A Guide On Australian Partner Visa

A partner visa allows you to become a permanent resident in Australia if you are married to an Australian citizen. Unfortunately, some people don't know how to qualify or apply for this visa. Below is an excerpt with some interesting facts about the Australian partner visa. Hopefully, it should help you apply for this visa. 

Types of Partner Visa   

Understanding the different classes of partner visas prevents you from applying for the wrong visa. A temporary visa is designed for applicants currently living in Australia. If you apply for this visa, you can upgrade it to a visa that is a permanent permit. There are also temporary visas for applicants living abroad. They can upgrade it to a permanent visa after a few years. 

Eligibility Criteria For Partner Visa

Applicants must meet the following requirements when applying for the partner visa; 

• You must undergo a health assessment to ensure you do not have an infectious condition that could threaten the lives of Australian citizens or limit their access to healthcare.
• You need to provide a police clearance certificate to prove that you do not have a questionable character or affiliations to criminal networks.
• You must be a spouse or defacto partner of an Australian citizen. Moreover, your union must be recognised by Australian law.
• If you have a child, the visa must be in their best interests. 

Your case officer conducts thorough evaluations to establish the authenticity of your relationship. For example, they could ask you to document how you spend time with your spouse. In this case, you could offer your vacation photos, airline tickets or membership cards to various associations. The case officer will also assess your finances. For example, do you have a joint bank account or property? How do you settle your expenses? What are your future financial plans? Such information goes a long way in proving that you are in a genuine relationship. Applicants must also demonstrate they are willing to live with their spouses in Australia.  

Applying For The Partner Visa 

Partner visa applications are made online. However, it would be best if you consulted an experienced immigration lawyer to help you make your application. The professional examines your situation and advises whether the partner visa is the right visa for you. For example, your permit could be declined if your spouse has sponsored another individual within the past few years. The lawyer also advises you on the documentation required when applying for the visa. Besides, they correspond with your case officer.  

Find out more about partner visas.