Are you in love with an Aussie and dreaming of building your life together Down Under? You’re not alone. The journey to join your partner can feel like a maze, especially when it comes to the legal side of things—the visas, requirements, paperwork..it’s enough to make your head spin! But fear not; help is here.
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa is a ticket for many couples wanting to stay by each other’s side in Australia. Simply put, it lets the partner or spouse of an Australian resident live temporarily on this sunburnt land.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through every step: eligibility, application process, costs and much more—consider it your trusty roadmap. Stick around ’til the end; there are insights that just might make the difference between packing bags or packing up worries!
Key Takeaways
- The Subclass 820 Partner Visa lets partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens live in Australia temporarily.
- To apply for the visa, you must be in a genuine relationship and meet health and character requirements. You also need to provide lots of proof like photos, bank statements and police checks.
- This visa costs AUD 8,850 for the main applicant with extra fees for dependants. Processing times can take between 6 to 8 months on average.
- With the Subclass 820 Visa, you can work and study in Australia and may get government benefits after a waiting period.
- After two years on this temporary visa, you might move onto permanent residency if you still meet all the rules.
Understanding the Subclass 820 Partner Visa
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa is your ticket to a new life in Australia with your partner. If you’re married or in a de facto relationship with an Aussie, this visa lets you stay and share every moment together on Aussie soil.
You’ll be laying roots temporarily, but hold tight—the journey could lead to permanent residency! It’s not just about being together; it’s about proving your love story is the real deal.
You’ve got to show that your connection ticks all the boxes of a genuine and ongoing partnership.
Eligibility is key – you must be hitched or have shared life experiences similar to marriage for at least one year unless there are exceptional circumstances. Whether enjoying beach BBQs or braving city commutes, Australian citizens, permanent residents or those New Zealanders calling Australia home can sponsor their partners.
Remember though—there are steps to take and criteria to meet before calling Down Under “home.” Trust forms the backbone of this process; immigration officers will look into your history as a couple because they want lasting partnerships, not fleeting flings.
Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 820 Visa
To be eligible for the Subclass 820 Visa, you must be in a married or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Additionally, you and your partner must meet health and character requirements, and your partner must sponsor your visa application.
Relationship status (Married or De facto)
If you’re married or in a de facto partnership with an Australian, you can apply for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa. You’ll need to show your relationship is real and ongoing. For de facto partners, it’s important that you’ve lived together for at least a year.
This doesn’t include time spent dating or chatting online.
Getting this visa based on marriage means less initial proof, but you still have options to provide more evidence later. Whether married or de facto, make sure your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen before applying.
Your life together in Australia starts by meeting these requirements!
Visa status
Your relationship with your partner isn’t the only thing that matters for the Subclass 820 visa. Your current visa status is important too. You must be in Australia when you apply and also when this visa gets decided.
Make sure your current visa does not have a ‘No further stay’ condition attached to it which might stop you from applying for another visa while you are in Australia.
Keep an eye on your passport expiry date as well; if it’s going to expire soon, get it renewed before applying for the Partner Visa. This avoids any complications during processing and ensures everything goes smoothly with your application.
Health and character requirements
To get the Subclass 820 Partner Visa, applicants must meet health and character standards. This means you need a medical examination from an approved doctor. The immigration department wants to make sure you’re healthy to live in Australia.
You’ll also go through a background check.
You have to get police clearance from every country where you’ve lived for more than one year over the past decade. It proves that you have good character and no serious legal issues.
Passing these checks is a key part of getting your visa application approved. Make sure all your records are clear and true, without any mistakes or missing pieces.
Sponsorship by an Australian citizen or permanent resident
After meeting health and character requirements, you’ll need a sponsor. Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. This person will support your Partner Visa application.
They take responsibility for your well-being in Australia.
Your sponsor shows they can support you by providing documents and meeting financial criteria. It’s key to have everything ready before applying. The sponsorship checklist helps ensure all necessary documentation is prepared correctly.
A thorough approach avoids delays in processing your temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820). Remember, sponsorship is vital as it’s part of the journey towards potential permanent residency in Australia through Subclass 801 visa.
Application Process for the Subclass 820 Visa
To apply for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa, you’ll need to gather essential documents such as identity and relationship proof, undergo health and character assessments, and complete the online application form.
It’s important to ensure all requirements are met before submitting your application to avoid delays or possible refusal.
Essential documents checklist
Getting your Subclass 820 Partner Visa starts with gathering the right paperwork. You’ll need a solid list of documents to make your application strong.
- Your passport biodata page, showing who you are and where you’re from.
- A couple of recent passport photos to attach to your application.
- Your full birth certificate, confirming your date and place of birth.
- Plenty of evidence that shows your relationship is genuine and continuing. This can be photos together, joint bank account statements, or letters from friends and family.
- Documents that prove your health is good, like medical check – up results.
- Police certificates to show you have a clean criminal record. You will need one from every country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months during the past ten years.
- If you’re married or in a de facto relationship, a marriage certificate or shared lease might be needed.
- Your partner must also provide documents. They’ll need their own passport details and proof that they can sponsor you, like an Australian citizenship certificate or permanent resident visa.
Cost and expected processing time for Subclass 820 Visa
Securing your Subclass 820 Partner Visa comes with certain costs and an anticipated wait before you can call Australia home. Here’s what you need to know about the financial and temporal aspects of your visa application.
– The base application charge for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa is AUD 8,850. This fee covers the main applicant and includes processing charges for the temporary visa. Keep in mind, this cost is non-refundable, regardless of the application’s outcome.
– Additional charges apply for dependants added to the application. Each dependant over 18 years old incurs a fee of AUD 4,425, while for those under 18, it’s AUD 2,235. It’s essential to calculate the total cost if you’re planning to bring family members.
– If you’re transitioning from a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), the cost is lower, at AUD 1,475. This discounted rate reflects the steps already taken towards your partnership recognition with the Australian government.
– Processing times can vary, but on average, you’ll be looking at a wait of between 6 and 8 months. These times are subject to change based on application volumes and complexity, so it pays to apply early and ensure your application is complete to avoid delays.
– Be prepared for potential additional costs, such as health examinations, police checks, and translations of documents, which are not included in the initial visa application fee. Each of these can add to your total expense.
– Engage a migration agent for assistance, but remember they will charge a fee for their services. Factor this into your budget if you choose to use their expertise to help guide you through the visa application maze.
Understanding these costs and the expected processing time will help you plan both financially and temporally for your new life in Australia. Keep a close eye on updates from the Department of Home Affairs, as fees and processing times are subject to change.
Benefits of the Subclass 820 Visa
Upon obtaining the Subclass 820 Partner Visa, you will enjoy work and study rights in Australia, access to Australian government benefits, and potentially a pathway to permanent residency.
These privileges can significantly enhance your life while living in Australia with your partner.
Work and study rights in Australia
With the Subclass 820 Partner Visa (Temporary), you have the freedom to work and study in Australia throughout your stay. This means you can pursue employment opportunities and enroll in educational courses to enhance your skills or qualifications.
With these rights, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Australia, gaining valuable experience and knowledge.
Moreover, having work and study rights allows you to fully immerse yourself in Australian culture while building a promising future for yourself. These essential privileges open up numerous possibilities for personal growth and development during your temporary residency in Australia, creating an enriching experience overall.
As part of this visa’s package, enjoying such liberties adds immeasurable value to your time spent Down Under.
Access to Australian government benefits
You qualify for benefits such as Special Benefit, Family Tax Benefit, Parental Leave Pay, and Double Orphan Pension with the subclass 820 visa. As a visa holder, you may also receive welfare assistance and social security benefits from the Australian government.
However, please note that temporary visa holders are subject to a four-year waiting period before claiming certain payments.
Holders of the subclass 820 visa have access to financial support programs and family support payments once they meet immigrant residency requirements. Keep in mind that there is a waiting period of four years for some new resident payments and concessions.
The subclass 820 partner visa serves as a potential pathway to permanent residency in Australia for eligible applicants. Initially, you are granted a temporary visa (subclass 820 or 309), providing the opportunity to transition to permanent residency later on.
Understanding this immigration pathway is crucial for those aiming to settle in Australia and secure long-term residency rights. It offers a way for partner migration and navigating through Australian immigration regulations with the goal of achieving eligibility for permanent residency, making it an essential step in the Australian migration process.
Moving forward, let’s delve into the specifics of understanding the Subclass 400 Visa and how it relates to your journey towards settling down in Australia.
What Happens After Applying for the Subclass 820 Visa?
Once you have applied for the Subclass 820 Visa, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your application and make a decision. This decision could result in either the grant or refusal of the visa.
If successful, you will be granted temporary residency in Australia.
Possible outcomes (grant or refusal)
After applying for the Subclass 820 visa, you could either receive approval to live in Australia with your Australian partner temporarily or face a refusal. If your application is successful, you can look forward to residing in Australia and enjoying the benefits of being with your partner.
On the other hand, if your application is denied, there are options available to challenge this decision through avenues such as appealing to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. It’s essential to be aware of these possible outcomes as you navigate through this process.
Next steps after visa grant can include understanding work rights and opportunities that await – preparing for potential permanent residency pathways upon visa expiration.
Next steps after visa grant
After your Subclass 820 Partner visa is granted, here’s what to do next:
- Notify relevant authorities: Inform any necessary government agencies or departments about the change in your visa status.
- Update documents and identification: Ensure all personal identification, such as driver’s licences or healthcare cards, reflects your new visa status.
- Understand visa conditions: Familiarise yourself with the specific conditions of your Subclass 820 visa to comply with its requirements.
- Seek professional advice: Consider consulting an immigration specialist to gain insights on transitioning to the permanent Partner visa (Subclass 801).
- Plan for the future: Explore opportunities for work, study, or other activities based on the privileges granted by your Subclass 820 visa.
- Maintain compliance: Adhere to all regulations and obligations associated with holding the Subclass 820 visa to secure a smooth transition to permanent residency.
Conclusion
In summary, the Subclass 820 Partner visa is an essential step for partners of Australian citizens or residents to live and work in Australia. The application process can be complex, but with thorough documentation and professional guidance, it’s achievable.
Keep informed about processing times and requirements to stay on top of your application. Remember that this temporary visa could lead to a permanent residency pathway after two years.
Seek counsel from knowledgeable sources as you navigate this vital step towards living in Australia with your partner!
