Australia offers a pathway for partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia through the Partner Visa (Subclass 801/820). This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the eligibility criteria and application process, ensuring you have all the information needed to embark on your journey to obtaining a partner visa for Australia.
Understanding the Partner Visa
The Partner Visa is designed for individuals in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while providing a pathway to permanent residency. The visa process typically begins with the temporary Subclass 820 visa before transitioning to the permanent Subclass 801 visa.
Eligibility Criteria
Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by your partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your relationship can be either a marriage or a de facto partnership, including same-sex relationships. The sponsoring partner needs to provide evidence of their status and commitment to the relationship. Sponsors are required to meet the character requirements in the same way as visa applicants.
Relationship Requirements: To qualify, you and your partner must demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship. You need to provide evidence of your commitment to each other, shared responsibilities, and the social aspects of your relationship. This includes, but is not limited to, joint financial documents, cohabitation evidence, and statements from friends and family.
Health and Character Checks: Both the applicant and any family members included in the application must meet certain health and character requirements. This includes undergoing medical examinations and providing police certificates for all countries lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Comprehensive Evidence: The more evidence you provide of your relationship, the stronger your application will be. Include detailed documents covering the length and nature of your partnership.
- Health and Character Documentation: Complete your health examinations and police checks.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes in immigration policy or visa requirements by regularly checking the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- Be Upfront: Make sure to include all information in your application, including any negative information about you or your partner. Do not attempt to hide or omit any information from the Department of Home Affairs, as it is likely they will find out.
About Rocket & Ash Immigration Law
At Rocket & Ash Immigration Law, we specialise in helping partners, graduates, and professionals navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law. Our expertise in visa applications ensures that you receive tailored advice and support throughout your immigration journey.
If you require assistance with your Subclass 820 partner visa application or have any other immigration-related queries, our experienced team can help.
Please book a free 15 minute chat with our team if you have further questions.
Written by Ines Jusufspahic, LPN: 5511366
This article does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For up-to-date information, please consult an immigration professional.
