Understanding the partner visa Australia 309/100 application process
Applying for an Australian 309/100 partner visa is a complex process. This visa is designed for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who want to move to Australia and live with them.
Knowing the exact requirements and the steps involved in the process can make it less stressful and increase the likelihood of a successful application.
Eligibility requirements
It is crucial to confirm your eligibility before applying for a partner visa Australia 309/100. Applicants must be in a genuine and committed relationship with their sponsor (an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or any other suitable New Zealand citizen). The genuineness of the relationship can be validated by a mutual commitment to a life together, evidenced by shared financial responsibilities and social recognition of the relationship.
It may be a marital or de facto relationship. For de facto couples, evidence of living together for at least 12 months is required. There could be exceptions for people with good reasons, but these are few. Supporting documentation may include legal documents such as marriage certificates or joint leases.
The application stages
The partner visa application has two stages: a temporary 309 visa and a permanent 100 visa. First, the applicant obtains the temporary visa, which enables them to remain in Australia while the permanent visa is processed.
It can take up to two years after applying before you receive the permanent visa. This time frame allows applicants to show that their relationship is still bona fide. If something changes, like moving, or one gets a kid, and they do not document that and submit it as further proof.
Necessary documentation
The documents that are submitted must be comprehensive, including personal identification, relationship evidence, and character assessments. Applicants are required to submit a verification of their relationship history, including how they met, relationship milestones, and plans.
Financial documents, such as joint bank statements, bills, or property ownership documents, are also required. They show a common life and life together. Social proof, such as photos with family and friends or travel itineraries, would add more value to the application.
Character tests must be addressed by completing police checks for each country that the applicant has lived in for more than 12 months during the past ten years. This secures character test commitment from applicants, which is at the heart of any process.
Costs and processing times
The application for the partner visa can be expensive, so you should be prepared financially. The costs are associated with organising documents, commissioning translations, or getting medical tests.
Processing times can vary significantly. Usually, the temporary visa takes some months to process, while the permanent visa could take up to two years. You can check realistic expectations of processing times right on the immigration website.
Handling the potential challenges
Some applicants might not be able to prove it, whilst some might not be able to pass health or character tests. Maintaining proper record-keeping and regular contact with the immigration office can help avoid these problems.
On the other hand, applications are also rejected because of a lack of documents or for not fulfilling the provisions. The reason the visa was refused is a helpful indication for reapplying or seeking a different option.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Remember, it is not necessary for that, but it may work well for you; consult with migration professionals. They also help with complex cases and documentation, and have some insights from the process to help you. But it has to be by a registered professional, as any unregistered professional could lead to misinformation or fraud.
Get help to make your journey smoother
The partner visa application process can feel complex and even overwhelming, but developing an understanding of how the visa works can demystify the process.
Meeting eligibility criteria, maintaining timely and extensive documentation, and keeping track of costs and processing time will give applicants a better chance of success. However, if you take the time to prepare beforehand and start your project with professional help, your journey will be a lot smoother.
