What is a Visa Partner?
The visa partner is a temporary and permanent residency visa option available to the spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. The visa partner process typically involves two stages:
- Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820): Initially, applicants are granted a temporary visa that allows them to live, work, and study in Australia while their permanent residency application is being processed.
- Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801): After holding the temporary visa for at least two years, applicants can apply for permanent residency, which grants them the right to live in Australia indefinitely.
Eligibility Criteria for the Visa Partner
Before applying for a visa partner, applicants need to ensure they meet certain eligibility requirements. Both the applicant and the sponsor must fulfill the following criteria:
- Genuine Relationship: The applicant and their sponsor must prove they are in a genuine and ongoing relationship. This may include providing joint financial statements, photographs, travel evidence, and statements from family and friends about the relationship.
- Sponsor Requirements: The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, copyright, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They must be able to support the applicant financially and meet health and character requirements.
- Age Requirement: Both the applicant and the sponsor must be at least 18 years old when applying for the visa partner.
- Health and Character Standards: Both individuals must pass health checks and submit police clearances from countries where they have lived for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
How to Apply for a Visa Partner
The application process for a visa partner requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are the main steps:
- Collect Supporting Documents: Evidence of your relationship is critical to your application. This includes joint bank accounts, proof of shared accommodation, photos, communication records, and joint travel history.
- Submit the Application: You will need to complete the application online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. Make sure to fill out all the forms accurately and upload all required supporting documents.
- Pay the Visa Fee: There is a substantial fee associated with applying for the visa partner. The exact fee may vary depending on the specific visa subclass, so it's important to check current fees before submission.
- Wait for Processing: Once your application is submitted, it can take several months for the Australian authorities to process your application. You may be granted a temporary visa while waiting for the permanent visa decision.
- Permanent Residency: After two years of holding the temporary visa, you can apply for the permanent partner visa, which will grant you indefinite residency in Australia.
Benefits of the Visa Partner
The visa partner offers numerous advantages for couples:
- Live with Your Partner: The primary benefit of the visa partner is the ability to live together in Australia, regardless of where the foreign partner is currently residing.
- Work and Study Rights: After receiving the temporary visa, the applicant has the right to work and study in Australia.
- Healthcare Access: Partner visa holders have access to Australia's Medicare system, offering affordable healthcare.
- Pathway to Citizenship: The visa partner offers a clear path to permanent residency and Australian citizenship. After living in Australia for a certain number of years, you may become eligible to apply for citizenship.
Common Challenges in the Visa Partner Application Process
Despite its advantages, the visa partner process is not without challenges. Common obstacles include:
- Proving the Relationship: One of the most challenging parts of the application is proving that your relationship is genuine. You will need to provide a wide range of evidence, including written statements, photos, and financial records.
- Processing Delays: Processing times can be lengthy, often taking several months. Applicants should be patient and be prepared for waiting periods.
- Cost: The application fee for the visa partner can be expensive. In addition to the copyright fee, applicants may also need to pay for medical examinations, police checks, and other related costs.
Conclusion
The visa partner is a valuable visa option for couples wishing to live together in Australia. It provides the opportunity to eventually secure permanent residency and access benefits such as healthcare, work rights, and a path to citizenship. While the application process can be complex and time-consuming, the rewards of being able to live with your partner in Australia are well worth the effort. If you're considering applying for a visa partner, it's essential to gather the necessary documentation and follow the application process carefully to increase your chances of approval.