Applying for a Partner Visa in Australia (whether it’s the Subclass 820/801 for onshore applicants or Subclass 309/100 for offshore partner visa) can feel like a daunting process. But with the right preparation and understanding of the requirements, it doesn’t have to be. This guide will help you navigate through the necessary steps, from eligibility criteria to the important documents you need, so you can apply with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.

Eligibility Criteria

Before starting the application process, you’ll need to ensure you meet certain relationship requirements:

• Relationship Status: To apply, you must be either married, in a de facto relationship, or engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident. If you’re married, it’s crucial that the marriage is recognized under Australian law. De facto couples need to prove they’ve lived together for at least 12 months (unless there are exceptional circumstances or your relationship is registered).
• Length and Evidence of Relationship: Whether married or de facto, it’s essential to show that your relationship is real and ongoing. You’ll be expected to provide documentation that reflects a shared life, like joint utility bills or a shared lease, demonstrating that you both contribute to the partnership.
• Genuine and Continuing Relationship: At the core of the application is proving that your relationship is genuine, and that it will continue into the future. This can be done through evidence of shared responsibilities and an ongoing commitment to each other.

Document Checklist

1. Identity Documents
   Gathering basic identity documents is the first step. You’ll need valid passports, birth certificates, and recent passport-sized photos for both you and your partner. If you’ve ever changed your name, be sure to include documentation to explain that change. These documents will form the backbone of your application, allowing immigration officers to verify your identity.
2. Proof of Relationship
   Proving the legitimacy of your relationship is key. If you’re married, a marriage certificate is essential. De facto couples, on the other hand, need to show that they’ve been living together, typically through joint leases, utility bills, or other documents that show you share a household. The stronger and more detailed your evidence, the better.
3. Health and Character Documents
   Australia has strict health and character standards for visa applicants. You’ll need police clearances from any country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Additionally, medical exams will be required to confirm that you meet the health requirements. These documents are critical to showing that you won’t pose any health or safety risks to the country.
4. Proof of Financial Support
   Your relationship isn’t just about emotional ties—it’s also about practical commitments. You’ll need to submit proof of your shared finances, such as bank statements showing joint accounts, shared investments, or other financial responsibilities you both contribute to. This is another way to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and built on mutual support.

Additional Supporting Evidence

1. Social Evidence
   Another key element in your application is social evidence that shows you and your partner are an integrated part of each other’s lives. You can include photos of you both together at social events, family gatherings, or during trips. Social media interactions, if relevant, can also help bolster your case, as well as affidavits from family or friends who know you as a couple.
2. Communication Evidence
   Continuous communication is a hallmark of any genuine relationship. Keep records of your interactions, whether through phone call logs, text messages, or emails, as these can show the ongoing and consistent nature of your communication over time.

Application Process

The application process for a Partner Visa is handled online through ImmiAccount, Australia’s immigration portal. Here’s a basic breakdown of how to get started:

1. Create an ImmiAccount: This is where you’ll complete and submit your application. Both onshore and offshore applicants follow the same steps initially.
2. Complete the Application Form: Choose the correct visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) based on your situation and follow the prompts to fill out the form.
3. Upload Your Documents: Make sure you’ve gathered all the required documents before uploading them into the system. It’s important to categorize them correctly to avoid confusion.
4. Pay the Fee: Once you’ve filled in the application and uploaded your documents, you’ll need to pay the application fee.
5. Submit the Application: For onshore applicants, you can remain in Australia while your visa is processed. Offshore applicants will need to wait outside of Australia until the visa is granted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incomplete documents can lead to delays or even a refusal. Make sure you’ve double-checked everything before submitting.
• Incorrect Financial Information: When providing evidence of financial interdependence, ensure the documents are complete and consistent with your story.
• Missing Deadlines: It’s important to keep track of all deadlines, from submitting the initial application to following up with any additional requested information.

Conclusion
Successfully applying for a Partner Visa requires careful preparation. The more thorough you are with your documentation, the smoother the process will be. And if you find the process overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek help from a Registered migration agent or immigration lawyer who can guide you through it.

If you need assistance with your Partner Visa application, contact us today for professional guidance.