When love transcends geographical boundaries, the desire to unite with your significant other becomes paramount. If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident hoping to bring your partner to live with you in the Land Down Under, you’re in luck.
Australia offers various options to help you and your partner begin your life together on its sun-kissed shores. In this blog, you’ll explore the steps to secure a partner visa for Australia, offering practical advice and insider tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
Understanding the Different Spousal Visa Options
- If you and your partner are engaged and planning to marry in Australia, the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) could be the right option. It allows your fiancé(e) to enter Australia for up to nine months, during which you must marry and apply for a spousal visa.
- Subclass 820 (temporary) and subclass 801 (permanent) visas are suitable for married or de facto couples, including same-sex partners. The subclass 820 visa grants your partner a temporary two-year stay in Australia. After two years, if the relationship is ongoing, your partner can apply for the subclass 801 visa to obtain permanent residency.
- Like the subclass 820 and subclass 801 visas, the subclass 309 (temporary) and subclass 100 (permanent) visas cater to couples living outside Australia. The subclass 309 visa allows your partner to enter and live in Australia temporarily. Once the relationship has been assessed and deemed genuine, your partner can apply for the subclass 100 visa for permanent residency.
Preparing a Successful Application
Gather Evidence of Your Relationship:
You must provide extensive evidence of your genuine and ongoing relationship to apply for a partner visa in Australia. This includes proof of shared finances, living arrangements, social interactions, and your commitment to each other. Compile documentation such as joint bank statements, rental agreements, photos, and letters from friends or family who can attest to your relationship.
Medical and Character Checks:
Both you and your partner will need to undergo medical examinations and provide character references as part of the application process. Your partner must also obtain a police clearance from their home country and any other country they have lived in for over a year.
Complete the Application Forms:
Ensure you and your partner carefully complete the relevant application forms, providing accurate and consistent information. Mistakes or discrepancies in your application can lead to delays.
Navigating the Application Process
Submitting Your Application:
Once you’ve compiled all the necessary documentation and completed the forms, you can submit the application to the Department of Home Affairs. Remember that the processing time for dependent visas can be lengthy, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.
Application Fees:
Applying for a partner visa in Australia can be costly, with fees exceeding AUD 7,000. Be prepared to budget for these expenses and additional costs, such as medical examinations and translation services.
Monitoring Your Application:
After submitting your application, you can track its progress through the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal. Keep an eye on your email for additional information or documentation requests.
Settling in Australia
Arriving in Australia:
Once your spousal visa is granted, your significant other can join you in Australia. Take the time to help them acclimate to their new surroundings, offering support as they adjust to Australian culture, language, and lifestyle.
Finding Employment:
Securing employment is crucial for your partner’s successful integration into Australian society. Help them research job opportunities, refine their resume, and prepare for interviews. Consider seeking assistance from local job agencies or employment services that cater to newly arrived immigrants.
Wrapping up
Love knows no borders, and with determination and careful planning, you can bring your partner to Australia to begin your life together. Remember to be patient and supportive throughout the journey as your partner adjusts to their new environment and embraces Australian life. The road ahead may be filled with challenges, but the reward of sharing your life with the one you love is undoubtedly worth the effort.
