Your Guide to Australian Partner Visas

Posted on 18 October 2024

Blog Post
Thinking about applying for an Australian partner visa? It can seem a bit overwhelming with all the rules and paperwork, but don’t worry! We’re here to break it down for you in a straightforward way. Plus, we’ll clear up some common myths that often confuse people. Let’s get started!

Types of Australian Partner Visas

  1. Onshore Partner Visas (Subclass 820 Temporary and Subclass 801 Permanent)
    • Who’s it for?: If you’re already in Australia.
    • How it works: First, apply for the temporary Subclass 820 visa. Once you’ve got that, you can stay in Australia while you wait for your permanent Subclass 801 visa.
    • Timeframe: The whole process usually takes about two years.
  2. Offshore Partner Visas (Subclass 309 Temporary and Subclass 100 Permanent)
    • Who’s it for?: If you’re outside Australia.
    • How it works: Apply for the temporary Subclass 309 visa first. This lets you enter and stay in Australia while waiting for your permanent Subclass 100 visa.
    • Timeframe: Like the onshore process, this takes about two years.
  3. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
    • Who’s it for?: If you’re engaged to an Aussie and want to get married in Australia.
    • How it works: This visa lets you come to Australia to marry your partner within 9 months. After you’re married, you can apply for a partner visa.
    • Timeframe: It’s a temporary visa valid for 9 months.

Common Myths About Australian Partner Visas

  1. “We have to be married to get a partner visa.”
    • Truth: Nope! You don’t need to be married. De facto relationships (living together as a couple) count too. You just need to show your relationship is real.
  2. “We haven’t been together for 12 months, so we can’t apply.”
    • Truth: While a 12-month relationship is usually required for de facto couples, there are exceptions. For example, if you register your relationship in Australia, you might not need to meet the 12-month rule.
  3. “We have to live together to prove our relationship.”
    • Truth: Not necessarily. Living apart for reasons like work or family is okay, as long as you can show your relationship is genuine in other ways.
  4. “Applying means we automatically get a bridging visa.”
    • Truth: If you apply while in Australia (onshore), you’ll get a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that lets you stay in the country while your application is processed. This doesn’t apply if you apply from outside Australia.
  5. “We don’t need much evidence to prove our relationship.”
    • Truth: The more evidence, the better! Include things like joint finances, photos, social media interactions, and details about how you share your lives.
  6. “Processing times are quick.”
    • Truth: It can take a while. Temporary visas might take several months to over a year, and getting a permanent visa usually takes around two years from when you first apply.

Tips for a Smooth Application

  1. Gather Lots of Evidence: Show your relationship is genuine with plenty of varied evidence.
  2. Be Honest: Make sure all your information is accurate and consistent.
  3. Be Patient: The process can take time, so be prepared for a wait.
  4. Get Help if Needed: If you’re unsure about anything, contact us at i-Migration.com.au. Our dedicated team of lawyers and migration agents are ready to help you every step of the way.

By understanding the different types of partner visas and busting some common myths, you’ll be better prepared for the application process. Take your time, get your documents in order, and you’ll be on your way to joining your partner in Australia. Good luck!

section background image

Need Visa Pathway Advice? We're here to help.