Australian Partner Visa

The Australian partner Visa allows the partner or the spouse of an Australian citizen, or an Australian permanent resident to reside in Australia.

You will first be granted a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820). This stay might last from 15 to 24 months but for those of you who have been in a long-term connection might not have to stay on subclass 820 at all, you can be given permanent visa (subclass 801) immediately after allowing the temporary subclass 820 visa.

Partner Visa Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a Partner Visa Sponsor? Who can be a Partner Visa Sponsor?

You require a sponsor for your Partner Visa Application, who is usually your partner. In most cases, you must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Your relationship can be with someone of the same or different gender.

2. What is a de facto relationship?

You and your partner are in a de facto relationship if the following applies:
• You are not legally married to each other
• You are committed to a shared life to the exclusion of all others
• Your relationship is genuine and continuing
• You live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis
• You are not related by family

De facto relationship must be real and ongoing. Evidence of the relationship includes joint bank account, a recorded history of your relationship, messages or emails, acceptance and appreciation by others of the relationship.

3. Does the length of relationship matter?

Being in a valid and ongoing long-term relationship and getting children will process faster visa processing times. Usually, your de facto relationship must have existed for at least 12 months immediately before you apply for the visa. Time spent dating or in an online relationship does not count as being in a de facto relationship.

If you would have any enquiries with regards to your visa application, Straits Lawyers are here to help. We are now offering online services in both English and Chinese.

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice and Straits Lawyers will not be legally responsible for any actions you take based on this article.