The Australia Spouse Visa, officially known as the Partner Visa, allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or de facto partners to live with them in Australia. This visa category is intended to reunite couples who are in a genuine and ongoing relationship. Here are some key details about the Australia Spouse Visa:
Types of Partner Visas:
There are several types of Partner Visas available in Australia, with the two main categories being:
- Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): This visa is for partners who are already in Australia, either on a valid visa or eligible to apply for one, and wish to live with their Australian partner permanently.
- Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100): This visa is for partners who are outside of Australia and want to join their Australian partner in Australia on a permanent basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Australia Spouse Visa, the sponsoring Australian citizen or permanent resident must:
- - Be in a genuine and continuing relationship with their partner.
- - Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- - Be willing to sponsor their partner for a minimum of two years after their partner is granted a visa.
- - Meet character and health requirements.
Application Process:
The application process for a Partner Visa involves several steps:
- Sponsorship: The Australian partner must submit a sponsorship application before the visa application. This demonstrates their commitment to supporting their partner financially and socially.
- Visa Application: Once the sponsorship application is approved, the partner being sponsored can apply for the Partner Visa. This includes providing evidence of the genuine nature of the relationship.
- Temporary and Permanent Stages: If applying for an onshore Partner Visa, the partner may first be granted a temporary visa (Subclass 820/309) and later a permanent visa (Subclass 801/100). For offshore Partner Visas, the temporary and permanent visas are granted together.
- Processing Time: Processing times can vary, and it's essential to check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest processing times.
Financial Responsibility:
Sponsors are financially responsible for their partners. This includes providing financial support for their basic needs, such as accommodation, food, and healthcare, during the temporary visa period.
Character and Health Checks:
Both the sponsoring partner and the partner being sponsored are required to meet character and health requirements, which may include police clearances and medical examinations.
Conditional Permanent Residence:
In some cases, if the relationship is relatively new or if there are concerns about the genuineness of the relationship, the partner being sponsored may receive a provisional (conditional) permanent residence, and the couple will need to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to each other before the conditions are removed.
It's crucial to consult the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or seek advice from a qualified immigration consultant or lawyer for the most up-to-date information and guidance on the Australia Spouse Visa application process. Immigration policies and requirements can change over time.
