How does the partner visa system work in Australia – When do you need a Melbourne partner visa specialist?

The Australian partner visa system allows the overseas partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens to travel and/or live in Australia. Due to the variety of subclasses and visa types available, it can be a complex process that can be difficult to navigate without the help of an experienced partner visa specialist in Melbourne. It’s important to understand the process and requirements before starting the application process, so that you can ensure that your application is successful.

Australian flags waving on building

What are Australia’s partner visa options?

When applying for a partner visa, it’s important to know the different options available to you. The most common type of partner visa is the Partner (Provisional, temporary) visa (subclass 309) and Partner (Permanent Migrant) visa (subclass 100). The provisional visa allows the holder to live and work in Australia during which time the applicant can apply for permanent residence. Other types of partner visa include the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300). There are different subclasses of visa for applications that occur within Australia and from overseas. Note that the Onshore Partner Visa (801 and 820 subclasses) are for applications within Australia, whilst Offshore Partner Visa (309 and 100 subclasses) are for applications made offshore.

What do Partner Visas allow?

Partner visas allow visa holders to stay, work or study in Australia (subclass 820, or subclass 309 are a temporary visa whilst the application is finalised or withdrawn), subclass 801 or subclass 100 allows for permanent residency. Additional benefits of these visas include the ability to travel to/from Australia, free English classes, and access to Medicare.

Partners getting married in Australia

Requirements for a partner visa

The requirements for a partner visa will depend on the subclass of partner visa being applied for. However, all applicants must prove that they are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner and that they have the financial and social capacity to support the relationship. The government may require documentation to prove the applicant’s relationship status – this may include a de-facto relationship certificate or marriage certificate, photos together with family and friends, joint bank statements, birth certificates of any children together, or communications if you have been apart. Discuss with a case officer over which documents you can provide that are appropriate. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have met the health and character requirements.

What to expect during the application process

The partner visa application process involves several steps. After organising help from a registered migration agent such as a partner visa specialist, it is time to start collating all the required documentation. These could be identity documents, character documents and proof of relationship documents. After submitting the application, the applicant will be invited to attend an interview, during which they will be asked questions about their relationship and provide the organised documentation. Once all the requirements are met, the application will be assessed, and a decision will be made. When applying, consider that the processing times for applications may take months, especially given the backlog after the covid pandemic.

Cost of applying for a partner visa

The application cost of the Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) and the Onshore Partner Visa is AUD 8,085, and this includes the cost of future Subclass 100 and 801 visa applications.

Partner visa specialist Melbourne

Navigating the Australian partner visa system can be difficult and time-consuming. An expert such as a partner visa specialist in Melbourne can help you with your application, as recommended by the Australian government. In addition to gathering the required documents and preparing the application, a partner visa specialist can assist with any issues that may arise and also provide guidance and advice throughout the application process, helping to ensure that it is successful.

So if you’re looking for a registered migration agent in Melbourne to assist with your application, then look no further than AIVS (Australian Immigration & Visa Services). We have the expertise and experience to help you secure your visa quickly and easily so you can move to Australia as soon as possible. Our team of professionals are here to help make sure that the process is hassle-free and that your migration occurs smoothly.

Contact us today via our website, or via phone: +61 430 534 697 for all your Australian partner visa needs!