Partner Visa
The Partner Class visa are part of the Family Stream of Australian migration program and contain visas for people that are partners (ie both opposite and same sex couples) of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent residents or eligible NZ Citizens. These visas can be permanent and provisional ie a temporary visa is generally granted and then eligibility for a permanent visa is assessed two years after the initial application.
As of the 1 July, 2009 the "Interdependent" visa was abolished and replaced by the term "de facto partner" which includes same sex relationships. The term "Spouse" is now limited to married couples of the opposite sex. These changes are part of the Australian government reform giving "same sex" couples equal recognition to couples of the "opposite sex."
It is important that applicants ensure they apply for the correct Parner visa and met the relevant "time of application" criteria. If not, then you risk DIAC refusing your application, lose your visa application charge and risk having a s48 bar against future applications.
Partners Visas are intended for people:
- intending to get married
- married (de jure) partners
- de facto partners (including same sex relationships)
You should view our VISA INFORMATION for information about members of the family unit and the Health & Character requirements for these visas.
Applicants need to aware that the onus is on them to provide evidence of their relationship. In today's global village this has become more complicated due to our general lifestyle and living conditions. In the past, couples generally wrote long letters, spent time on their home phone speaking to each other, had mutual bank accounts and bought homes in joint names, however today people send sms, keep in touch by emails, use prepaid mobiles, may have assets in their own names or may not be able to afford buying their own homes. It is also more common for people to have long distance relationships or meet each other via the internet all of which has been made easier by the wonders of technology. Part of our role will be to assist you obtaining evidence of your relationship to satisfy DIAC requirements.
Many people believe they are eligible for Partner visas but do not understand the need to meet certain requirements before their application is lodged. It is important that you obtain professional migration assistance before lodging an application under the Partner Class.
Contact us now to discuss your eligibility.
