Immigrating to Australia by Marriage: Everything You Should Know

ByJane

Anyone who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualified New Zealander may sponsor their spouse or de facto partner for a partner visa, allowing them to live and work in Australia.

The spouse visa application process can be lengthy and complicated, so it’s critical to understand the requirements and vital details before getting started.

This article will go over the main prerequisites for partner visas as well as the stages involved in the application process. So, whether you’re applying for a visa yourself or assisting a loved one, keep reading!

Partner Visa Australia Requirements

To be eligible for a partner visa, you must meet the following three primary requirements:

  • You must have a genuine and devoted spousal or de facto connection with your partner.
  • Your partner must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • You must fulfill the health and character standards.
  • You must also give convincing evidence of your relationship, such as paperwork proving you are married or living together, joint financial statements, images of you together, and statutory declarations from friends or family attesting to the relationship. Now that we’ve covered the necessary conditions, let’s look at how to apply for an Australian partner visa.

Partner Visa Australia Checklist

If you want to apply for the Partner Visa 820, you must have all of the essential documentation. Visa applications with all required documentation are likely to be approved promptly by the Department of Home Affairs.

Here is the Partner Visa subclass 820 checklist, which you should review before applying for it.

  • Birth certificate
  • 2 passport-size photos
  • National identity card
  • Provide proof that your spouse or de facto partner is an Australian permanent resident, an Australian citizen, or an eligible citizen of New Zealand.
  • A marriage certificate if the applicant is married.
  • If you are in a de facto relationship with your partner in Australia, you must submit documentation to verify it.
  • Health and Character Certificates
  • Police certifications
  • If the candidate has ever served in the military force of any country, he must present his military service records.

The Onshore Partner Visa Application Process

The onshore partner visa application process consists of four basic steps:

  • Filing a partner visa application
  • undergoing health and character assessments.
  • Being awarded a Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820).
  • Being given a Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).

The first step is to apply for a partner visa while you’re in Australia. This can be completed online or by mail, and you must submit proof of your spousal or de facto connection, as well as regular identity documents.

After submitting your application, you will be required to undergo health and character tests. This works by requiring you to present police clearances from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the previous 10 years, as well as a medical examination.

Assuming all goes well, you will be given a Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820). This allows you to live and work in Australia while your Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is being processed. You will be eligible for it after two years.

Finally, if your Permanent Partner Visa is approved, you will be able to live and work permanently in Australia.

What is the Partner Visa Australia cost?

The application fee for a partner visa has been raised. The current visa application fee for both onshore and offshore partner visas is AUD 8,085, so applying to join or stay with your Australian partner might be costly. That is why, before applying, you must ensure that you meet all of the standards and that all of your documents are in order.

It’s crucial to remember that this is a one-time charge, and once you obtain your permanent partner visa, you’ll be able to live and work in Australia permanently. This will also start you on the path to eventually becoming an Australian citizen.

It is also possible to pay a lesser charge of AUD 1,350 for Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) holders. The process begins with an application for the Prospective Marriage Visa, which allows you to enter Australia and marry your partner within nine months. Once married, you can apply for an onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801).

What is the Partner Visa Australia Processing Time?

We recognize that waiting for a decision on your application can be difficult. The processing times listed below represent how long it currently takes, on average for an application to be completed.

However, please keep in mind that these processing times are just intended to serve as a reference. All applications are reviewed on an individual basis, and more complex instances may take longer to process.

According to the most recent data, 25% of onshore partner visa applications are completed within six months, 50% in nine months, and 75% in 21 months. However, certain applications may take longer to process.

Complex partner visa applications can take 33 months or longer to process, so be patient and work with a trained professional to ensure that your application is strong, thorough, and accurate.

Benefits of Marrying an Australian Citizen

Once you are lawfully married to an Australian citizen, you can enjoy the following rights and privileges:

  • Residency Rights:With a Partner Visa, you can live, work, and study in Australia. It may also give you access to specific government benefits and services.
  • Healthcare:You will be eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system that provides subsidized medical services and prescriptions.
  • Educational possibilities:As the spouse of an Australian citizen, you may have access to a variety of educational possibilities, such as schools, colleges, and universities.
  • Employment:With the proper visa, you can work in Australia without requiring an additional work permit.
  • Legal Protection:Marrying an Australian citizen provides you with legal protection and support from the Australian government.

Conclusion

Anyone who has applied for a partner visa understands how difficult and stressful the process can be. Long documents must be completed, and understanding all of the criteria can be tough.

The paperwork can appear to be unending. However, the stakes are high, as a successful application is required to live with your partner in Australia. Fortunately, there are techniques to reduce the burden of the application process.

One of the best things you can do is hire a registered migration agent. These individuals are experts in their sector and can handle and manage the application for you. Furthermore, they can offer skilled counsel and support throughout the procedure.

As a result, hiring a certified migration agency is one of the most effective strategies to improve your chances of success while applying for a spouse visa.