Partner Visa

We understand the complexities of securing an Australian partner visa. Our dedicated team of migration lawyers provides comprehensive guidance and support throughout the entire process, ensuring you feel confident every step of the way.

We know that each couple’s circumstances are unique. That’s why we offer personalised legal assistance that caters specifically to your situation. Whether you’re beginning your partner visa application or encountering challenges, we are here to help.

Applicant documents

When applying for a Partner Visa, you will need to provide specific documentation that proves your identity and relationship status. This includes:

• Identity documents: Such as your birth certificate or passport.
• Relationship evidence: Documentation proving the authenticity of your relationship.
• Previous relationship documents: If applicable, any documents related to past relationships.
• Health and character documents: These may include medical examinations and police clearance certificates.

Sponsor documents

The sponsor (the Australian partner) also needs to provide documentation that verifies their eligibility. This includes:

• Proof of citizenship or residency: Such as an Australian passport or residency visa.
• Character documents: Evidence demonstrating good character, such as police checks.
• Additional documents if sponsoring on behalf of a child: This may include custody documents or consent forms.

Relationship evidence

Providing strong evidence of your relationship is critical in the application process. You should focus on four key areas:

• Financial aspects: This includes sharing finances and responsibilities.
• Household responsibilities: Evidence that you share domestic duties and live together.
• Social context of the relationship: Documentation showing how your relationship is perceived socially.
• Nature of commitment: Proof that you are committed to each other long-term.

Financial aspects

To demonstrate the financial interdependence in your relationship, you can provide:

• Joint bank account statements: Showing shared finances.
• Shared expenses records: Bills and receipts demonstrating shared financial responsibilities.
• Joint assets documentation: Such as property ownership or shared investments.
• Beneficiary designations: Evidence that you are beneficiaries on insurance policies or wills.
• Evidence of financial support: Any documentation showing financial assistance provided to each other.

Household aspects

To prove that you share a household, consider including:

• Joint lease agreements or mortgage statements: Indicating shared living arrangements.
• Shared utility bills: Such as electricity or internet bills in both names.
• Mail addressed to both partners: Correspondence sent to your shared address.
• Affidavits from landlords: Statements confirming your cohabitation.

Social aspects

Social evidence can help illustrate the public perception of your relationship. This may include:

• Joint invitations to events: Invitations addressed to both partners for social gatherings.
• Photos of you together and with friends/family: Capturing moments from your life together.
• Joint travel tickets and photos: Evidence of trips taken together as a couple.
• Social media posts: Publicly shared content that reflects your relationship.
• Statements from friends and family (Form 888): Affidavits from acquaintances confirming the authenticity of your relationship.

Nature of commitment

To demonstrate your commitment, provide:

• Personal statements detailing your relationship history: A narrative explaining how your relationship developed over time.
• Evidence of long-term plans together: Such as plans for marriage or children.
• Wills naming each other as beneficiaries: Legal documents indicating mutual financial responsibility after death.
• Superannuation beneficiary nominations: Designating each other as beneficiaries in retirement plans.
• Joint insurance policies: Evidence that you share insurance coverage.

Visa processing times

Processing times for Partner Visas can vary significantly based on various factors such as location and individual circumstances. Generally, you can expect:

• Onshore applications: Processing times range from 3 to 30 months, depending on the complexity of the case and current workload at the Department of Home Affairs.
• Offshore applications: These may take longer, typically ranging from 3 to 33 months.
• It’s essential to remain patient during this process and ensure all documentation is submitted correctly to avoid delays.

Work rights and medicare

One significant benefit of holding a Partner Visa is that it grants full work rights in Australia. This means you can seek employment without restrictions, allowing you to support yourself financially while living in Australia. Additionally, Partner Visa holders are eligible to enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public health care system, providing access to essential medical services at little or no cost.