What is a Visa Partner?
A Visa Partner is a type of visa granted to foreign nationals who are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, copyright, or eligible New Zealand citizen. There are two main categories of Visa Partner applications:
- Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820): This visa allows you to live in Australia temporarily while your permanent copyright is being processed. It is typically the first step in the partner visa process.
- Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801): Once you have held the temporary visa for a required period (usually around two years), you can apply for the permanent partner visa. This grants you indefinite residency in Australia, allowing you to live, work, and study there permanently.
Eligibility Requirements for a Visa Partner
To be eligible for a Visa Partner, you must meet several requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. These include:
- Genuine Relationship: You must prove that your relationship is authentic. This can be demonstrated through a variety of documents, such as shared financial responsibilities, evidence of living together, photos, and testimonies from friends and family.
- Sponsor’s Eligibility: Your Australian partner must be willing to sponsor you for the visa. To do so, they must be an Australian citizen, copyright, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Additionally, they must meet certain character and sponsorship criteria.
- Health and Character: Both you and your partner must meet health requirements, which usually involve undergoing medical examinations. Additionally, you must submit police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for at least 12 months during the past 10 years.
- Age Requirement: Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years of age when applying for a Visa Partner.
Steps for Applying for a Visa Partner
Applying for a Visa Partner involves several steps, each requiring careful preparation. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Prepare Your Documents: The first step in the Visa Partner process is gathering all the necessary documentation. This may include proof of identity, relationship evidence (photos, joint financial records, etc.), medical certificates, and police clearances.
- Complete the Application: You will need to complete the application forms for the Visa Partner online through the Department of Home Affairs website. It is important to provide accurate details about both yourself and your Australian partner.
- Pay the Application Fee: The Visa Partner application requires a fee, which can vary depending on the visa subclass and the complexity of the case. Be sure to check the latest fee details on the official website.
- Submit the Application: Once you’ve completed the forms and gathered your documents, you can submit your application online. Double-check all the details to avoid any mistakes that could delay the process.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time for a Visa Partner can range from several months to over a year. During this time, you may be contacted by the Department of Home Affairs for additional information or clarification.
- Temporary Visa Approval: If your application is successful, you will initially receive a temporary partner visa (Subclass 820). This allows you to live in Australia while your permanent copyright is being processed.
- Permanent copyright: After holding the temporary visa for two years, you can apply for the permanent partner visa (Subclass 801). If your relationship is still genuine and ongoing, you will be granted permanent residency.
Benefits of a Visa Partner
There are many benefits to obtaining a Visa Partner, including:
- Living Together in Australia: The most obvious benefit is the ability to live together with your Australian partner in Australia. This provides an opportunity to strengthen your bond and build a life together.
- Work and Study Rights: As a partner visa holder, you are granted the right to work and study in Australia, which can enhance your professional and educational prospects.
- Healthcare Access: A Visa Partner grants access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, which helps reduce the costs of medical care.
- Pathway to Australian Citizenship: If you have held your permanent partner visa for a certain period and meet other residency requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Challenges of the Visa Partner Application
While there are many advantages to applying for a Visa Partner, it’s important to recognize some challenges:
- Proving the Relationship: One of the most difficult parts of the Visa Partner process is providing sufficient evidence that your relationship is genuine. This requires submitting extensive documentation, including photos, joint bills, and other proof of your relationship.
- Processing Time: The processing time for a Visa Partner can be long, sometimes stretching to over a year. You will need to be patient as your application is assessed.
- Application Costs: The costs of the Visa Partner application can add up. In addition to the copyright fee, you may need to pay for medical exams, police checks, and document translations.
Conclusion
The visa partner is a valuable opportunity for couples who want to live together in Australia. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing the required documentation, and following the application process carefully, you can improve your chances of a successful outcome. While the process may take time and patience, the benefits of being with your Australian partner, living in Australia, and potentially gaining permanent residency make it a worthwhile endeavor. If needed, consider seeking professional advice from a migration agent to help ensure a smooth application process.