If you’re in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and you’re looking to live with your partner in Australia, the Partner Visa (Subclass 820) might be the solution for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820), from eligibility requirements to the application process and beyond.
Understanding the Partner Visa (Subclass 820)
The Partner Visa (Subclass 820) is a temporary visa that allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live and work in Australia.
This visa is the first stage of the Partner Visa process, which eventually leads to permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you begin the application process for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820), you must ensure that you meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Relationship Requirement
You must be in a genuine and ongoing de facto relationship or married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
2. Health Requirement
You and any dependent family members included in your application must meet the health requirement. This may involve undergoing medical examinations.
3. Character Requirement
You and any dependent family members must meet the character requirement. This includes providing police clearance certificates from all countries you have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
4. No Visa Limitations
You must not have any visa limitations that prevent you from applying for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820) while you are in Australia.
Application Process
1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
The first step in the Partner Visa (Subclass 820) application process is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal.
You’ll need to provide basic information about yourself and your partner, including details of your relationship.
2. Gather Required Documents
Once you’ve submitted your EOI and received an invitation to apply, you’ll need to gather all the required documents to support your application. This may include evidence of your relationship, identity documents, and police clearance certificates.
3. Complete the Application Form
Fill out the Partner Visa (Subclass 820) application form online. Provide accurate and detailed information to ensure smooth processing of your application.
4. Submit the Application
After completing the application form, you’ll need to upload scanned copies of all required documents to the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal. Double-check that you have included all necessary information before submitting your application.
5. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the relevant visa application fee using a valid credit or debit card. The current visa fee for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820) is AUD $7,715.
6. Attend Health and Character Assessments
If required, undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates as part of the character assessment process.
7. Wait for Processing
Once you’ve submitted your application and supporting documents, you’ll need to wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application.
Processing times may vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of your case and the volume of applications received.
8. Visa Grant
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a notification informing you that your Partner Visa (Subclass 820) has been granted.
This visa allows you to live and work in Australia temporarily while your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) application is being processed.
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Provide Detailed Evidence
Include as much evidence as possible to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship, such as joint bank accounts, shared bills, and photographs together.
2. Seek Professional Advice
Consider seeking assistance from a migration agent or immigration lawyer to ensure that your application is accurate and complete.
3. Stay Informed
Keep up to date with any changes to visa regulations and requirements by regularly checking the Department of Home Affairs’ website or consulting with a migration professional.
4. Be Patient
The visa application process can be lengthy, so be prepared to wait for a decision and avoid making travel plans until your visa has been granted.
Conclusion
Applying for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820) can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of success.
Follow the steps outlined in this guide, gather all the necessary documents, and provide comprehensive evidence of your relationship to support your application.
Before you know it, you could be joining your partner in Australia and starting your new life together Down Under!