Everything You Need To Know About Australian Partner Visas
Australia prides itself on giving everyone a fair chance to prove themselves, and that goes back to the fact that many of Australia’s early migrants had criminal backgrounds but were judged by their current conduct instead of their past. That same attitude is reflected in Australia’s society today and the country is known for its incredible humour and scenery. A high percentage of migrants are young adults and couples, and many are curious about Australian Partner visas and their requirements. Here we will do a deep dive on this topic and try to answer the most common questions regarding Australian Partner visas.
Offshore Partner Visa
The offshore partner visa has two subclasses, the first one is the provisional partner visa (subclass 309) and the other one is the migrant partner visa (subclass 100). The most basic requirement for this type of visa is having a genuine relationship with a spouse or a partner(de facto) who is an Australian citizen, resident, or an eligible NZ citizen.
Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309)
This visa allows the partner (de facto) or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen to live in Australia temporarily. You must be 18 or older, have a sponsor, and be outside Australia when you apply for this visa. Family members and dependent children can also be included in your application but they must meet Australia’s health and character requirements and be outside Australia.
The things you can do with this visa:
• Stay in Australia until a decision has been made on your Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100)
• Work and study in Australia
• Freely go in and out of Australia
• Enrol in Medicare(Australia’s public health care scheme)
• Attend free English classes if you are eligible
The length of your stay:
You can stay in Australia until your permanent visa (subclass 100) has been decided on. This stay is usually 15 to 24 months, but in some cases, the permanent visa has been granted immediately after the granting of the temporary visa.
Cost and processing times:
The cost is AUD7,850 for the main applicant and it covers both the temporary and permanent Partner (migrant) visa. An extra fee will be added for each of the family members who apply with you.
The processing times for 25% of applications are around 5 months, 50% of applications around 10 months, 75% of applications around 21 months, and 90% of applications around 29 months.
Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100)
To get this visa you must already hold the temporary Partner visa(except for special cases). If you are outside Australia you must enter the country before the date specified in your grant letter. You will be able to travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from the date this visa is approved for you but after the 5 year period, a Resident Return (RRV) is required if you want to re-enter the country as a permanent resident.
The things you can do with this visa:
• Stay in Australia indefinitely
• Work and study in Australia
• Freely go in and out of Australia for 5 years
• Be a sponsor for your family members that want to visit Australia
• Apply for citizenship if you meet the requirements
• Have Medicare(Australia’s public health care scheme)
• Attend free English classes if you are eligible
The length of your stay:
This is a permanent visa, so you will be able to stay in Australia for as long as you want.
Cost and processing times:
You already pay for this visa when you pay for the temporary Partner visa but other costs such as health checks and police certificates might be added.
The processing time for 75% of applications is around 12 months and for 90% of applications is around 18.
Onshore Partner Visa
The onshore partner visa has two subclasses as well. One is the temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) and the other is the permanent Partner visa (subclass 801). Similar to the onshore partner visa, you must be the spouse (married) or the partner (de facto) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible NZ citizen.
Partner visa (Temporary)
The Partner visa 820 is similar to the offshore temporary partner visa but the difference is you must be in Australia when you apply for it.
The things you can do with this visa:
• Live, work and study in Australia while your permanent visa is being processed
• Freely go in and out of Australia
• Take part in free English classes if you are eligible
The length of your stay:
You can stay in Australia until your permanent partner visa (subclass 801) has been decided on.
Cost and processing times:
Costs start from AUD7,850 and for prospective marriage visa holders, they start from AUD1,310. An extra fee will be added for each of the family members who apply with you.
The processing times for 25% of applications are around 5 months, 50% of applications around 10 months, 75% of applications around 25 months, and 90% of applications around 34 months.
Partner visa (Permanent)
This visa is for people who currently hold the temporary Partner visa (subclass 820). An RRV will still be required for travelling after your initial 5 years are over.
The things you can do with this visa:
• Stay in Australia indefinitely
• Work and study in Australia
• Freely go in and out of Australia for 5 years
• Be a sponsor for your family members that want to visit Australia
• Apply for citizenship if you meet the requirements
• Have Medicare(Australia’s public health care scheme)
• Attend free English classes if you are eligible
The length of your stay:
This is a permanent visa, so you will be able to stay in Australia for as long as you want.
Cost and processing times:
You already pay for this visa when you pay for the temporary Partner visa but other costs such as health checks and police certificates might be added.
The processing time for 75% of applications is around 9 months and for 90% of applications is around 16.
