visa application charge for a partner visa is currently $8,850AUD, which is one of the highest in the world. This fee covers both the temporary and the permanent visa stages, and is payable at the time of lodgement. Its important to note that this fee does not include other costs, such as the fees for translations, medical examinations, police checks, biometrics, legal practitioners etc. Therefore, you should budget carefully and plan ahead for the financial implications of applying for a partner visa.
Applying for an Australian partner visa is a complex and lengthy process that requires careful preparation and planning. You need to be aware of the challenges and risks involved, such as the long processing times, the uncertain outcomes, the high costs, documentary requirements and the possible restrictions and conditions. It’s important to seek professional advice and guidance to ensure that you meet the legal requirements and submit a complete and valid application. A partner visa can offer many benefits and opportunities for you and your partner, but it also comes with significant responsibilities and obligations that you should not take lightly. Contact our migration team today for a free assessment.
