The Partner visa program in Australia allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It consists of two main components: the Temporary Partner visa (Subclass 820) and the Permanent Partner visa (Subclass 801).
The Temporary Partner visa Subclass 820 offers the following benefits:
Live, Work, and Study: You can live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent partner visa application (Subclass 801) is being processed.
Travel: You are allowed to travel in and out of Australia indefinitely while holding this visa.
English Language Classes: Eligible applicants may attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program.
Health Care: You can apply for Australia’s public health care scheme.
To be eligible for the Temporary Partner visa Subclass 820, you must meet the following criteria:
Age: You must be 18 years or older, as married applicants usually are according to Australian law.
Genuine Relationship: You must be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner.
Partner’s Status: Your partner must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Location: You and your family included in the application must be in Australia when you apply for this visa and during the decision on your temporary visa application.
Cost: The cost of this temporary partner visa varies, but for most applicants, it starts from $7,850. For prospective marriage visa holders (Subclass 300), the cost starts from $1,310. You are expected to pay for the temporary and permanent visas together.
The Permanent Partner visa Subclass 801 is designed for the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, allowing them to live in Australia permanently. This visa is typically for individuals who already hold a valid temporary Partner visa (Subclass 820).
The benefits and conditions are similar to those of the Temporary Partner visa (Subclass 820). Key features include the ability to sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia, the option to travel to and from Australia for five years from the visa grant date, access to free English language classes (if eligible), and the opportunity to apply for Australia’s public health care scheme.
To be eligible for the Permanent Partner visa Subclass 801, you must hold a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 820) while applying for the permanent partner visa. In most cases, you must be in a married or de facto relationship with your sponsor. However, this visa may not be granted if it is not in the best interest of an applicant under 18.
Processing Time: The processing time for the Permanent Partner visa (Subclass 801) typically takes around 12 to 20 months from the date of application.
