Australian Partner Visa: A Guide to Reuniting with Your Loved One
Are you in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and wish to live with them in Australia? The Australian Partner Visa may be the solution you are looking for. In this post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Australian Partner Visa and its requirements to help you reunite with your loved one in Australia.
What is the Australian Partner Visa?
The Australian Partner Visa is a type of visa that allows individuals in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live and work in Australia. This visa is suitable for individuals who are in a married or de facto relationship, including same-sex couples.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Australian Partner Visa, you must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner and provide evidence of this. Some of the evidence you may need to provide include:
- Proof of cohabitation, such as joint tenancy agreements, joint bank accounts, or joint utility bills
- Photos and letters to demonstrate the history of your relationship
- Statutory declarations from friends and family members supporting your relationship
In addition to these requirements, you will also need to meet certain health and character criteria. You will need to undergo a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates to demonstrate that you are of good character.
Application Process
The application process for the Australian Partner Visa involves two stages. Firstly, you will need to lodge both provisional and permanent visa application at the same time. The provisional visa will be processed first, which allows you to enter and remain in Australia while your permanent visa is processed. The second stage involves the permanent visa will be assessed after the combined partner visa application was lodged for two years. You will be also required to provide the latest relationship documents.
The processing time for the Australian Partner Visa varies depending on the visa subclass and the location of the visa applicant. The Department of Home Affairs will assess all applications on a case by case basis and complex cases may take longer to process.
Costs
From 1 July 2023, the cost of the partner visa application is AUD 8,850 for the main applicant, with additional fees for any dependents.
In conclusion, the Australian Partner Visa is a great option for individuals in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. By providing evidence of your relationship and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can reunite with your loved one in Australia and start a new life together. If you have any further questions or need assistance with your visa application, it is best to seek the advice of a registered migration agent.
