Partner visas allow couples to live and work in Australia
What is an Australian Partner Visa?
Migrants who are in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident are able to apply for the right to live, study and work in Australia.
There are only certain types of relationship that are eligible and the type of application depends on the location of the applicant.
What relationships are eligible?
Partner visas lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia
Most marriages are accepted (provided they are not against Australia’s laws) but we see many applicants who are confused about the definition of de facto relationships
What is a de facto relationship?
A de facto relationship is when two people have a relationship and live together as a couple but are not married. A de facto relationship meets the following:
- live together (do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis)
- are not legally married;
- the relationship is genuine and continuing.
Many applicants are registering their relationship with the Australian State they live in to formalise their arrangement.
What type of application do I make?
If the applicant is onshore, they may apply for a Partner (temporary) subclass 820 visa which is the first step towards a permanent Partner (subclass 801) visa.
If the applicant is offshore, they are able to apply for a Partner (Provisional) subclass 309 visa which is the first step towards a permanent Partner (subclass 100) visa.
If the applicant is onshore when submitting their Partner visa application, they may be eligible for a Bridging visa to remain in Australia until a decision is made on the application. Offshore applicants are not eligible for a Bridging visa.
What can I do with a Partner visa?
Partner visa holders can:
- stay in Australia with their partner
- work and study in Australia
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want and
- attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program if eligible.
Visa holders are also able to apply for access to Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.
Processing times
The following outlines the processing times at the time of publication:
- 25% of applications: six Months
- 50% of applications: nine Months
- 75% of applications: 21 Months
- 90% of applications: 39 Months
Processing times may be longer if the Department requests further information.
What can I do to progress an application?
The above information is a general overview only. Please ensure that you are eligible to apply for this visa before submitting an application.
If you are concerned about the processing times or if you’d like more personalised advice or help, consider arranging a consultation with Hammond Migration.
