Types of Australian Partner visas
The Australian Partner visa category is divided into various subclasses. Their classification is dependent on whether the visa is temporary or permanent as well as where the application is made.
The Department of Immigration and Border protection assesses applications under a “combined application”. This means that your application will be assessed against the criteria for both temporary and permanent Partner visas. You will be issued with the appropriate visa, depending on which criteria you meet.
The temporary Partner visa is valid for two years, during which your relationship will be assessed to ensure that you intend to say with your partner. If your relationship passes the test, you will be granted a permanent Partner visa.
The permanent partner visa is valid for five years. This is a permanent residence visa. After holding this for four years, you are able to apply for citizenship.
All Australian Partner visa applications are assessed on the following:
- The financial aspects of the relationship, which includes how financial responsibilities are shared or pooled.
- Nature of the household, which includes how household tasks are divided and shared.
- Social aspects of the relationship, which includes how you are perceived as a couple in public.
- Nature of the persons’ commitment to each other, which includes the willingness to move to another country.
If you are married to your partner, your marriage must be legally recognised under Australian law. Those in de facto relationships must be able to produce evidence of at least 12 months of cohabitation or registration in terms of a state relationship act.
Below you can find information on three routes to bringing your partner to Australia:
- Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) and Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100)
- Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
- Partner visa (subclasses 820 and 801)
Beginning the application process
Ready to move to Australia? Our Australian Visas team is on hand to assist you. Send us your enquiry and we’ll assess your situation. We’ll give you a free consultation with a recommendation on your best visa option and migration pathway to permanent residence in Australia and eventual Australian citizenship.