Australia is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants all around the world, whether it be for work, study, or to be with their loved ones. For those looking to join their partner or spouse in Australia, there are several visa options available, including the Partner visa and Prospective Marriage visa. In this article, we will discuss these two visa options in detail.
Partner Visa
The Australian Partner visa allows a partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live and work in Australia. This visa is available for both opposite-sex and same-sex partners. The Partner visa is a two-stage process, which includes a temporary visa (subclass 820) and a permanent visa (subclass 801). The temporary visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia with their partner until a decision is made on their permanent visa application.
To be eligible for a Partner visa, the applicant must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The applicant must also meet health and character requirements, as well as financial requirements, which include providing evidence of financial support from their Australian partner.
Prospective Marriage Visa
The Prospective Marriage visa allows the fiancé(e) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to enter Australia to marry their partner. This visa is available for both opposite-sex and same-sex partners. The Prospective Marriage visa is a temporary visa (subclass 300) and is valid for nine months.
To be eligible for an Australia Prospective Marriage visa, the applicant must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their Australian partner and intend to marry their partner within nine months of entering Australia. The applicant must also meet health and character requirements and provide evidence of financial support from their Australian partner.
Applying for a Spouse or Partner Visa
To apply for a Partner or Prospective Marriage visa, the applicant must submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs. The application process can be complex and time-consuming, and it is recommended that applicants seek professional assistance from a registered migration agent.
In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, applicants must also provide extensive evidence to support their application. This evidence may include proof of the genuineness of the relationship, financial support, health and character requirements, and other supporting documents.
Final Thoughts
The Partner and Prospective Marriage visas are excellent options for those who wish to join their partner or spouse in Australia. These visas provide a pathway to live and work in Australia and allow partners and spouses to be together while building a life in Australia. If you are considering applying for a Partner or Prospective Marriage visa, it is important to seek professional assistance to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary evidence to support your application.