Are you in a De Facto relationship and looking to move to Australia with your partner? One of the most important steps in making that dream a reality is applying for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa. But here’s the thing: the process can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the visa requirements, especially when it comes to proving that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
This blog will guide you through the Partner Visa Australia checklist, specifically for De Facto partners. Whether you’re just starting the visa process or already gathering documents, this comprehensive guide will help ensure that you understand every step. From eligibility criteria to document requirements and processing timelines, we’ve got you covered!
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Understanding the Subclass 820 Partner Visa
Before we dive into the partner visa Australia checklist, let’s break down exactly what the Subclass 820 visa is and how it fits into your journey to Australian residency.
The Subclass 820 is a temporary visa that allows individuals in genuine relationships with Australian citizens or permanent residents to live, work, and study in Australia while their permanent residency application is processed. For De Facto partners, this visa is an essential first step toward obtaining the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa.
While the Subclass 820 is a temporary visa, it’s an important step toward permanent residency in Australia. You don’t need a separate application for the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa, as you apply for both visas together. After holding the Subclass 820 visa for at least two years and proving that your relationship is still genuine and ongoing, you can be granted the Subclass 801 visa, completing your pathway to permanent residency.
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s look at the partner visa Australia checklist to see if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for De Facto Partners
While applying for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa as a De Facto partner, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility requirements. These criteria ensure that both you and your partner are genuinely committed to each other. Here’s what you need to know:
1. De Facto Relationship
To qualify, two people must be in a De Facto relationship, where they live together as a couple and share a life together without being legally married. This relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
2. Minimum Relationship Duration
One of the most important aspects of the partner visa Australia checklist is proving that you have been in a De Facto relationship for at least 12 months. In some cases, this requirement may be waived if you share a child or have exceptional circumstances.
3. Genuine and Ongoing Commitment
You’ll need to show that your relationship is more than just living together. This includes shared finances, joint responsibilities, and an emotional commitment. Proofs such as shared bills, joint bank accounts, and social activities will be required.
4. Age Requirements
Both the applicant and sponsor must be at least 18 years old to apply for the visa.
5. Health and Character Checks
The applicant and the sponsor must meet health and character requirements. This includes undergoing medical exams and obtaining police clearances from any country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
6. No Previous Partner Sponsorships
If either you or your sponsor has sponsored a previous partner, you may need to provide additional documentation to show your current relationship meets the requirements.
Meeting these eligibility criteria is important. Now it’s time to address the eligibility requirements of the sponsor, which is equally important as they play a crucial role in the application process.
Sponsor’s Eligibility Criteria
As a De Facto partner applying for the Subclass 820 visa, your sponsor must meet certain eligibility criteria. Here’s what they need to know:
1. Who Can Be a Sponsor
- Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
2. Sponsor’s Responsibilities
- The sponsor must be willing and able to support you financially and accommodate you in Australia.
- Your sponsor must not have a history of misusing the sponsorship system, and they must be in a genuine relationship with you.
3. Sponsor’s Visa History
- If your sponsor has previously sponsored another partner, they may need to provide additional information to demonstrate that the current relationship is genuine.
Ensuring that your sponsor meets these criteria is just as important as your own eligibility. With both your and your sponsor’s documentation in order, you’ll be one step closer to your Subclass 820 visa. Let’s now move to the next step: gathering your required documents.
Documents Required for Subclass 820 Visa Application
Having the right documents is one of the most crucial steps when applying for the Subclass 820 visa. Without the proper paperwork, your application could face delays or rejections. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the documents you’ll need to gather as part of your partner visa Australia checklist:
1. Proof of Relationship
- Joint Financial Documents: This could include shared bank accounts, joint insurance policies, shared utility bills, and rental agreements.
- Social Evidence: This includes photos of you and your partner together, tickets or itineraries from joint travel, and invitations to events you attended together.
- Relationship Statements: Both you and your partner will need to submit personal statements about your relationship to confirm the nature of your connection.
- Form 888: You’ll need to submit Form 888, which is a declaration from Australian citizens or permanent residents who know both of you and can confirm that your relationship is genuine.
2. Identity Documents
- You must submit your passport, birth certificate, national ID card, and any previous visa records (if applicable).
3. Health and Character Documentation
- All applicants and any dependents included in the application must complete a medical examination to confirm they meet Australia’s health standards.
- Police Clearances are required from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.
4. Sponsor’s Documents
- Your Australian sponsor must provide proof of their Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
- The sponsor will also need to submit their police checks and possibly other identity documents.
With all these documents prepared, you can move on to the next stage of your application: the process itself.
The Complete Application Process
Now that you have the documents ready, it’s time to apply for your Subclass 820 visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide for completing the partner visa Australia checklist:
1. Lodge Your Application Online
The first step is to submit your application online through the Australian immigration website. You’ll need to fill out forms, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee.
2. Biometrics Collection
After submitting your application, you will likely need to provide biometric information, such as your fingerprints and photographs. You will be notified of when and where to provide them as this is a standard part of the visa application process.
3. Health and Character Assessments
As mentioned earlier, medical exams and police clearances are part of the application process. It’s important to schedule these early to avoid delays.
4. Processing Time
The processing time for Subclass 820 visas can vary, but it typically takes around 12 to 18 months. Make sure you stay updated on your application status by regularly checking the immigration website.
5. Final Decision
Once your visa is processed and approved, you’ll be granted the Subclass 820 Partner Visa. This will allow you to live, work, and study in Australia while you wait for the Subclass 801 visa.
Now that you know the application steps, let’s move on to other important details, like the costs and processing times associated with this visa.
Cost and Processing Time
The partner visa Australia checklist wouldn’t be complete without addressing the costs involved in applying for the Subclass 820 visa. Here’s what you need to know:
Visa Application Fee
As of now, the application fee for the Subclass 820 visa is AUD 9,095. Additional costs may include medical exams, police clearances, and biometric data collection.
Processing Time
The processing time for the Subclass 820 visa generally ranges from 12 to 18 months, though this may vary based on the complexity of your application and factors such as the completeness of your documents.
It’s important to factor in these costs and timelines when planning your application. If you need any help navigating these details, Knowbal is always here to assist.
After understanding the costs and processing times, let’s understand the rights and benefits for De Facto partners.
Rights and Benefits for De Facto Partners
Once you’ve successfully applied for and received your Subclass 820 visa, you’ll be entitled to several rights and benefits that make it easier to live in Australia with your partner. Here are the key benefits:
1. Work and Study Rights
As a Subclass 820 visa holder, you are allowed to work and study in Australia while you wait for your permanent residency status.
2. Healthcare Access
You will also be eligible for Medicare if your sponsor is a permanent resident or Australian citizen, which ensures that you have access to essential medical services.
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency
The best part of the Subclass 820 visa is that it is a pathway to the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa, which grants you permanent residency in Australia after holding the temporary visa for two years.
These benefits make the Subclass 820 visa a valuable tool for De Facto partners looking to build their future in Australia.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the partner visa Australia checklist can be a complex process, but with the right preparation and understanding, you can ensure a smooth application experience. By meeting the eligibility criteria, gathering the right documents, and following the steps carefully, you’ll be well on your way to living and working in Australia with your partner.
If you need expert advice or assistance in making sure your application is correct, don’t hesitate to contact Knowbal. Our team of immigration experts will support you at every step, ensuring that your application is successful.
Ready to apply? Reach out to Knowbal today for personalized support and guidance!
