Partner visa: Important points & requirements

Partner visas allow individuals to live in Australia with their partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. There are different types of partner visas, but the most common ones are the subclass 820/801 (onshore) and subclass 309/100 (offshore) visas. Here are some important points and requirements for partner visas:

Key Points & Requirements:
  1. Eligibility: To be eligible for a partner visa, you must be in a genuine and committed relationship with your partner, who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You must also meet certain health and character requirements.
  2. Types of Relationships: Partner visas are available for married couples, de facto partners (including same-sex couples), and registered partners (if applicable in your state or territory).
  3. Onshore vs. Offshore Applications: If you are in Australia, you can apply for an onshore partner visa (subclass 820/801). If you are outside Australia, you can apply for an offshore partner visa (subclass 309/100). The initial temporary visa (subclass 820 or subclass 309) allows you to live in Australia while the permanent visa (subclass 801 or subclass 100) grants permanent residency.
  4. Evidence of Relationship: You'll need to provide evidence of your genuine and committed relationship with your partner. This may include documents such as joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint lease agreements, photographs together, and statements from family and friends supporting your relationship.
  5. Financial Requirements: You may need to show that you and your partner can financially support yourselves and any dependents. This may include providing evidence of income, assets, and employment.
  6. Health and Character Checks: You and your partner will need to undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates from all countries you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
  7. Processing Times: Processing times for partner visas can vary depending on factors such as the number of applications received and the completeness of your application. It's important to submit a well-prepared and complete application to avoid delays.
  8. Permanent Residency: Once granted, the permanent partner visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It also provides access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system, and other social benefits available to permanent residents.
  9. Migration Agent Assistance: While it's possible to apply for a partner visa without assistance, many people choose to seek the help of a registered migration agent to navigate the complex application process and ensure they meet all the requirements.